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

DISCIPLE:  Why are we all encouraged to reach contemplation?

MASTER:    Because a contemplative is no longer governed by the irrational part of the body.

DISCIPLE:  What is temptation? 

MASTER:    Temptation is a thought which enters through the windows of our passions.  

DISCIPLE:  What is the first effect of temptation after its entry in us?  

MASTER:    It obscures the mind.       

DISCIPLE:  Can the virtues stop demons from attacking us?  

MASTER:    No.  Virtues merely leave us unscathed.  

DISCIPLE:  What is an active life?  

MASTER:    The active life is not a mere activity of actions.  It is the practice of virtue. 

DISCIPLE:   Is helping the poor part of the active life?

MASTER:     Not necessarily; because one may help the poor for economic or social reasons and not for the development of virtues.

(07-24-05)