Of Pure and Entire Resignation of Self, for the

Name: Of Pure and Entire Resignation of Self, for the Obtaining Liberty of Heart
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The work emphasizes the necessity of complete self-resignation to achieve true spiritual freedom and inner peace. It advocates for a total surrender of personal will and desires, urging the reader to relinquish all attachments to attain a deeper connection with the divine. The text highlights that true liberty of heart is only possible when one is free from self-interest and fully trusts in God. The author discusses the common pitfalls of partial resignation, where individuals may offer themselves to God but retain reservations or fallback plans. Such hesitations hinder spiritual progress and prevent the attainment of genuine companionship with the divine. The work stresses that a sincere and total offering of oneself is essential for spiritual growth and the cultivation of virtue. The text encourages continuous self-surrender, suggesting that this practice should be a constant endeavor, not limited to significant moments. It asserts that through this process, one can experience profound peace and liberation from worldly concerns, fears, and desires. The ultimate goal is to emulate the selflessness of Jesus, leading to a life that is fully devoted to the divine. In summary, the work serves as a guide for those seeking spiritual fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of losing oneself in order to find true freedom and connection with God. It calls for a radical commitment to selflessness, promising that such dedication will yield abundant grace and inner tranquility.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1940 · Genre: Spirituality, Theology, Philosophy · 436 words

First lines

"My Son, lose thyself and thou shalt find Me. Stand still without all choosing and all thought of self, and thou shalt ever be a gainer. For more grace shall be added to thee, as soon as thou resignest thyself, and so long as thou dost not turn back to take thyself again."

O Lord, how often shall I resign myself, and in what things shall I lose myself?

What this Textopian page supports

Of Pure and Entire Resignation of Self, for the Obtaining Liberty of Heart is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1940 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Thomas à Kempis
Date: 1940 CE
Language: English
Genres: Spirituality, Theology, Philosophy, Devotional Literature, Mysticism
Length: 436 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Spirituality — The text focuses on the themes of self-resignation and spiritual liberation, emphasizing a deep connection with God.
Theology — It explores theological concepts of surrendering oneself to divine will and the nature of true freedom in faith.
Philosophy — The work presents philosophical reflections on selflessness, virtue, and the nature of existence.
Devotional Literature — It serves as a guide for personal devotion and spiritual practice, encouraging readers to seek inner peace through self-surrender.