[[Image:Ladder of Divine Ascent.jpg|right|frame|[[Ladder of Divine Ascent icon|Icon of the Ladder of Divine Ascent]] ([[St. Catherine's Monastery (Sinai)|St. Catherine's Monastery]], Sinai Peninsula, Egypt)[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Ladder_of_Divine_Ascent_Monastery_of_St_Catherine_Sinai_12th_century.jpg And here's a much bigger image of a similar icon] ]]'''''The Ladder of Divine Ascent''''' is an [[asceticism|ascetical]] treatise on avoiding vice and practicing virtue so that at the end, [[salvation]] can be obtained. Written by [[Saint]] [[John Climacus]] initially for [[monastic]]s, it has become one of the most highly influential and important works used by the Church as far as guiding the faithful to a God-centered life, second only to [[Holy Scripture]].

There is also a related [[icon]] known by the same title. It depicts many people people climbing a ladder; at the top is [[Jesus Christ]], prepared to receive the climbers into [[Heaven]]. Also shown are [[angel]]s helping the climbers, and [[demon]]s attempting to shoot with arrows or drag down the climbers, no matter how high up the ladder they may be. Most versions of the icon show at least one person falling.

John, whilst a [[hermit]] living at the Sinai Peninsula, was recognized for his humility, obedience, wisdom (which was attained through spiritual experience), and discernment. He already had a reputation for being extremely knowledgable knowledgeable about how to practice a holy life. St. John, [[igumen]] of the Raithu Monastery, one day asked St. John Climacus (also known as John of Sinai) to write down his wisdom in a book. At first hesistant hesitant to take on such a task, John of Sinai eventually honored the request, and he proceeded to write ''The Ladder.'' . St. John Climacus received his name "Climacus" ("of the Ladder")because of this work, and his writing ''The Ladder'' (later called ''The Ladder of Divine Ascent'') has been compared to the Holy [[Prophet]] and God-seer [[Moses]] receiving the Law.

This work was initially used by monastics. In fact it is read by monastics to this day during the [[Great Fast]]. It is also suggested as Lenten reading for those who are still "of this world";" yet this should be done with caution and under the guidance of a spiritual father. This work has made its mark on the lives of innumerable saints, including St. [[Theodore the Studite]], St. Sergius of Radonezh, St. [[Joseph of Volokolamsk]], St. Peter of Damascus, and St. [[Theophan the Recluse]], amongst many others.

#On mad [[pride ]] and (in the same Step) on unclean blasphemous thoughts; concerning unmentionable blasphemous thoughts

''The Ladder of Divine Ascent'', published by [http://www.thehtm.org/ Holy Transfiguration Monastery]. (ISBN 0943405033) This edition, based on [[Archimandrite]] [[Lazarus (Moore)|Lazarus Moore's ]] translation is generally preferred over the Paulist Press edition of the ''Ladder''—especially because of the verse numberings, which are the standard way of referencing Climacus' sayings (these are also present in older versions of Archimandrite Lazarus' translation). It is also physically beautiful and much nicer to have on one's bookshelf. It contains an icon of "The Ladder," many other embellishments, and is printed on high quality paper. All that said, the Paulist Press edition is also worth having, especially because of the helpful introduction by [[Kallistos (Ware) of Diokleia|Bishop Kallistos]].

*[http://www.monachos.net/content/patristics/klimakos_repentance.shtml studies-fathers/65-john-klimakos-on-repentance-that-leads-to-joy 'On Repentance that Leads to Joy: The Spirituality of St John Klimakos'], by M.C. Steenberg, from the [http://www.monachos.net Monachos.net web site]