Question: In Kabbalah, working against one’s desire is considered the most effective method. But if a person constantly goes against his desires, he may not endure the process. Either you ride the wave and flow with it, or you go against your desire. Which is more effective?

Answer: If I want to be overweight, but the environment around me obligates me to be slim, meaning they bully me and laugh at me from all sides, eventually, I will be forced to lose weight. Slimming down will become desirable for me.

The environment can change me so profoundly that I will act against my desires according to the will of the environment, and I will even take pleasure in it. The opinion of the surrounding environment will outweigh my original personal opinion. That is how we are built.

This is why a person is initially placed in an environment of their peers. If they properly organize this environment in relation to themselves so that it educates them and provides clear guidance toward the goal, then there will be no difficulty in progressing toward that goal even by limiting, compelling, or forcing themselves to do anything. They will feel perfection, power, and enjoyment in fulfilling the will of the environment.
[339579]
From KabTV’s “I Got A Call. How to lose weight?” 4/19/10

Related Material:
A Person Is An Imprint Of The Surrounding Society
Desires Are Determined By The Environment
The Environment Determines Fate

Filed under: Free Will, Q&A, Spiritual Work | Add Comment →