Entries in the 'Crisis' Category

The Path to Happiness Lies through Sodom

294.1When you get older, you will understand that you can somehow live in the world only under one indispensable condition: you must understand that selfishness is a natural property of man.

When you come to terms with the idea that everyone lives only for themselves, you will be much more lenient towards your neighbors. They will stop disappointing your hopes, and you will begin to treat them more mercifully. People strive for only one thing in life – pleasure. (Somerset Maugham,Of Human Bondage).

Comment: We need to come to terms with the idea that everyone is an egoist, that everyone lives like this, and from this everything will calm down.

My Response: Of course, if everyone accepts this condition.

Comment: If we understand that everyone lives in their egoism—and I do, too—everything will calm down.

Answer: Yes, sure.

Question: “What is yours is yours, what is mine is mine.” This is still the law, right?

Answer: This is the first law on the path to real peace, that I accept all the weaknesses of others. It is called “what is yours is yours, and what is mine is mine,” and we do not interfere with each other. We respect each other.

It is not yet talking about convergence, merging, or “love your neighbor as yourself,” but about understanding our general law of nature.

Question: So, do you think this law is fair? Is this the law of our world?

Answer: At some stage, yes.

Comment: But Sodom was built precisely on this principle.

My Response: Why do you think that Sodom is evil? If today we were offered Sodom instead of our state, then having understood this, we would gladly accept it. We would be content. There would be no war, and there would be no atrocities. We would simply peacefully coexist.

Question: Why did the Creator not like this Sodom and overturn it?

Answer: This is not the end of creation. It is not the purpose of creation. The purpose of creation is for everyone to live in caring for each other.

Comment: That is clear. And in Sodom, those caring for each other were punished. But in any case, it would be suitable for the first step.

My Response: I am not saying we need to take these steps exactly. The Torah shows us that such a society will still be destroyed.

Question: That is, does such a society have no future?

Answer: That is correct. But as an intermediate, it exists. Here we are given an example.

Question: We have not even gotten to that first half step yet.

Answer: We are still a long way from Sodom.

Question: Before “What is mine is mine, what is yours is yours”?

Answer: Yes. You see what happens between neighbors, states, countries, and everywhere in general.

Comment: “What is yours is mine” is the main principle today.

My Response: We are at the lowest stage of egoistic development.

Comment: It always seems that this has already passed, that we are already somewhere…

My Response: No way!! Look what is being done! How people treat each other, what thoughts they have!

Question: If let us say we come to this step: “What is mine is mine, what is yours is yours,” is the next step “I do not harm another”?

Answer: Yes, by no means do I harm anyone else.

Comment: Do not do to others what you do not want to do to yourself.

My Response: Yes, but this is also not good.

Question: This is like the second step. And the third?

Answer: The third step is to imagine myself in the place of another and do good to him as I imagine what they would do to me. This is called “love your neighbor as yourself.”

Question: That is, we have three steps: first Sodom, as you say, “What is mine is mine, what is yours is yours”; second, “Do not do to others what you do not want to do to yourself; third, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” And what do we come to then if we take these three steps?

Answer: To ensure we all have the same desire: to do only good things for each other.
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From KabTV’s “News with Dr. Michael Laitman” 12/4/23

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In a Single Field

264.01We are all in a single field, like permanently connected particles. But this original connection of ours is like an electronic circuit that exists and that is it. How it will work and what program it will carry out is up to us.

When you buy a computer, you do not re-solder circuits or change any boards; they already exist. But how to load the computer, what program it will run, and what data it will calculate is up to you.

That is what we do. We do not even install a program in this system. It works on its own. It leads all parts of creation that are connected into a single organism called “Adam,” a single system, to feel this general connection.

There are two states in the application of this program, in which we must feel ourselves in a single connection.

We either walk and with every step, the system pushes us forward, i.e., it evokes in us some negative impulses that we involuntarily have to overcome because we feel pain as if we are receiving an electric shock as we yell “Ouch!” and run somewhere in the direction opposite to the shock. In this way, we create some kind of connection, but it is an unwanted awakening between us.

Or we realize that we are in a relationship with this system that is manifested now in all humanity, at all levels of our connection. We see our disagreement with the integral connection; this is called crisis.

