Mastery Over Passions: The Dual Path of Love and Self-Control

64. Some passions pertain to the body, others to the soul. The first are occasioned by the body, the second by external objects. Love and self-control overcome both kinds, the first curbing the passions of the soul and the second those of the body.

St. Maximus the Confessor Four Hundred Centuries on Love: #64

In the intricate dance of human existence, passions arise as powerful forces that can either propel us toward fulfillment or lead us astray. Maximus the Confessor distinguishes between two types of passions: those of the body and those of the soul. The body’s passions are physical cravings and impulses, while the soul’s passions are emotional and psychological desires. Both kinds of passions, he asserts, are aroused through the senses and can lead us away from our true purpose when left unchecked.

Imagine standing at the crossroads of a great journey. To one side lies a path leading to a garden lush with the physical pleasures and desires of the body—food, drink, and other sensory indulgences. To the other side lies a path leading to a vast library of the soul’s desires—pride, envy, and anger. These paths, though seemingly different, are intertwined, as both kinds of passions are kindled by our sensory experiences and the absence of love and self-control.

The passions of the body, like the hunger for food or the thirst for drink, arise from our physical needs and desires. They are occasioned by the body’s natural inclinations and, when excessive, can lead to gluttony, lust, or laziness. These passions are not inherently evil, but they require moderation and discipline. It is through self-control that we can curb these bodily desires, finding balance and health in our physical existence.

On the other hand, the passions of the soul—such as envy, anger, and pride—are aroused by external objects and situations that impact our emotional and psychological state. These passions are often more insidious, as they can take root in our thoughts and feelings, subtly influencing our actions and relationships. Love, in its purest form, is the antidote to these passions. It is through the cultivation of love that we can overcome the corrosive effects of envy, anger, and pride, transforming our inner landscape into one of peace and compassion.

Consider a warrior preparing for battle. The warrior must be disciplined and strong, mastering both physical prowess and mental fortitude. Self-control is the shield that guards against the bodily passions, while love is the sword that vanquishes the passions of the soul. Without these virtues, the warrior is vulnerable, easily swayed by the temptations and distractions of the world.

In our spiritual journey, we must strive to embody both love and self-control, as they are the keys to overcoming the dual nature of our passions. Self-control helps us manage our bodily desires, ensuring that they do not dominate our lives or lead us into excess. Love, on the other hand, purifies our soul, guiding us toward empathy, understanding, and genuine connection with others.

When we lack love and self-control, our senses become gateways for the passions to enter and take hold. The absence of these virtues creates a fertile ground for desires to flourish unchecked, leading us away from our true path. Therefore, we must be vigilant, cultivating love and self-control through mindful practice and conscious effort.

Let us embrace the wisdom of Maximus the Confessor and commit to the dual path of love and self-control. By doing so, we can overcome the passions that seek to divert us from our spiritual journey, achieving a harmonious balance between body and soul. In this state of balance, we find true freedom and fulfillment, living in accordance with our highest purpose and in harmony with the divine.

May we, through the practice of love and self-control, transform our lives and the lives of those around us, reflecting the boundless grace and wisdom of the divine in all that we do.