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I am trying to discern what might be the recognition of the evil inclination and how to navigate the next steps, I find myself increasingly noticing egoistic qualities in the people around me. This heightened awareness is unsettling, and I realize I am seeing these negative traits more than I have before. I have read that other people can act as mirrors, reflecting the qualities I need to address within myself.
In my journey, I am part of two groups: the public and my spiritual society. Within my ten, I see my brothers actively trying to put aside their egoism for the goal. However, in my public life, I struggle with how to interact with and love my friends and family, who are not on the pathway of Kabbalah and are not consciously addressing their egos.
I understand that focusing on the work within my 10 is essential, but what should I do about my public life? I have heard from our sources that we should not mix our desires with outsiders specifically for this reason. However, I deeply love my friends and family, and it is hard not to be affected by them.
Is this increased recognition of egoism in others a normal part of the initial pathway to spiritual attainment? How should I manage these observations and maintain my spiritual focus without being knocked off my path by those close to me who are not engaged in this wisdom?
In the introduction to the wisdom of Kabbalah, it’s mentioned that we work towards attaining “vessels of bestowal” through the influence of the surrounding light.
However, the term “vessel” typically implies something used for receiving. How, then, can a “vessel” be associated with bestowing rather than receiving? How does a vessel function to bestow?
Is the answer in the aim of the pleasure? Whether it is directed inwards or outwards?
In the last grad class, Mike mentioned the term a “Revealed Kabbalist”. I looked through the Library and found no mention of this term. From what he said, it sounded like there have been a few “revealed Kabbalist” but they are rare. Do you know if we have any sources that discuss more about that terminology?
All creations, except for men, lack egoism; therefore, they have no tools for climbing. As a result, they remain in their preliminary states.
Precisely for that reason all creations, except for men are regarded as “still.” Even angels, which are forces operated by The Creator through which He governs creation, are not independent forces with their own desires, but are simply forces that carry out His Will. It is mankind’s egoistic desire that enables us to reach the degree of the creator by changing the form (intent) of the will to receive.
The soul is a part of The Creator within each of us. Once we are wrapped in the egoistic shell, we can no longer feel spirituality, much less The Creator, because our every sense is immersed and egoism, the opposite attribute of spirituality. Replacing egoism with altruism is like taking off our egoistic “coats” and beginning to feel the entire Creation until nothing separates us from The Creator.
Our purpose is to extinguish the egoistic obstacle that stands between our souls and the creator. Of all Holy Scriptures, the Kabbalah is the most efficient in entertaining that goal. It is the study with the most powerful spiritual light that shines during the study.
The Path of Kabbalah, Page 336
Gives me hope and comfort that I will be able to draw close to The Creator. Like going home. I have an intense longing, like an anxiety, to be with The Creator and this gives me peace in that area of my heart.
I really appreciated the teaching point in the ‘Sunday Meeting with Friends’ session from 24-03-2024. It was highlighted that Kabbalah was historically concealed because, in earlier times, the lack of distractions meant that masses would have naturally gravitated towards spirituality. Now, in the 21st century, with numerous distractions, those who seek out Kabbalah are driven by a genuine desire, or a ‘point in the heart,’ for spiritual growth.
The Rav points towards The Creator.