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Question: We are now preparing for the upcoming congress in the desert, the place of our future spiritual unification. Is it possible that we will become so much more united during our preparation that there will be no need for a physical place, no need to go to the desert?
Answer: The place of spiritual unity is the state of the congress. Whether it is held in a desert or a backyard is irrelevant.
At every given moment, as we prepare for the congress, we need to expect to reach the unity that we want to achieve at the congress, and that will be our preparation for it.
Then, the extent to which we are able to reach it before the congress will determine our preparation for it. Let´s say that I intend to reach unity at the congress with an effort of 10 lbs. That means that I need to attune myself to this now. Possibly during the preparation for the congress we will achieve a unity that is worth 100,000 tons of effort, then let it be realized now. That is the correct preparation.
Action should not be postponed. Everything is now. In essence, the preparation is in fact the same action that we carry out practically, unlike preparation in our world where we only prepare all that is necessary and then begin to work. By preparing the desire (Kli), I work on the whole realization, and then it is formed.
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From the 2nd part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 12/24/12, The Zohar
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Baal HaSulam, “Letter 50”: “The head of the pleasant future that is expected, God willing, is approaching us. And so I yearn and long for your being near me in your body and soul. (which means that you will come near me and not that I will come near you, which is impossible and also useless).
How sorry I am that last Tishrei, was a great time of good will, but you were not near me at the time…so the sorrow that I felt all of last year because of that goes without saying. The reason for that is pride that crept into you, and to the same extent, the unfounded hatred among you… clearly that if you hate a member of the group, it is a clear sign that you don’t feel absolute love towards me either.
These words were written according to the law of love, the law of adhesion, like in a family where there are not small ones or great ones, but rather, the law of love ties everyone together and is equal for everyone. So, each one should rise above his criticism, according to “He who faults another does so through his own flaws.” Through the eyes of love, no one will seem inferior to others. If you connect according to the law of love “above reason,” you will be able to connect equally with everyone correctly.
If there are some differences among the members of the group, it is a sign of a flaw.
There are good times and bad times, and there are comfortable times and less comfortable times. Although, on the one hand, Kabbalists are above time, motion, and place, and they go through different periods according to their individual time, the general periods also influence them. Therefore, there can be general good times and bad times.
There are times of general awakening from above or times in which it is easier to be awakened from below. So, we must try not to miss such opportunities that are given from above to connect the awakening from above to the awakening from below. Otherwise, it will seem like disrespect.
There are two directions in getting close: each member getting closer, without any discrimination, and every student getting closer to the teacher. Here, everything is examined according to our image, which is a result of our pride and to what extent we can advance in “faith above reason” and understand that it is the Creator who is sending us all these obstacles.
Everyone sees everything the way he is allowed to see it, and he never sees the truth, but by our exertion in “faith above reason,” we draw the Light that Reforms, and by that are rewarded to see the truth.
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From the Preparation to the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 12/23/12
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In studying the wisdom of Kabbalah, we conduct practical scientific research according to the principle, “A judge only has what his eyes see.” In other words, to the extent that we change our nature, we can see the result in the wisdom of Kabbalah. However, these results appear in us. A person is a laboratory. He changes his attributes, and then he discovers a new reality.
Now, I discover a certain dimension within my current attributes, and when I change them, I discover another parallel dimension, and then another and another. These attributes, these layers of reality, are called “levels,” and the wisdom of Kabbalah tells us precisely how I must change myself each time through the society and by the force that develops me that I receive in order to rise to an upper dimension in my new feelings and mind, which are broader and more sublime.
At the same time, my new perception doesn’t erase the previous “picture.” I simply rise higher and higher, by perceiving an upper reality that science talks about. There is no contradiction or conflict between my discoveries and those of science. On the contrary, science seems to be part of my perception.
In fact, tomorrow’s science is actually your perception of the spiritual space. It is “spiritual” in the sense that it appears through the changes in a person.
Thus, we discover the “worlds,” new perceptions, although we don’t know what nature as a whole is. Kabbalists tell us that there are currently 125 levels of the development of our perception before us. I discover each one according to the Reshimot (informational genes), the Masachim (screens), and the degrees of Aviut (the depth of the desire). Everything is calculated and measured; all ticks like clockwork; everything is revealed to me according to the changes that I perform internally. I change, which means that I attain. I change again and attain again, again and again.
Thus, the process continues until the stage called “the end of our correction.” Kabbalists don’t tell us what happens afterward, although they speak about the levels of the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth millennia and beyond. They end their explanations at the final correction because it is impossible to speak about the rest of the process.
