What is the concept of ascent?
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The concept of ascent appears in various contexts, notably in religious and philosophical traditions.
Religious Contexts
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Psalms of Ascent: These are a collection of fifteen psalms (120–134) in the Bible that were traditionally sung by Jewish pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for three major annual feasts: Passover, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles. The psalms are diverse, including hymns of joy and laments, reflecting the different spiritual states of the pilgrims as they ascended both physically and spiritually 1 2 3.
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Songs of Ascension by Meredith Monk: Inspired by the idea of ascension in worship, Monk's work examines why worship is often symbolized by an upward movement in many traditions. She draws from multiple religious backgrounds, including Jewish and Zen, to create pieces that explore the act of ascending as a form of artistic and spiritual worship 4 .
Philosophical Context
- Stoicism: Philosopher Ryan Holiday discusses the concept of ascent (from the Latin "assentire," meaning to assent or agree) in Stoic philosophy. This idea involves accepting realities beyond one's control and finding peace through acknowledgement rather than resistance. He highlights how modern society often struggles with this concept, linking it to broader issues of control and acceptance, particularly visible during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic 5 .
These interpretations of ascent share a common theme of a journey, be it literal, spiritual, or philosophical, towards a higher state of being or understanding.
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