Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 58

Why Does it Seem that After Effort, Instead of Progressing, We Regress?

If we invest effort and feel that we regress, it indicates that we are undergoing the revelation of a new vessel. When does it seem that we are “going backward”? It is when there is a revelation of an empty vessel. This takes place when entering the left line, revealing a new vessel, or experiencing new Achoraim (the posterior side of the next spiritual degree). This is actually progress even though it feels negative; it is increased emptiness that will later be filled with corrections and light.

In such a state, we are in the left line and will later move to the right. The alternation of left and right creates what is called “descents and ascents.” However, these are not truly descents and ascents, but are two phases of correction. Such is the process of advancement—left, right, left, right. In the left, we feel empty and perceive ourselves as regressing. And indeed, we do go backward, away from spirituality. We are brought down to collect lower vessels, which indicates that we are ready to correct even those vessels.

Therefore, if we are experienced in spiritual work, we rejoice when feeling despair, confusion, or disarray. We are glad for these states of confusion and dispersion, as these feelings signal the addition of new vessels.

Related Material:
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 57
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 56
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 55

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