Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 201

How Is the Correction of Bestowal Carried Out in This World?

When we discuss bestowal, we do not mean that we should go and help in a hospital or in some remote place where there are unfortunate people. In this world, we should not bestow simply because the Creator made it flawed and filled it with suffering. This is an incorrect way to relate to reality. Instead, this world should be viewed as a means through which we develop our relationship with the Creator.

If we help others improve their lives, we act like social workers. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is not the spiritual goal that we ultimately need to reach. The Creator intentionally arranged things this way, deliberately creating difficulties, and we are meant to use them in order to reach Him. Only through our yearning for the Creator does true correction come to human suffering.

At times, it might seem as if our good deeds toward others can bring them benefit, but in truth, ultimately it does not help; it might even worsen their state. Attempts to externally fix another person’s life do not lead to real correction. The same applies to punishments. Placing someone in prison often results in their becoming more sophisticated in wrongdoing instead of becoming corrected. Likewise, simply providing material support, such as filling someone’s refrigerator or wallet, does not truly improve the life of the recipient of that support, nor does it bring them lasting happiness. Even winning the lottery, which many dream of, does not bring real fulfillment.

In other words, the correction of bestowal is not merely about our outward attitude toward others. Instead, it is about correcting our relationship with the Creator. Only this can truly benefit others, because the Creator influences everything in reality. Everything descends from Him. Therefore, if we want to change the state of this world, we must change what comes to us from the Creator.

This can only be done when we bestow to the Creator. To the extent that we bestow goodness toward Him, the need for the world to appear in a negative form diminishes.

Related Material:
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 200
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 199
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 198

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