The Difference Between Art And Bestowal
Two questions I received on the arts and spirituality:
Question: In a previous blog entry, in response to the question of whether works of art are spiritual, you said: “All art was brought about by man’s desire to express himself, or in other words, by the desire for glory, to stand out, to prove something (even if it’s to himself), to express his way of seeing things.”
But you have also said that “A desire cannot be bad if it is accompanied by the intention to bestow.”
My Answer: In order to acquire an intention of bestowal, a person has to study Kabbalah for at least three years. Then, as a result of the Upper Light’s influence, the quality of bestowal will appear within him. There is no other means to correct your original egoistic intention and transform it into a spiritual one.
Question: An actor is connected with the audience and they understand each other. He gives fully of himself to them, and in return receives applause (fulfillment). The audience applauds with great emotion, giving all of their feelings to the actor, and in return they receive fulfillment from his performance. It is a mutual, yet egoistic connection. Should our adhesion with the Creator be something like this?
My Answer: In the example above you’re exchanging different types of pleasure. However, when it comes to the Creator, you must become similar to Him through the quality of bestowal, and this will determine the degree of your connection with Him.
Related Material:
Laitman.com Post: Kabbalah Compared to the Arts
Lesson on the Shamati Article: “What Does It Mean That the Creator Hate Bodies In the Work?”
Article: “One Law” – Lesson 1
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In bestowal one is assuming I would know what the creator or source would do or want. Seem to me that is were a lot of the world’s wars and problems come from people thinking they know what would say or do.