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The Ladder of Divine Ascent



Orthodox Christianity, with its rich spiritual heritage, offers believers a transformative and profound guide on the path to spiritual ascent through the "Ladder of Divine Ascent." Penned by Saint John Climacus, this timeless work continues to inspire and guide adherents seeking to deepen their relationship with God and achieve spiritual perfection within the context of Orthodox faith. The Ladder serves as a testament to the ascetic tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church and provides a roadmap for believers to grow in faith, virtue, and divine communion.

The Ladder's Historical Significance in Orthodoxy:

Saint John Climacus, revered as a prominent ascetic and spiritual writer, composed the Ladder of Divine Ascent around the 7th century. This seminal work quickly gained recognition among Eastern Orthodox monastic communities, and its teachings continue to be cherished and practiced to this day. The Ladder epitomizes the hesychastic tradition of the Orthodox Church, emphasizing the importance of inner stillness and contemplation as means to experience the divine presence.


Structure and Symbolism of the Ladder:

The Ladder of Divine Ascent consists of thirty "steps," each representing a distinct virtue or vice that believers must navigate to reach spiritual enlightenment. The ladder metaphor emphasizes the gradual and progressive nature of the spiritual journey, signifying that each step leads closer to God. Climbing the ladder requires discipline, self-examination, and dedication to Orthodox practices


Saint John Climacus identifies and expounds upon various virtues and vices encountered during the spiritual ascent. These steps are designed to lead the faithful away from sin and towards holiness. Among the virtues emphasized are humility, obedience, purity of heart, and prayerful vigilance. Conversely, the vices include arrogance, avarice, gluttony, and anger, which hinder spiritual progress and distance the believer from God. Central to Orthodox spirituality and the Ladder of Divine Ascent is the concept of repentance and confession. Climacus stresses the significance of acknowledging one's sins and shortcomings as the first step towards spiritual growth. In the Orthodox tradition, the sacrament of confession is regarded as a profound means of cleansing the soul and restoring communion with God. Overall, the treatise does follow a progression that transitions from start (renunciation of the world) to finish (a life lived in love).

The steps are:

  1. On renunciation of the world

  2. On detachment

  3. On exile or pilgrimage; concerning dreams that beginners have

  4. On blessed and ever-memorable obedience (in addition to episodes involving many individuals)

  5. On painstaking and true repentance which constitutes the life of the holy convicts; and about the Prison

  6. On remembrance of death

  7. On joy-making mourning

  8. On freedom from anger and on meekness

  9. On remembrance of wrongs

  10. On slander or calumny

  11. On talkativeness and silence

  12. On lying

  13. On despondency

  14. On that clamorous mistress, the stomach

  15. On incorruptible purity and chastity, to which the corruptible attain by toil and sweat

  16. On love of money, or avarice

  17. On non-possessiveness (that hastens one Heavenwards)

  18. On insensibility, that is, deadening of the soul and the death of the mind before the death of the body

  19. On sleep, prayer, and psalmody with the brotherhood

  20. On bodily vigil and how to use it to attain spiritual vigil, and how to practise it

  21. On unmanly and puerile cowardice

  22. On the many forms of vainglory

  23. On mad pride and (in the same Step) on unclean blasphemous thoughts; concerning unmentionable blasphemous thoughts

  24. On meekness, simplicity, and guilelessness which come not from nature but from conscious effort, and about guile

  25. On the destroyer of the passions, most sublime humility, which is rooted in spiritual perception

  26. On discernment of thoughts, passions and virtues; on expert discernment; brief summary of all aforementioned

  27. On holy stillness of body and soul; different aspects of stillness and how to distinguish them

  28. On holy and blessed prayer, the mother of virtues, and on the attitude of mind and body in prayer

  29. Concerning Heaven on earth, or Godlike dispassion and perfection, and the resurrection of the soul before the general resurrection

  30. Concerning the linking together of the supreme trinity among the virtues; a brief exhortation summarizing all that has said at length in this book

The Ladder as a Practical Guide:

While the Ladder of Divine Ascent holds great theological and philosophical significance, it is equally a practical guide for Orthodox believers seeking spiritual development. Climacus offers insightful advice on the disciplines of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and attentiveness, which remain fundamental practices in the life of an Orthodox Christian.


The Ladder of Divine Ascent stands as a cherished treasure within Orthodox Christianity, guiding believers on the path of spiritual transcendence and union with God. Through the teachings of Saint John Climacus, the Ladder remains an enduring source of inspiration, offering valuable insights on virtues, vices, and the transformative power of the Orthodox faith. Embracing the wisdom of the Ladder allows adherents to embark on a journey of self-discovery and divine communion, leading to a deeper understanding of their faith and purpose in life. A good place to start delving into the basics of the teachings of the ladder (in consultation with a spritual father) for the average lay person is: Thirty Steps to Heaven: The Ladder of Divine Ascent for All Walks of Life https://www.amazon.com.au/Thirty-Heaven-Ladder-Divine-Ascent/dp/1936270897

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