In the end, we must agree with the way we are connected, all together, into one single system, completely interconnected in friendship and love, in which all our desires, thoughts, and properties will be directed only by the original work of the system so that we do not harm it with our egoism, but correct the ego to become a good interaction.
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From KabTV’s “I Got a Call. Single Field“ 12/27/11

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Learning from Wolves

611Comment: They say man is a wolf to man. But when I look at the structure of a  wolf pack, I envy them. A leader is the one who takes responsibility for organizing the hunt and protecting everyone in his pack. The pack intuitively obeys whoever is stronger and more responsible, regardless of age.

What does a strong and responsible leader mean to man if we were to adopt this structure?

My Response: This means such a man-wolf can unite and convince everyone that unification is their law and the way to ensure survival.

Question: So if such a leader implements unification in a group, the pack will endure?

Answer: Yes, they will recognize him as the leader.

Question: And will the pack be okay?

Answer: Yes.

Comment: That was the first rule. The second rule is that the stronger and more experienced the leader, the faster he suppresses all quarrels, the less discord and aggression in the pack, the friendlier the atmosphere, and the more cohesion in the group.

Stopping quarrels could mean using harsh methods.

My Response: Well, this is the law of any clan, even an animal one, not to mention human.

Question: So he should both be firm and soft at the same time?

Answer: I do not know about soft. But he must be very clear and confident, and impose his will.

Question: So, he puts an end to all quarrels, bad relationships, and all slander?

Answer: Of course.

Comment: Firmly? He will not be loved.

My Response: They will fear him, that is the most important thing. Therefore, they will respect and obey him. If you live among wolves, you have to act like a wolf.

Question: The third rule is that the leader leads the pack, rescues them from traps, plans out and begins the hunt, and is first to rush at the enemy or prey.

What does it mean to be the first in everything?

Answer: That is, to take on all the blows and all the problems that arise in his pack.

Question: We are talking about human society? Are you talking about that now?

Answer: Yes.

Question: So, he is the first to take on the blows? That is, he cares about all this?

Answer: It is like his personal family.

Question: So, you see the leader as a father? And society is his family?

Answer: Yes.

Question: And if, as we have now, there is a mishap, he takes responsibility for it?

Answer: If he does not take responsibility, he is instantly removed. There is no other way among animals. He has to assume responsibility.

Question: The fourth rule is that wolves walk in a line. The first three are old and sick. They are followed by the five strongest wolves. Next is the part of the pack they are protecting, and five more strong wolves. Last comes the leader, who makes sure that no one falls behind.

Being a leader does not mean being ahead of the pack, but making sure that everyone makes it.

Answer: Well that is the most important thing, making sure everyone is safe.

Question: And the elderly who are upfront?

Answer: Absolutely everyone! This is exactly how he is evaluated.

Question: Is this the power of a leader?

Answer: Yes.

Question: Is this even possible?

Answer: You see, it works among wolves. It’s harder for people.

Comment: Because you want to hold on to your post, be elected, and so on.

My Response: Humanity has damaged itself in many ways over thousands of years.

Comment: Wolves work on instinct, while we have reason.

My Response: They have a clear inner understanding of necessity.

Question: There, in the pack? So, they live according to nature?

Answer: Yes, such is their nature and the nature of the surrounding wolf society; therefore, this is the only way to live and survive.

We are nobody and nothing here at all. Everyone is looking to run away, escape responsibility, and let others fend for themselves. “It is not my concern.”

Comment: We have come to the conclusion that the chief, the leader, should watch over everyone and be the last one behind them.

My Response: Yes. We must create such a “pack” so people would come to us wanting to live by our laws. Us means our group.

Question: Will they come because they realize everyone cares about each other?

Answer: Yes, there is no other way. Save ourselves, raise children, give confidence to the elderly, women, and children—we must act this way.

Question: The fifth rule is that a wolf lives with one mate his whole life and never cheats on her. Even when a wolf or his mate die hunting, the single spouse does not look for a replacement, but remains alone for the rest of his life. Can you imagine?!

Answer: We are very far from that.

Comment: Imagine choosing for life! You see, the wolves can.

My Response: We have a lot to learn.

Question: What is it like when you make such a decision?

Answer: It is their nature. For us, it is our egoistic nature that drives us crazy.

Question: But when you decide to live like this, it means you have somehow subdued it, managed to curb your selfish nature so you choose for the rest of your life.

Answer: Yes.

Comment: But you say we should choose for life.

My Response: We should.

Question: And keep at it?

Answer: And keep at it, but you see how we are managing.

Question: The sixth rule is about the she-wolf. When the wolf-husband is in danger, the female covers his neck, which may be very dangerous for her, but she does not think about it.

What about a human clan, what does it mean for a wife to shield her husband, to protect him?

