Bishop Vasily of Kineshma. "Conversations on the Gospel of Mark."
If, without considering his own strength, a Christian takes on excessive prayerful labor, the usual consequence is either despondency and complete slackening, with even the simplest prayer rule seeming incredibly difficult and not being fulfilled; or, conversely, fanaticism, spiritual pride, and its worst expression—the so-called demonic delusion, that is, spiritual self-delusion, which subjugates an overly zealous ascetic to the spirit of wild conceit and the power of the enemy.
How, however, can one distinguish "demonic delusion" from the spirit of sincere, ardent zeal for God? By these signs, one can detect its inception in the soul, but what are the means to combat it?
This is a very important question, for it always poses a great danger to zealous beginners. Many have perished in this temptation, which the devil skillfully exploits, ensnaring especially talented, ardent, and enthusiastic natures.
Holy ascetic writers in their ascetic works point out the following manifestations of "delusion."