You will have to go through all the 125 levels to the end, and then you will go through another change, a change that you go through since you rise from our world to the spiritual world. This is a true change of perception, an inner revolution that will take place again at the end of correction when you become totally integral, whole, like the Creator. Then, after you are corrected, you will be worthy and ready for something more sublime for which there are no words today. It is because, in the spiritual levels, you already transcend time. You transcend life and death, place and motion, and all the limitations of this world. What is more, we cannot speak about the further stages. Our current mind and feelings simply aren’t able to touch them.
So, now, we discuss another question, a question regarding humanity that, for the time being, perceives the world through five corporeal, animal senses. How can it acquire five additional senses called Keter, Hochma, Bina, Zeir Anpin and Malchut?
We acquire them according to the level of the correction of the five levels of thickness of our desire, which are the root phase, phase one, two, three, and four. I develop the five senses on top of the thickness that is constantly growing, both quantitatively and qualitatively. My “animal” body remains as it is, while, at the same time, I perceive and identify new parts of nature, layer by layer.
The interesting point is that even the smallest part, which appears in a general, fuzzy scale, still helps me understand and feel all of reality to the end of all the 125 levels.
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From the 4th part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 12/23/12, “The Wisdom of Kabbalah and Philosophy“
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We are definitely approaching the home stretch before the end of the preparation period, and I say this with pride. It is not easy, and of course, it is not us but the upper force that affects us, doing all these “exercises” with us and leading us to the finish. He who is worthy, will pass it, and he who is not worthy… Only by all of us adhering together, will we be able to pass.
Everyone passes the Machsom: “babies,” “children,” “elderly,” “women,” as well as those who have the force to overcome (Gevurah), men (Gvarim). It all depends on adhesion: how much everyone is able to stay together with everyone. I hope very much that we will accomplish this.
A special year awaits us. I think that we are given it as “extra time.” In the past we did not have time to finish a few things, and we have to correct them now. It seems to me that we really can do this. We can try to make the last steps to convince ourselves finally that everything depends only on our unity. May it develop and become realized.
I urge everyone not to lose the moment; do not let the “wheel” continue spinning, catch it and realize what we are responsible for. This is truly a unique opportunity.
After all, we are cared for with unprecedented, unlimited, boundless mercy: “If you couldn’t do it once, then try again and again…” The upper management operates kindly; the current period is far from extreme: There is no deprivation, no war; everything seems not so serious. We sometimes teach small children in this way, enough to threaten them a little bit, to make them pay attention to what is required. Our modern attitude cannot be compared to the Holocaust, expulsions from various countries, murders, “pogroms,” etc. In front of us a “red carpet is rolled out,” do a little bit, and that will be enough.
I hope very much that you will understand this, and we do not cause the attitude from above to change, that we are considerate, receptive, and sensitive to what is happening, that we are “good children” and understand how the Creator treats us. Hence, we will understand what to do, and will do it.
We are going through a special transition period that covers the whole world. Today, everywhere there is a feeling of uncertainty, helplessness, and confusion. Just imagine what those who “have power” feel: impotence, fog, and confusion. No one understands what is happening; no one has any real plans or ideas.
We must become organized between us, just inside for the time being, not trying to shout to the world. The main thing now is to unite our inner strength, unite before The Flame in the Desert Convention. Then, our sparks will break out into a big fire and light the entire “desert” of this world.
We can do this. This is our mission; we are directed from above. We are required to do only a small effort, and then of course we can bring the Light to the desert. Good Luck!
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From a Talk During the Meal 12/21/12
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We have to accept that the spiritual path is continuous work. However, today, you must overcome the indifference, and tomorrow, you will have to overcome hatred, such strong hatred that you will be ready to do everything but that, the state in which it is beyond your powers to even think about the friends since it is worse than death for you. The friends will evoke such a terrible aversion in you. You will not be able to come in contact with them, to look at them, to think about them. However, at the same time, it is the same type of work, the recognition of the importance of the goal, the importance of the Creator, the importance of the friends, and the importance of the group.
We constantly must “stick” to the same line from morning to night, and, only thus, prepare ourselves for every lesson. Then, to the extent that we attain a certain level of connection and unity, we will discover the spiritual world in it. The level of the connection is the spiritual level that we have attained. Our collective feeling is called the “Creator,” stemming from the words “Come” and “See” (Bo – Reh). Where you can come and see it in the collective feeling. So, if we don’t work on it, there is nothing we can speak about. We must prepare ourselves to constantly be focused only on that.