Answer: I do not know what the wolf feels. About a person this means she understands that she depends on him, and he is her most important task. As long as he is alive and strong, she and the children are protected.

A wife who loves her husband feels that if anything bad happens to her husband, she is ready to share it with him without any hesitation.

Question: The seventh is that a she-wolf, when preparing to give birth, builds a cozy home. She does not consider her comfort, but thinks about the comfort of her future generation.

What does it mean for a future mother not to think about herself?

Answer: She lives for her children, grandchildren, and so on.

Question: Are we talking about our world already?

Answer: Yes.

Question: I don’t think about myself, I think about others. What does it mean?

Answer: For their sake you do what is best for them.

Question: So I completely annul myself, totally?

Answer: Yes. You do whatever may be good for them.

Question: Can you name something that may be good for them?

Answer: You may change where you live, your place of work. Everything for them.
You could leave your favorite job for them.

Question: The eighth rule is that the whole pack with the leader takes care of the mother-wolf with her cubs. They bring her food, completely take care of her and the future offspring of the whole pack.

What does the society takes care of the mothers mean? I’m now talking about people, humanity.

Answer: It means doing everything to ensure their safety, their confidence, and their future. Then they will raise their young and the clan; the society will be provided for by the next generation.

Comment: The ninth rule is that when a mother goes hunting, sitters guard the babies and play with them. The cubs are treated most gently. Any adult is always ready to share food with them, play, and teach them the rules of hunting or subordination. That is why the wolf pack is so cohesive and efficient.

My Response: I want to be with them. 🙂

Question: So, is this all a method of rearing? When everyone, the whole society participates… Not just for your children!

How do I tear myself from my child? It says here that I take care of someone else’s child, another child, the whole pack takes care of him. How is this possible?

Answer: When you realize you are all one, a common whole. These are Kabbalistic principles.

Comment: Absolutely! To realize I won’t survive otherwise. The neighbor’s child is just as important to me as my own child.

My Response: Yes.

Question: It seems quite unrealistic for a person. But this is how it should be, right?

Answer: This is how it should be, of course!

Question: The tenth principle is that a pack takes care of the disabled, crippled, and elderly. They would feed them chewed food, like for puppies, and can even pick their fleas. But there is addition, in times of famine, a pack cannot take on the responsibility of feeding elderly animals. And the elderly accept that.

Is this also a matter of survival?

Answer: It is a matter of survival and necessity for the pack. That is why there are some animals who sacrifice themselves for the survival of the pack.

Question: Let’s summarize it, they care for the disabled, the elderly…

Answer: For everyone.

Question: And we, too, have to care for the elderly?

Answer: Yes. But if it is impossible to take care of the weak…

Question: This is a very difficult question indeed! How can we make this choice?

Answer: The one who benefits the future generation most is chosen.

Question: Meaning, young and strong?

Answer: Yes.

Question: So, the principle still holds—the survival of the pack, the survival of society?

Answer: Yes.

Comment: Clearly, we have a lot to learn from wolves. We need to do something to improve ourselves. We must think about the organization of our society, how to rebuild it to make it healthier and what kind of upbringing programs to take on for our children, our grandchildren, for the next generation.

This means looking several generations ahead of us. And we must change the order of society for their sake.
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From KabTV’s “News with Dr. Michael Laitman” 11/30/23

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American Universities Promote Freedom of Antisemitism

448.9Comment: These days, only an indifferent person avoids talking about American antisemitism, about what is happening at universities there, and so on. I would like to talk about it.

My Response: This was already happening 15 to 20 years ago when I was still visiting universities.

Comment: I know the foundation was laid and money was invested there. Significant sums of Arab money were invested in order to promote it. It amazes me that the script was written then for many years to come.

My Response: They understood what they were doing.

Question: They quietly invested money in universities and promoted this hatred. And now it has manifested itself very clearly.

We know Congress called for a meeting with the Presidents of three top universities: Harvard, Univeristy of Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

They were asked the same question over and over. Their video went viral on the Internet. They were asked: “Do calls for the genocide of Jews violate the code of conduct at your university?” It was the exact question: “Do calls for the genocide of Jews violate your university’s code of conduct? Yes or no?”

And they would not answer yes or no. They tried to avoid answering. Do you think they are afraid? Or is this antisemitism already deeply ingrained in them?

Answer: I think they are not just afraid, although there is also something to be afraid of, even physically.

Question: If they were defending the Jews, then they or their relatives would be threatened physically?

Answer: Yes, but there is nothing you can do about it anyway. This is the natural development of the world.

