Question: Why does spiritual advancement always come through feeling a greater burden, although we work in the group and on fulfilling the method?

Answer: How can you advance if you don’t feel a greater burden, if you don’t have the ego, if you don’t feel that you must correct something? How will you ascend? Where is the mass that you must correct, the mass of which you must sculpt your form that is similar to the Creator?

This means that the ego that was given to us at birth and that grows on every level is the matter from which we form the soul. The soul is the same ego that is made in a form that resembles the Creator. If instead of swallowing everything into the ego, I try to pass the upper Light through me to everyone else, the ego becomes spiritual matter, a Masach (screen) and the Reflected Light. It is then that the soul is formed from it. We learn about this in the “Preface to the Wisdom of Kabbalah” and in Talmud Eser Sefirot.

The Creator created desire so that we can work with it correctly. The desire falls into the egoistic intention. By changing the intention to the opposite, altruistic, intention with the help of the Light, we use this desire in order to bestow. It must constantly develop in us so we ascend all the time and become more similar to the Creator. So, without the constant “falls” into the ego and the corrections that follow them, we cannot ascend.

Just as we walk on two legs, stepping alternately on the left foot and on the right foot, there is also an action and an opposite action in our work. It cannot be any other way in our world. It is because the one force and the other force can only be opposite to Him. How can it be made similar to the Creator, meaning to bring the created being to a state to which it is on the same level, of the same status, as the Creator? This is why the created being was created from matter that acquires the Creator’s form, His image, from the form opposite to Him. A person’s descent is the same as an ascent; it is already the embryo of the next level.
[105849]
From the Virtual Lesson 4/21/13

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Baal HaSulam, “Introduction to The Book of Zohar,” Item 45: And that Light of Nefesh is called “the Light of the holy still in the world Assiya.” This is because it corresponds to the purity of the still part of the will to receive in man’s body. It shines in spirituality like the still category in corporeality (see Item 35), whose particles have no individual motion, but only collective motion, common to all the items equally. So it is with the Light of Partzuf Nefesh of Assiya: Although there are six hundred and thirteen organs in it, …these changes are not apparent in it, but only a general Light, whose action enfolds them all equally, without distinction of details.

The still level is willing to give up its desire and to be under the Masach and restriction, in darkness, in concealment. It’s as if it doesn’t exist at all, holding on to one thing only: adhesion to the Creator, adhesion that it is capable of, meaning minimal one.

Above this state there are the levels of active self-annulment before the Creator that the still level cannot implement. However, it’s capable of passive adhesion within the limits of its abilities, and it’s not after self-benefit in any way.

As we all know, there is a wide variety of different forms on the still level: from the simplest forms to the most complex ones, like corals that are the link between the still and the vegetative levels. There is a difference between gold and diamonds, a diamond is different than copper…. Moreover, the vegetative level belongs to the soil, in which the plants grow. Where do all the differences between these forms of matter come from? The difference is in the levels of Aviut (thickness), in the “layers” of the desire, which one has to give up in order to stay in adhesion with the Creator.

This is how the pyramid of matter is built in our world: There is no shortage of “gravel,” but there are few “diamonds.” Coal burnt in power stations and diamonds are actually made of the same material, but they differ in quality. The difference is in the desire to receive of the still level, and when we relinquish it, we adhere to the Creator on a minimal level.

It’s not a simple level in any way, and it begins from self-restraint, self-annulment, restriction. This is the quality of the first spiritual level.

Question: The still level also develops and evolves in our world. How does that go along with absolute self-annulment?

Answer: Evolution occurs as a result of an external force and not from within. On the whole, the still level “lives” its life. The atoms, molecules, the crystals, and the special vibrations—the whole universe is in continuous motion. “Still” doesn’t mean “balanced.” The ultimate balance is achieved only at the end of correction.

In the meantime, the imbalance evokes movement in the still matter: It doesn’t grow, but it “holds on” to the stable state, according to the program of self-preservation. Thus, the movements and changes on the still level are meant to keep it on the still level.

Take the example of radioactive radiation, which certain matter needs in order to remain static. The wind blows, volcanoes erupt, and the still nature needs all that in order to be more balanced and preserve itself on a level that is as still as possible. The action in this case is not in accordance with its goal.

Question: Is there “recognition of evil” on the still level?

Answer: In the still level of the spiritual world there is everything. It’s a whole unique plan, part of Malchut of Infinity. Everything happens and develops from here. Without the still nature there would be nothing; it’s the basis for everything. Everything that happens on the next levels, the vegetative, animate, and speaking, happens thanks to the special connections of the still elements.

Life itself is built on the contact between still parts. They cannot connect independently, but a force comes from Above, and thanks to this addition, a collection of separate materials becomes a metabolism that we call “life.” Similarly, an addition of Light creates the animate level above the vegetative level and the speaking level above the animate level.

Question: What is the main condition for the ascent from the still to the vegetative level?

Answer: A person ends his development in all the 613 desires of the still level, covers them by restriction, by annulment, and remains in adhesion. It’s just like a drop of semen adheres to the mother’s womb while on the still level.

