• 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.