Question: So do you think it is already a part of them? And nothing can change it?

Answer: It will only change if the Jews change! So it is said in the Torah, so it is said everywhere, and so say the antisemites.

Comment: We see heroes always find an indirect path. And you say we need to sort things out within ourselves.

My Response: Why should we hate them? It all comes from above.

Comment: Well, they want us to disappear.

My Response: Then disappear in a spiritual sense in your attitude toward the world, toward yourself, and others. Rise to the level of giving, bestowing, and loving. And you will see how the world will change.

Question: Is this your call to the Jews now?

Answer: Yes.

Question: Specifically to the Jews? Will it continue until there is a revolution within the Jews themselves?

Answer: Yes.

Question: It seems we are now approaching this revolution after all?

Answer: I hope our people will be able to realize it, come to their senses, and turn around.
This is our task.

Question: At the same time, all three presidents of the three universities stated the need to protect free speech. Here is the phrase they used to hide behind—”freedom of speech.” What do you personally understand by this phrase? Is there a place for it?

Answer: We need to educate generations to the point where free speech in itself intentionally remains only in calls for rapprochement.

Question: Are these calls free speech? To be free to call for rapprochement?

Answer: Yes and everything else will just disappear.

Question: Well of course, for now it means something else—saying what you want, whatever comes into your head, and calling it free speech. You do not call this free speech?

Answer: No.

Question: What do you think it is? Saying whatever they think?

Answer: Considering the nature of man, this is just propaganda of hatred, mutual rejection, and calls for mutual destruction.

Question: Is that because we are in such a state today? Is this what comes out of us? What then is freedom of speech?

Answer: Free speech can only be called as such when it promotes mutual dependence and rapprochement.
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From KabTV’s “News with Dr. Michael Laitman” 12/11/23

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The Spiritual Treasury

212We have been lost in the terrible desert along with all of humanity, and now we have found a great, abundant treasure, namely the books of Kabbalah in the treasure (Baal HaSulam “The Last Generation”).

Why does Baal HaSulam call Kabbalistic books a treasury? The fact is that all Kabbalistic books describe the origin of man, our Earth, and human society—where it should move, based on what laws it exists, and how it can change itself in nature and nature to suit itself.

All this applies to Kabbalah, and even more so if we are talking about the last generation. After all, we are talking about a state we must reach in the future.

The information contained in the book shows humanity how it should exist. In this way it can ensure its good development for many, many years until it reaches the highest stage of its development as the last generation.
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From KabTV’s “Era of the Last Generation” 2/4/24

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Eternal State

214Question: You say that people treat each other poorly, don’t help each other, etc. What is the right way to behave?

Answer: Until you see the entire system of creation as a whole, nothing will help. You must see it! At the very least, try to conceptualize it according to scientists’ opinions.

Suppose you don’t see a radiation field, but you fear it: “What if I am being exposed to radiation?” It’s the same here. This needs to be taught.

This is the basis for the integral upbringing and education that we are developing for everyone in the world, so that people understand that they are in one integral sphere and completely depend on each other. Each one defines the others and thereby determine their own state.

This is an eternal nature, not something temporary, to say, “Okay, I’ve lived like this, and I’ll die like this, that’s how I am.” No, this is an eternal state, and you cannot escape from it. And you, in addition to this state, appear in your animal body, and it dies, appears, and dies. But you are forever included in this sphere, in this communication among everyone, as its special element, as a part of the system called “Adam.”
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From KabTV’s “I Got a Call. Effective Transaction of Wisdom” 12/28/11

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On the Way to Harmony

963.4We cannot move forward without blows that must pass over us! The whole problem is in what kind of blows they will be and at what level; will it be on a gross animal, material, sensory, or mental level.

These blows can be small and targeted, that follow one another and accurately correct me like a rocket moving through a tracking system. So-so-so—the pulse system works and leads me forward all the time.

Or these can be big blows that hit me on one cheek, then on the other cheek, and I do not know where to go.

It all depends on the threshold of sensitivity of the evil in me. I can feel it so subtly that I experience a correction a hundred times a minute and move forward in a smooth way without deviating far from the course. So-so-so—around a straight axis that leads me to the goal without deviating for kilometers to the side, and then, boom: “I made a mistake. Get back on course!”—and so on.

Therefore, we must do our best to spread the knowledge of Kabbalah so that people see that they have nothing else in their hands and begin to master it. They must understand that there is no other way out. We need to come to harmony with the world around us.
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From KabTV’s “I Got a Call. What to Do in the Moment of a Disaster?“ 1/2/12

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Are We Fighting to the Death or to Victory?

