Fire melts wax and dries up mud: in the same way secret meditation melts our evil thoughts and withers the passions of the soul; it enlightens our mind, makes the understanding radiant, and fills the heart with joy. Secret meditation wounds devils, and drives away thoughts of wickedness. He who arms himself with this secret meditation, making his inner man resplendent, is strengthened by God, fortified by the angels, and glorified by men.
Secret meditation and reading turn the soul into an impregnable stronghold, an invincible fortress, a peaceful haven, and they preserve it undisturbed and unshaken. The devils are greatly disturbed and troubled when the monk arms himself with this secret meditation and reading.
Secret meditation is a mirror for the mind and a light for the conscience; it tames lust, calms fury, dispels wrath, drives away bitterness, puts irritability to flight, and banishes injustice. Secret meditation illuminates the mind and expels laziness. From it is born the tenderness that warms and melts the soul. Through it the fear of God enters and dwells within you, touching you to tears.
By secret meditation a monk is given true humility of mind, untroubled prayer, a vigil blessed by tenderness and warmth. Secret meditation disperses evil thoughts, flogs the demons, sanctifies the body, teaches us long-suffering and self-restraint, and keeps us mindful of Gehenna. Secret meditation preserves the mind free of distractions and helps it to reflect upon death. Secret meditation is full of every kind of good work, adorned with every virtue; and it is far removed from every evil deed.
jacobvanloon
