Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 243

What Does It Mean to Build an Inner and Outer System?

An inner system and an outer system need to be built so that our highest thought will be that we are connected with the Creator in every action, thought, and desire within us. How is this done? Through a thought, a desire, an action, or an activity on any level whatsoever.

How can we maintain this all the time? It is very difficult but possible only after the Creator illuminates it for us. However, we can aspire to remain in it constantly, and this is called giving the measure of exertion required by the Creator in order to open our eyes so that we may see Him. How can these exercises be practiced as frequently as possible? How can we return to the connection the very moment it disappears, without wasting time? For this purpose, both inner and outer preparation are necessary.

Inner preparation is constant reflection on this, to the extent that we are capable. Inner preparation is a kind of internal exercise. Outer preparation is to ensure that there are various signs around us that remind us whenever the connection has been severed. Every few minutes, there should be some kind of “gong,” something that awakens and shakes us, reminding us of this. The problem is that we are built in such a way that if we hear a gong every few minutes, we begin to ignore it and eventually no longer hear it. We forget what that gong was supposed to remind us of.

It is exactly like reading an article impatiently, wanting to move on. The reason for reading the article is forgotten. We need to constantly create signs for ourselves, seek supports (which is called giving the measure of exertion), that will return us to the point of connection with the Creator through some external sign.

Inner and outer practice enable us to reach the required measure of exertion. Through these repeated entries into the connection with the Creator, through returning again and again to that point, in all kinds of thoughts, actions, and desires, in all kinds of ways, we continually press on that point. On page 70 of the book Pri Hacham—Letters, this is called desiring the same woman, in the same place, at the same time, until time itself brings the person Kedusha (holiness). That is, until it is opened to him and he enters spirituality.

The message that Baal HaSulam conveys there is that we should revolve around this point all day and all night. He writes there that a person desires connection with the Creator the way a lustful man desires only that love, and is blind to everything else. All of Baal HaSulam’s examples are taken from physical, animalistic life because they teach us from the plane on which we currently exist.

Related Material:
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 242
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 241
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 240

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