In the beginning, the spiritual path seems pleasant, attractive, and inviting; it promises extraordinary attainments, revelations, and spiritual elevation. But then we begin to understand the price we must pay for all this and what is required of us to bring ourselves in line with the spiritual level. Thus, the path becomes increasingly difficult, no longer so appealing, but rather repelling, confusing, and even humiliating.

This is the period symbolized by Maror (bitter herbs). And in truth, it is not easy to go through it because it is like searching for a goal in complete darkness, struggling through dangerous paths and narrow bridges, and climbing a mountain toward the King’s palace. Reaching it seems as likely as shooting a tiny coin from a great distance.

That is why we must sharpen our perception and get used to a new state by rising through faith above reason to a new sense. The only thing that can help here is strengthening the greatness of the goal and the greatness of the Creator.

Otherwise, the spiritual goal loses its significance for our egoistic desire. We see how many who are unable to cultivate and develop the sense of the importance of the spiritual goal above all the darkness and hardship leave this path.

“Only heroes,” as Baal HaSulam writes, attain the goal by seeing no other choice before them and thanks to Arvut (mutual guarantee). This is the time of bitter Maror. Only those who establish themselves correctly will develop a new system called “faith” inside them and will begin to work in bestowal, detached from their egoism. They will escape from exile and step into the land flowing with milk and honey.
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From Daily Kabbalah Lesson on 3/22/18, Writings of Rabash “What Is, If He Swallows the Bitter Herb, He Will Not Come Out, in the Work?”

Related Material:
“Don’t Swallow Maror Without Chewing It”
The Contrast Between Black And White
Pesach, Matzah, And Bitter Herb

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