[Dyrk]

Hello, I would like to ask for clarification on some of the terminology. I apologize in advance that my posting may appear long; however, your indulgence is appreciated because I really want to understand what is being said/meant in our lessons. I will place headings at the start of each topic area for ease of navigation.

Will vs. Desire (1 or 2 questions)

As it pertains to our learning in Kabbalah, do the words “will” and “desire” mean the same thing? In other words, can the terms “will to receive” and “desire to receive” be used interchangeably?  If they are not the same meaning, can you please explain what is the difference between “will” and “desire” as Kabbalistic terms?

Corrections, Intentions, Desires  (5 questions)

In this lesson, we are told that a correction occurs when we transform the intention to receive into an intention to bestow. In this regard, what we are changing is the intention, not the desire or behavior. First question: Is this accurate? If not, will you explain?

Recently, a classmate expressed difficulty in understanding how the intention for the desire to smoke could be changed from reception to bestowal. He was told, as an example, that he could be part of a group and commit to not smoking as a form of giving toward the benefit of others in the group. In this example, however, it is neither the “intention” nor the “desire” that is being “corrected.” Rather, it is the behavior of smoking that is being changed to “not smoking.” Moreover, the behavior of not smoking goes against both desire (wanting to smoke) and intention (for personal pleasure). In essence, he would commit to sacrificing something he enjoyed for the benefit of others. This seems like the path of pain.

Second Question: Rather than trying to suppress (or sacrifice) our physical desires (such as smoking, drinking alcohol, eating greasy foods, etc.), should we just keep reading Kabbalistic books and following the courses offered through KabU? If not a simple “yes,” can you offer guidance?

It seems to me that we are being taught through Kabbalah that we, as individuals, are powerless to change the objects of our desire (wanting to smoke) on our own. But, if we join a group, our desires will begin to change.  Third Question: Is this accurate? If not, will you elaborate?

Fourth Question:  If we continue feeling the new/additional desire for adhesion with the Creator and we choose to continue our pursuit through authentic Kabbalistic learning, how will our abilities to derive pleasure from base activities, such as smoking, drinking, over-eating, etc., change (or will they)?

Fifth Question: If we study the Path of Reception offered through Kabbalah, will Ohr Makif (Light surrounding the Kli) eventually become Ohr Pnimi (Light received inside the Kli) so that we (individuals) become transformed beings who experience pleasurable fulfillment, while still living in this world, and who no longer wish to conduct ourselves in unhealthy, egoic ways?

Thank you for your patience, guidance, and kind attention to my mind-gnawing questions.

Many smiles…

Dyrk

[Dyrk]

I gained better understanding of how working in a group develops/expands the kli. The diagram in Week 4 showing the “mechanics” of how the group works was of much benefit to my mind’s understanding.

[Dyrk]

By loving another as myself with the shared goal of attaining spirituality, we amplify the group’s intention to receive in order to bestow. I elevate everyone else’s desires above my own egoic desire, thus creating a greater “pull” to draw me upward. Instead of “1” working alone, we each gain 9 times our intention.

[Dyrk]

Form a conducive environment by working in a group of fellow students.

[Dyrk]

I appreciate learning more about creating a spiritual environment. I feel that much of my frustration from studying Kabbalah comes from the fact that I have, thus far, mostly studied the texts in isolation. I look forward to what occurs after I become part of a group. In that past, I have been notorious for feeling “trapped” whenever I’ve become involved in groups. I assume that has been my ego nature pulling me away from others. It will be interesting to see how this goes moving forward. Glad to know there are others interested in real spiritual growth and trusting that my ego can stay on board.

[Dyrk]

It seems that the shift from egoic perspective to altruistic perspective is to become conscious of loving the other as the self. THAT, however, seems yet to remain mysterious in meaning.

[Author]

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