Training accustoms one to be lenient, temperate, capable of controlling his anger, subduing his desires, doing works of charity, showing love for his fellow men, practicing virtue. Training is virtuous askesis, rendering one's way of life admirable. Askesis is practice, meditation, training, self-control, love of labor. In the New Testament fasting is recommended as a means of preparing the mind and the heart for divine worship, for long prayer, for rising from the earthly, and for spiritualization. Attention rouses the soul to study itself and its longings, to learn their true character and repulse those that are unholy.
Attention examines every thought, every desire, every memory.
Thoughts, desires, and memories are engendered by various causes, and often appear masked and with splendid garb, in order to deceive the inattentive intellect and enter into the soul and dominate it. Only attention can reveal their hidden form. Often their dissimulation is so perfect that the discerrnment of their true nature is very difficult and requires the greatest attention. He who is wakeful does not enter into temptation, because he is vigilant and attentive. The vehicle of prayer is everywhere humility, and prayer is a manifestation of humility.