Path to Spiritual Perfection: Asceticism, Humility, and Patience
Religious traditions require profound self-denial and asceticism as foundational steps toward achieving the state of holy foolishness. One aspect of this path emphasizes the need for radical self-abasement. For example, one source notes, "Gradual self-abasement and the recognition of one’s insignificance before God as a path to spiritual perfection" (source: link txt). This means that one must consciously see oneself as lower than all others and not rely on one's natural arrogance, which hinders spiritual growth.In addition, ascetic practices play a significant role. One text describes in detail that "great work, abstinence, vigilance, poverty, namelessness, strict self-discipline, and fasting" are methods of self-discipline that shorten the pilgrim’s journey to God (source: link txt). These methods of self-imposed limitation help not only in cleansing the body but also in cultivating inner resilience and steadfastness against temptations.The importance of patience and meekness should also not be overlooked. One source indicates that "patience suppresses the stirring of lust" and brings a person closer to the purity of both soul and body (source: link txt). This is evident in the ability to restrain passions and accept the challenges of fate with peace and humility, which is a necessary condition for reaching the highest spiritual state.Thus, the path to the state of holy foolishness, as presented in these traditional views, consists of three crucial aspects: deep self-denial and self-abasement, the strict observance of ascetic practices (abstinence, vigilance, poverty, namelessness, strict self-discipline, and fasting), and the cultivation of patience paired with a meek heart.