962.2Question: A man is walking through the market, and a dealer in fighting roosters shouts to him: “Buy my rooster, he fights to the death.”

“Why do I need a rooster that fights to death? I need one who fights to win,” the buyer replies.

Basically our whole life is full of fighting: small and big fights and so on. Are we fighting to the death or to victory after all?

Answer: If we only knew. The most important thing for us is to understand what is required of us.

Question: So by and large we don’t know the purpose?

Answer: No, we don’t know.

Question: Then how should we conduct these battles? Let it be our cockfights, but how should we conduct them?

Answer: We just need to imagine what we want to win, what will happen when we, we or our rivals, enemies, win. It is only going to get worse. Along the way, we will destroy many of both. As a result, there will be devastated countries, people killed, and so on.

Question: Is this a victory or defeat?

Answer: Whether it will be a victory, I do not know.

Question: So often, and maybe even almost always, our victories turn out to be our defeats?

Answer: Yes.

Question: So, what will turn out to be a victory then?

Answer: When we realize that we need to get closer, connect, and put things in order together in ourselves and in the world around us.

Question: Without capturing anyone or anything? Without threatening anyone?

Answer: No, those who capture usually lose.

Question: Do we defeat ourselves with this?

Answer: Yes, victory is a victory over oneself.

Question: Can we say that every moment in life is a fight?

Answer: Yes.

Question: You once said that every day, every moment, should be spent as if it were the last.

Answer: Yes. A person should be aware of how long he has to live, whether he will live to the end of the day or not. What will happen if he does not live; with what calculation he will leave this world? That is the way you have to live.

Comment: Usually a person does not ask such a question.

My Response: But it is not clear why. After all, for all of us there is the beginning of the day and the end of the day. So why can’t there be a beginning of life and an end of life.

Question: Now, in a moment? Do I really have to keep this up all the time? It’s impossible to live like this!

Answer: On the contrary, it is very good.

Question: I should think about what I will do because at the end of the day it is not known what will happen to me?

Answer: Yes, everyone can do it. You just need to train a person to look at it normally, and then he can do a lot of useful things in his life.

Question: And what conclusions do you think he will draw then: How am I going to live this day if it’s going to be my last?

Answer: Think about your attitude to everyone, to the world in such a way as to leave a good impression of yourself in the world.

Question: What does a good impression mean to the world?

Answer: To do as much good in the world as possible.

Question: What is the benefit to the world?

Answer: The benefit to the world is the good connection between people that remains after you.
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From KabTV’s “News with Dr. Michael Laitman” 1/4/24

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Call Forth Streams Of Goodness

235We exist in a single system, and when we communicate, even just physically without understanding anything else, we still make some inclusions in this system. Constantly!

The only problem is that, usually, our connections with each other are harmful, destructive, and egoistic. We do not help each other become active, useful elements, that cause good flows in the system that would pass through us to others.

To the extent that we cause flows of goodness to others, to that extent they flow through you. People do not understand this, and when they think evil about others, they attract evil to themselves. They include themselves in an actively negative element, and all evil goes through them to others.

Such people seem to succeed in something, but they only cause harm. To feel this, we must feel the system at least a little.

Even based on the purely speculative idea that we are in an integral system, that we are its private parts that pass through flows of information and feelings, we can conclude that we know about the universe, about us, and about the global world in which we exist.

We know hundreds of scientists’ opinions on this topic that have revealed this at the biological, geological, and zoological level, from Vernadsky to the present day.

But humanity is simply spoiling the vast, kind, revitalizing environment we find ourselves in. We do the same with our spiritual sphere as we defile the globe in its pristine goodness, health, and perfection.

If a person understood what he was doing, he would remain silent and give out only such thoughts, words, and desires that move toward the goal—the complete, apparent unification of humanity in a good way.
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From KabTV’s “I Got A Call. Effective Wisdom Transfer” 12/28/11

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What The Mind Does Not Do…

294.2Question: We see wars, suffering, and natural disasters worldwide. Is it possible to say that so far humanity has not chosen the path of Achishena (hastening)?

Answer: Yes, humanity has not chosen the path of hastening (Achishena). It should have, but it did not.

It is said, “What the mind does not do, time does.” Therefore, we must continue to try to reveal the Creator, reveal ourselves, and wish for better times.
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From the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 2/13/24, Writings of Baal HaSulam “Rewarded—I Will Hasten It”

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