Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 101

Chapter 10 Movement and Rest

Effort takes place when we feel an ascent and we utilize it to the fullest extent to intensify the sensation, to increase awareness, and to deepen our understanding of spirituality. This is how we strengthen our grasp on spirituality through using all available means. When we are given even the slightest opportunity from above, we need to exert our own effort.

During a descent, it is difficult to make an effort, and during an ascent, we do not exert effort by our own strength. Instead, we are given an ascent, and so we receive an awakening. If we are not given an ascent, then we do not receive an awakening. So what do we contribute from ourselves? It is not about the amount of effort, but the opportunities available to us. When we are in a state of ascent, we have the opportunity to cling tightly and hold onto spiritual discernments with all of our might, to penetrate them and recognize them more deeply. We need to immerse ourselves in these discernments as much as possible so that even if a descent takes place, even though we strive never to have one, we will carry Reshimot (spiritual records, impressions) with us and an understanding that is already at a different level than before.

In other words, a window is opened for us, and the extent to which we delve into it depends on us. Therefore, all the work takes place during the ascent. During a descent, sometimes we must simply sink, “lie on the ocean floor” and wait, just as one simply waits in a submarine when something unclear happens.

Confusion usually arises when we transition from one degree to another. During this transition, we lose the understanding we had on the previous level, but we have not yet acquired a new understanding from the next level. This is why we feel confused and have no idea what is happening to us.

In such situations, there is nothing to do but restrain ourselves. When a real descent takes place, we need to protect ourselves as much as possible by remaining within the framework on the still level. But during an ascent, we must increase our own effort and really step on the gas.

Related Material:
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 100
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 99
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 98

Filed under: Talks about the Steps of the Ladder | Add Comment →