If you don’t want that, you are wasting your time, and you’d better go and enjoy the worldly pleasures. If you don’t only make efforts in what’s important, then your entire spiritual path is a lie. It is better to enjoy life like “everyone else,” to understand more quickly that we finally should do something. Otherwise, it is as it is written: “A fool sits with folded hands and eats his own flesh.”
Rabash often used to say, “At least go and enjoy life,” since, when a person enjoys life, he thanks the Creator in his heart for having given him this life. You, however, torture yourself, eating yourself up and cursing the Creator. So, go have some fun, drink a beer with friends in the pub, take a walk, start making money, and enjoy life. Well, what’s the matter with you?
If not, we must be decisive in our work. If we have taken it upon ourselves to do something, then we must do what we have taken upon ourselves and not succumb to weakness. The main thing here is the feeling of responsibility. Mutual guarantee is actually mutual responsibility. I am responsible for everyone. If it were only about me, then I would have thrown everything away a long time ago. However, I am responsible for everyone. My conscience shouldn’t let me rest and relax.
So, I shouldn’t wait for special opportunities. I must start worrying now. How will I come to the lesson tomorrow morning? Am I ready to connect with the friends and demand the Light that Reforms? Do I want to create a “place” for adhesion with the Creator?
We need the greatness of the goal, the Creator’s greatness, to burn in us more and more strongly.
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From the 4th part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 12/19/12, “The Wisdom of Kabbalah and Philosophy”
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In the News (from CeBIT): “‘Shareconomy’ describes the societal shift from owning to sharing. According to Pörschmann, this is evident in several dimensions: ‘First, Shareconomy is profoundly influencing enterprise processes, because social media tools will become more and more popular. Second, the Internet is the place for teamwork, both in and outside the company. Partners, consultants, suppliers and customers will be more closely integrated as part of a networked process. The borders separating companies and organizations will become ever more transparent. Therefore, employees and managers must rethink and be prepared to share know-how, contacts and assets.’
“Modern tools that enable fast and comprehensive sharing are already reality in successful companies. …
“This is already apparent in the use of everyday products, where the strong trend is towards using instead of owning or renting instead of buying. ‘Car-sharing is becoming an increasingly popular form of mobility. Music portals based not on ownership but rather on time-defined usage are very popular,’ said Pörschmann.”
My Comment: In general, this is a socialistic principle. The decline in living standards forces us to be prepared to share what we have. Thus we will compensate for what is needed at an affordable price. So soon, we will come to the public (socialist) property. Nature pushes us to unite.
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Baal HaSulam, “The Wisdom of Kabbalah and Philosophy”: …for we do not define by name or word that which we do not attain. That is because a word designates some degree of attainment.
The root of everything is the unattainable and imperceptible essence of the Creator (Atzmuto). We never speak about it because something can be described something only on the basis of their attainment through our bodily senses when we analyze our sensations with our brain.
A person consists of two parts: mind and emotion. The emotional part is a desire. The part that measures and explores is the mind, which develops next to the desire. If we don’t experience any “feedback” from either of these two parts, it means that we are deprived of the ability to perceive. The “insight” happens in the desire that lies underneath a dry, mental analysis.
As it is said in the “Introduction to The Book of Zohar,” besides Atzmuto, there also exists an abstract form that we are unable to attain. As opposed to abstract form, both materialized form and matter are attainable. Thus, in Kabbalah, attainment occurs from bottom to top to the extent it is actually possible.
On the other hand, philosophers do not contemplate the steps of ascent; they talk about some “force” that is outside us and scholastically deliberate on it as if this kind of “research” is legitimate. This kind of approach has actually ruined philosophy. Today nobody takes it seriously. When it comes to abstract conversations, everybody hypothesizes as much as they want to. Moreover, this principle lies at the very foundation of philosophy; a person can build their own picture of the world based on speculation; it is “legal.” This “pluralism” has resulted in a fountain of fantasies and nothing is left of the serious real foundation.
The wisdom of Kabbalah, on the other hand, declares a very simple thing: Reality can be explored only by the observer, meaning, it can be researched only in conjunction with the explorer. Everything is evaluated through the observer and the picture that is created in the observer’s bodily sensors is in accordance with the law of similarity of properties. A person is comprised of both matter and form.
Matter is the desire to receive.
Form is the intention either for the sake of receiving or for the sake of bestowal.
We perceive reality through ourselves in accordance with the level of our ability to change. What is outside us, we just don’t know. Discoveries of Kabbalists can’t be applied to our personal research until we achieve the same level they did.
