Confession and Self-Examination: Cassian on the Eight Principal Faults

John Cassian (d. 435) transmitted the Desert Fathers' teaching on the eight principal faults (logismoi) that threaten the spiritual life: gluttony, lust, avarice, anger, sadness, acedia (spiritual apathy), vainglory, and pride. He wrote in the "Institutes": "These eight faults, though of different origin, are connected with each other. The overflow of the first gives rise to the second, and the fullness of the second leads to the third." Understanding these interconnections is essential for effective self-examination.

Cassian taught that simply identifying a sin is not enough -- one must trace it to its root. Surface anger may stem from deeper pride; chronic sadness may mask acedia; avarice may be a response to hidden fear.

Practical application: Review Cassian's list of eight faults and identify the one that currently has the strongest hold on you. Then ask: "What feeds this fault? What deeper fear or desire does it serve?" Cassian teaches that sin is like a weed -- cutting the surface growth does nothing if the root remains. Effective self-examination goes to the root.