- The marks of special abstinence The marks of the special abstinence are as one of the pious declared:
The [genuine] ascetic:
* His joy is on his face, and his sorrow is in his heart.
* His heart is exceedingly broad.
* His soul is exceedingly lowly.
* He does not bear a grudge.
* He does not covet.
* He does not speak negatively of anyone.
* He does not discuss anyone.
* He abhors being honored.
* He hates dominion over others.
* He is calm and collected.
* He remembers well.
* He admits the truth.
* Has much shame.
* Avoids damaging.
* If he laughs, it will be little.
* If he becomes angry, he will not be wrathful.
* his laughter is a mere parting of the lips.
* his asking is in learning.
* His wisdom is extensive and his humility is great.
* His resolve is strong.
* He is neither hasty nor foolish in his actions.
* His arguing is polite, his reply is courteous.
* He acts righteously when angry.
* He is compassionate when entreated.
* His friendship is sincere.
* His resolution is strong.
* His covenant is faithful.
* He desires in the judgment of the Creator.
* He rules over his evil inclination.
* He does not speak badly about one who harmed him.
* He does not occupy himself with what is not useful.
* He does not become joyful in the downfall of his enemy.
* He does not remind to anyone a wrong which that person had done him.
* He troubles others lightly but helps them much.
* His gratitude is great at a time of bad.
* His bearing is patient at a time of financial loss.
* If he is asked from, he gives. If he is robbed, he will forgive.
* If others refuse from him something, he will nevertheless volunteer.
* If they keep him at a distance, he will nevertheless bring them close (be friendly to them).
* he is softer than butter, sweeter than honey.
* He exhorts others to adhere to the truth.
* He speaks righteously.
* He relinquishes his desires, and looks forward to his final day.
* What he says, he does.
* He is wise.
* He is energetic.
* His soul is noble.
* His covenant is agreeable.
* He is powerful in the land.
* He is free of all that is blameworthy.
* He is a helper of the poor and a savior of the oppressed.
* He does not expose what is hidden nor reveal a secret.
* His troubles are many, but his complaints are few.
* If he sees good, he will mention it, if he sees bad, he will cover it.
* He is pleasing in his manners and pure in his heart.
* His company is a joy, his absence, a cause for sorrow.
* Wisdom purges him.
* Humility has embellished him
* He is a mentor to the wise.
* He is a teacher to the ignorant.
* Every act of others he considers purer than his.
* Every person he considers more pure than himself.
* He is aware of his own lacking.
* He remembers his iniquity.
* He loves G-d and chases to do His will.
* He does not take revenge for any wrong done to him.
* He does not keep his anger long.
* His company is with those that remind him [of his duty to G-d].
* He sits with the humble.
* He loves men of righteousness, and is faithful to men of truth.
* He helps the poor, is a father to orphans and a protector to the widow, and shows respect to the needy.
To these marks (of a true ascetic) should be added that he undertakes all the duties of the heart we mentioned earlier in this book and which I do not need to repeat them so that this treatise does not become too lengthy. Take note for yourself.