Purity and simplicity are the two wings with which man soars above the Earth and all temporary nature

Purity and simplicity are the two wings with which man soars above the Earth and all temporary nature

Thomas à Kempis, a German-Dutch medieval Christian monk and author of the famous devotional book "The Imitation of Christ," believed in the power of purity and simplicity as essential virtues for spiritual growth and enlightenment. In his writings, Kempis often emphasized the importance of these two qualities as the means by which man can transcend the limitations of earthly existence and connect with the divine.

According to Kempis, purity is the state of being free from sin, corruption, and impurity. It is the quality of being morally upright, virtuous, and holy. Purity of heart and mind allows one to see and experience the world with clarity and truth, unclouded by the distractions and temptations of the material world. By cultivating purity in thought, word, and deed, one can attain a higher level of spiritual awareness and communion with God.

Simplicity, on the other hand, is the quality of being uncomplicated, straightforward, and unpretentious. It is the ability to live a life of humility, contentment, and sincerity, free from the burdens of excessive material possessions, worldly ambitions, and selfish desires. By embracing simplicity in all aspects of life, one can achieve a sense of inner peace, harmony, and balance that transcends the chaos and complexity of the modern world.

Kempis believed that purity and simplicity are like two wings that enable man to soar above the earth and all temporary nature. They provide the necessary foundation and support for spiritual growth, enlightenment, and transformation. Without these two virtues, man is like a bird with clipped wings, unable to rise above the mundane concerns and limitations of earthly existence.