Changing the Future

Changing the FutureQuestion for ML: The Bible is one of the most mysterious books in the world, and people have always looked to find hidden meaning in it. Many believe that the texts of the Old Testament contain hidden information about the entire history of humankind. And supposedly, they find evidence to back up this belief. But if the Sacred Writings really do contain forecasts for the future, is it then inevitable?

My Answer: I wouldn’t say that secrets don’t exist, because they do! However, they exist only for those who are able to discover them ON THEIR OWN. There are no other secrets or tricks of any kind! Nothing just suddenly gets revealed. It has been preplanned for you to discover through your own efforts.

I’ve already talked about some of these discoveries. For instance, in a printed book of Kabbalah, one suddenly starts seeing additional words printed between the words and lines. They weren’t actually printed, but appeared because the reader prepared himself for their revelation. Moreover, they became revealed only to that particular reader… Another instance is that one starts seeing, seemingly with one’s eyes, not a person, but the essence of a person in a form on the animate or vegetative level… Or, instead of seeing people and other objects, like everyone else, you see only the forces controlling them.

Nothing written there is absolute. It simply explains what the future will be like if we don’t interfere with, and moderate, the compelling forces of nature. This is why prophecies seem so frightening. However, through our actions, we can fundamentally change their materialization in our world.

Israel Isn’t What You Think It Is

Dr. Michael LaitmanQuestion: Michael! As far as I understand, God’s decree to come to know yourselves only applies to the people of Israel? Here’s the quote: “This means that every man from the nation of Israel is guaranteed to ultimately acquire all the wonderful attainments with which the Creator intended to please every creature in the Thought of Creation.” Why then are you preaching Kabbalah around the world? Am I missing something?

Answer: After the exile from the spiritual level (which happened in the beginning of our era), when Kabbalists attained the Light and mixed with the nations of the world over a period of two thousand years, the sparks of that Light, which was present only in the souls of Kabbalists, have also spread into the souls of the nations of the world, as it is said: “Israel has gone into exile so as to unite with the souls of the nations of the world.” This mixing takes place through existence on the egoistic level, which is common for all nations, and not through mixed marriage as some may think.

Today, this mixing of egoism and the sparks has been completed, and all that’s left for us to do is correct the egoism of every person who has a spark of Light, and ascend to the level of the Creator. This happens gradually, in those who already ask themselves the question about the meaning of life. These are the ones called “Israel,” which stems from the words “Yashar” – straight, and “El” – the Creator, that is, “Straight to the Creator,” according to their aspiration. Obviously this no longer has anything to do with nationality.

Concentrate on Intentions, Not on Physical Actions

Concentrate on Intentions, Not on Physical ActionsQuestion for ML: Does sexual pleasure slow down one’s spiritual development? Should one reject sexual pleasure? Do these rejections lead to questions of “who” and “what”? I know that the Light that returns one to the source does everything, but do these kinds of games help with advancement in any way?

My Answer: The WHO and WHAT questions stem from egoism and are directed toward the Creator: who are you and what is this work you have given me? It is said that only the Light corrects, and it only corrects to the extent of the intention. All other restrictions only get one confused. Concentrate on intentions, on analyzing your desires, and not on physical actions. This is with the exception of moments when you are no longer able to think and direct yourself, in which case physical actions (such as singing, dancing, meals with friends) can pull you out of such lifeless states.

A Hassidic proverb (back when Hassidic Jews were still Kabbalists): Once when Rabbi Elimelech from Lizhensk said that fasting was no longer a service, he was asked: “Didn’t Baal Shem Tov fast often?” Rabbi Elimelech answered: “When Baal Shem Tov was young, he would usually take six breads and a pitcher of water at the conclusion of Shabbat and retire for the entire week. On Friday, when he was preparing to go home, he would lift his bag and, as he noticed its weight, he would open it and find all six breads untouched. It would always surprise him. Only this type of fasting can be considered real fasting!”