So, we use the wisdom of Kabbalah to attract powers from these steps, trying to reach them, like little children who strive to grow. In other words, we still use the wisdom of Kabbalah as a “special remedy” that is not clear to us yet, but it works. Then, when we attain revelation, we will research and apprehend the same phenomena inside our own vessels. At that time, Kabbalah books will help us examine ourselves and will direct our advancement.
But still, we never know what actually is outside us. Kabbalists who advanced further due to their internal changes tell us about some 125 steps of attainment and describe what they have perceived at each of these steps. They outline specific remedies that will allow us to widen our limits of perception. Their desires are vessels of the soul; they perceive something called “Divinity,” the power of bestowal that emerged in them to the degree of their similarity of properties with Divinity. When receiving desires shape themselves as bestowing ones, they feel that “something” is fulfilling them. This “something” is called the “upper force” or the “Light.” But again, that, too, is perceived only by the person.
So, the “Light” is a reaction that happens in our sensations, in our receiving desires, as it is being filled. In other words, the “Light” is a phenomenon in the vessel. Even the Light that in Kabbalah is called “external” is, in fact, located inside the vessels, only more distant from clear perception. One way or the other, it’s always about what is happening inside our sensations and desires. This is the way we advance.
Regarding Atzmuto: according to our logic, we say that there is a higher root. We never sense it, nor will we ever attain it; however, by of course, there must be the source of our existence, of our sensations, and all the changes in us. And yet, no matter what we feel, we feel it only in accordance with our own properties. That’s why the “Creator” (Boreh) means “Come and See” (Bo-Reh). This phenomenon I also perceive internally and Atzmuto is outside us.
The entire reality is divided into three parts:
A man
The fact that he feels
The source of his feelings, which is imperceptible
The approach of the science of Kabbalah calls upon everyone to study reality. After all, there is the commandment, “Know your Creator and serve Him.” How? According to the principle “From Your actions we will know You.” Man changes himself and is constantly trying to come into agreement with the upper force and become similar to it. Then he feels the changes made in him, and according to these changes, begins sensing new phenomena. It is the upper force to which he aspired.
So the “Creator” is a new modified form clothed in the changes that happen to us, the property of bestowal that is revealing itself within us. Subsequently, the wisdom of Kabbalah is very strict about its major rule: Never detach reality from the person comprehending it. Otherwise, we’ll end up being philosophers.
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From the 4th part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 12/5/12, “The Wisdom of Kabbalah and Philosophy”
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Question: In the popular book The Secret, author Rhonda Byrne outlined the methodology: The universe is joy and bliss, and in order to be acceptable to it, we have to be joyful and happy. We have to ask the universe to give us everything we want and behave “as if” we have already have it and are very happy about it.
Answer: It’s good comforting advice. Kozma Prutkov used to say: “If you want to be happy—be happy.” By the way, it’s very true.
As children, we imagine ourselves playing in our next developmental step; if we do so, then we are being pulled up to it. The question is: How do we envision our next phase? Is it a step of bestowal, love, and connection with the rest of the world? Is it about liaisons with everybody who are a part of one indivisible, integral whole? Or it is a stage of receiving overall energy, universal love, and mutual understanding? If we visualize our next step for the sake of uniting with and bestowing to others, then imagining this state is very beneficial for us.
Comment: The authors of The Secret do not explain this. They know nothing about it. So the people who try to live up to the advice given in the book complain that they constantly forget that they are happy, and they frequently become upset about minor things.
Answer: This happens because they don’t have a methodology, and they do not participate in group trainings.
If they had the correct group training, then they would naturally move in the right direction, not because of the guidance that is detailed in the book, but due to the correct training. Visualizing ourselves as happy through bestowal and love, by building a system of mutual connection among everybody is actually the correction of egoism.
Even if the authors of the book created groups that I just described, they wouldn’t be able to provide pertinent guidance to them since they have never experienced the sensation of the upper space, the next dimension, the level that is called “Man.” They simply won’t be able to direct these groups; they don’t know how to work with them. All they would do is provide them with a psychological practicum, nothing more.
Comment: They are trying to talk about absolute, unselfish love without having any idea of what that is.
Answer: They can copy us as much as they want. They are only helping us by gradually preparing people and setting up various types of analyses that will eventually facilitate people’s understanding of our methodology.
I wish them luck. Why not? They somehow “evoke” people to search for a way out of their animate state; at least they lead them somewhere. I don’t think that anything that occurs in the world is wrong. All that exists is a necessary step for something else…
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From KabTV’s “Conversations with Michael Laitman” 11/3/12
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