States of descent or ascent are not defined by whether I feel good or bad at the moment. If I have thoughts about the Creator, even in the most difficult state, then spiritually this is regarded as a “good” state. A descent, however, is a state in which a person loses connection with the Creator.

Maintaining connection with the Creator, holding a thought of Him even during an unbearably difficult state, is preferable to losing that connection in the most favorable state. Here we must make tremendous efforts to correctly distinguish between what constitutes a descent and what constitutes a spiritual ascent.

At any moment when the Creator reminds us of His presence, no matter how He does it, we must thank the Creator for it. The reminder may come in the form of a blow or through extremely difficult situations.

Conversely, as soon as we lose our connection with the divine, animalistic pleasures or everyday concerns distract us from thoughts of spirituality. We become confused and forget that it is precisely the Creator who sends us all these situations and problems; this is what we call a descent. Thus, a state of spiritual descent or ascent is not determined by our animate senses as a feeling of bitter or sweet, but by whether it is truth or falsehood.

Therefore, it is very difficult for us to become accustomed to this kind of discernment. But when a person examines his states in this way, he begins to analyze them in a new light.

By evaluating them according to the principle of “truth or falsehood,” one assesses their state according to only one criterion: Is it beneficial for my spiritual advancement? This discernment is made independently from sensory perception. Then, as a person becomes truly ready for it, doubts arise once again: should I turn to the Creator or attempt to do something myself?

If I turn to the Creator when I am capable of doing something myself, then it will be an artificial request. Rabash gives the following example: a little boy is crying in the street, and hardly anyone pays attention to him. After all, he is still a child and cries over trifles. But when a grown man is weeping, it is taken seriously.

Similarly, a person carrying a heavy load that is about to fall and asks for help is helped immediately. But if he cries out, “Help!” for no particular reason, and everyone sees that there is nothing serious happening, no one will even pay attention to him.
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From the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 6/23/26, Rabash, “What Is the Importance of the Groom, that His Iniquities Are Forgiven?”

Related Material:
Descent Is Disconnection from the Creator
If There Is a Connection with the Creator
Introduce the Creator into the Picture of the World

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