Answers of the Great Masters of the Spiritual Life to the Questions of Their Disciples.

DISCIPLE:  What must we do to heal our souls from its strong tendency to sin?

MASTER:    First, obey the commands of Christ.  But, for complete healing, we must reach contemplation.

DISCIPLE:  What is the goal of the active life? 

MASTER:    The development of virtue which results in greater control over the passions.  

DISCIPLE:  What is the end of contemplation?  

MASTER:    The diminishing of ignorance.       

DISCIPLE:  Can the passions be totally controlled one day with no danger of any rebellion?  

MASTER:    Yes.  

DISCIPLE:  What about ignorance, can it totally be eradicated?  

MASTER:    Partly, yes, and partly, no.

(06-13-05)