In a recent conversation about spiritual discipline, we talked about focus prayer—the challenge of distraction and purity of heart and spirit. “The ladder of Divine Ascent” was mentioned, but not explored. We talked about the origin of distractions.
This conversation was the starting point for me, for some research. Most of us have heard about the ‘Jacob’s ladder’ in Genesis, where Jacob, in his dream, sees the ladder between heaven and earth. Jacob understood this ladder to be the bridge between God and humanity.
When we think of a ladder, we tend to think of climbing up—climbing up to change a light bulb or even to get on the roof. I remember a ladder being used to rescue someone from an ice hole. In both cases, the ladder is used to bridge a gap.
In Jacob’s story, the ladder was an image of connection and conversion. Similar to the Torah for the Jewish people who see it as a connection or bridge between God and people.
‘The Ladder of Divine Ascent’ or ‘Ladder of Paradise’, was written by John Climacus around 600 AD. It became an ascetic handbook for monks. In it, Climacus describes the path of spiritual progress. It has thirty rungs, to represent the thirty years of Jesus’ life on earth. Around the ladder are pictures of demons and beings praying for those on the ladder. The journey to the top of the ladder, where Jesus awaits, is full of obstacles of sin and desires, according to Climacus.
Initially, I found the conversation disturbing. There was mention of evil spirits and good spirits. I struggle with some of these concepts. It seems too easy to say that the evil spirits are trying to distract you. That the devil is after you and that the devil will do anything to stop you from praying. Those who practice any form of meditation or centering prayer will know that the mind is powerful. To be able to focus the mind takes an enormous amount of practice. So to say that it is the evil spirits trying ‘to get you’, doesn’t make sense to me.
What does that mean for the concept of self-discipline and free will? How does this notion of having to climb the ladder to heaven, relate to the generally accepted idea that we don’t have to do anything?
For me, the goal of the spiritual life lies in union with God; to be the best person I can be; guide my choices in life. Buddhist say, all you need to do is being present. The ladder of virtue, or the Ladder of Paradise, were teaching tools for the monks. The temptations the monks were battling, were mostly desires of the mind. These are desires you and I may have too.
Desires, temptations and virtues may play on our minds also.
Who is control? Is it you? Is it I? Are the spirits accountable for our choices?
St Ignatius talks about the discernment of spirits; the concept of consolation and desolation. In consolation, our thoughts and actions bring us closer to God; and in desolation, our thoughts and actions take us away from God. Ignatius taught the Examen, which is a practise where the individual looks back on their day and discerns where they experienced God. In paying close attention to our feelings, we may find the answers to our desires and choices.
My challenge lies in making the decision of who is in charge, me or the spirits? Spiritual warfare is not part of my theology, which does not mean there is no evidence of its existence. For me, it is about self-awareness, and the realisation that climbing ‘the ladder’ is not a requirement from God. It is an aid for the individual to remain focused on their spiritual goal.
Do you think there are spirits/ demons out there to distract us on purpose? Are you in control of your life?
What helps you to discern what decision to make?
Seek Peace and find it within.
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