where he engaged in a more rigorous regimen. These last three years marked the second part of his ascetic life. He was primarily alone and, as a result, he ate little, fasted often, and severely neglected his body. Neo-Platonism still shaded this aspect of his thinking. It was here that he endeavoured to memorize the entire Bible, both the Old and New Testaments. Little did John realize that this strenuous activity would prove to be the most profitable of all his ascetic practices. Eventually, his