In this state you are ready for the Creator to join you and to perform a “surgery” on you, which we call “the transition to the vegetative level.” Additional Light is necessary for that, and it’s very hard to bear: “Do anything but not that…” In order to receive this additional Light and to enter spiritual life, you have to relinquish yourself, to rise above the concepts of life and death that we can imagine today, and to start a new life that is totally disconnected from you.

Question: So does the original matter that the Creator created remain the same, and what determines everything is the additional Light, an additional bestowal? Is the level of development higher if there is more bestowal? Do we have to summon the Light consciously and willingly on the speaking level?

Answer: This is called raising a request for correction (MAN). This is the only thing we lack. I am ready for the Creator to “operate” on me, I agree to that and I want it. He simply carries out my desire so that I will adhere to Him.

Question: Do we want to enter our first level, the still level during the convention this coming weekend?

Answer: You will not be able to enter the still level with regards to the Creator if you don’t do that with regards to the friend. No way. I repeat, the main thing here is self-annulment.

Then, on the vegetative level we will rise even higher and will learn to annul ourselves in motion. For example, on the still level I annul myself before the friends a “thousand dollars’ worth” and hold on to this standard, and on the vegetative level I gradually add to it.
[105654]
From the 4^th part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 4/21/13, “The Introduction to The Book of Zohar”

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Question: What does it mean to “put oneself completely into the hands of the environment”?

Answer: It means to feel, to realize that my future is bound up in the group. I have to establish relations with the friends, I have to integrate in them. Whether they want it or not, I have to be inside, at the very center, and that’s it. I have to dissolve among them, and even if they don’t feel that, it does not matter. I have to be like an embryo in the womb, a baby in their hands—in any way and at any cost that they will ask. There is no question about a price: Whatever they tell me, I will do.

Thus, I am beginning to realize what self-annulment is. And this teaches me how to reach the point of Machsom.
[105951]
From the 4th part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 4/22/13, Writings of Baal HaSulam “The Mutual Guarantee”

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Baal HaSulam, “The Arvut (Mutual Guarantee)”: “When all of Israel became responsible for one another.” [In other words, each individual is completed by others.] “Because the Torah was not given to them before each and every one from Israel was asked if he agreed to take upon himself the precept of loving others in the full measure, expressed in the words: “Love thy friend as thyself.”

Here we see the description of the situation when everyone feels that the main question surfaces in him. Everyone asks himself: “Do I really agree to love the other?”

This is a principal question and it determines my whole life. After all, I don’t want to go on living in this “interest club”; I am here in order to attain something. I’m here all the time, and put a lot of money and energy into it, although I could succeed in many other areas. In fact, there are many very talented people here who can have everything the world can offer, but they have given up the rewards of this world, and sit in the lessons motionless. Is that right? Is this the way one should live his life?

So, we have to ask this question about love persistently: “When will it finally surface?” “When will the need of loving the other as myself grab me by the throat?” Why do I need to analyze the current situation as to how much I love myself now and how I relate to others?

After all, I see myself as part of the nation of Israel, which means those who want to reach Yashar-El (straight to the Creator), to be similar to Him by actions of bestowal. This is the only way we can reach adhesion with Him, which is the purpose of creation. What can I give Him? The only chance I have to learn the attribute of bestowal from Him is to be like Him in my attitude to others. I have to discover that He loves everyone and bestows upon them. Then by operating in the same way towards others, I become like Him, I am in adhesion with Him, and I evince Him in my action that realizes the love of others.

This means that each and every one in Israel would take it upon himself to care and work for each member of the nation, and to satisfy all their every needs, no less than the measure imprinted in him to care for his own needs.

This is already the measure of my attitude towards the friend: to care for him as much as I care for myself. It’s similar to how a mother constantly worries about her baby. Until I reach that, I don’t fulfill the goal of Israel, don’t have the minimal equivalence of form with the Creator, and I remain on the “animate” level. But if I care about others more than about myself, I am called “human.”

Question: What is the “nation of Israel”?

Answer: These are people who have to reach adhesion with the Creator. Practically, I identify them by their ability to act mutually, to make mutual efforts. With whom can I stand before Mount Sinai? With all due respect, it isn’t with members of parliament and not with my neighbors, but with people who understand me and who are ready to step forward with me on the path of mutual concessions and mutual connection in order to discover the upper force in it and to bring Him contentment. They are my “nation” for the time being.

Later this concept will expand and envelop the whole world.
[105713]
From the 4^th part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 4/22/13, Writings of Baal HaSulam “The Arvut (The Mutual Guarantee)”

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Baal HaSulam, Talmud Eser Sefirot (The Study of the Ten Sefirot) Part 1, “Inner Reflection,” Item 12: It is said: “He is One and His Name is One.” “His name” stands for Malchut of the World of Infinity, i.e., of the desire to receive, an inseparable organic part of the reality that was originally included in the thought of creation.

The Light descends through five phases: from phase zero to phase four (Malchut of the world of Infinity). This process can be presented either as a sequential progression or in the form of concentric circles. In either case, the main thing is the progress. With each step, revelation of the Light becomes more intense, the desire manifests and gets clarified more, it feels and attains more.

As a result, the fourth phase receives the Light of Infinity without limitations. In other words, the creature wants to receive all of the Light not restricted by anything at all, neither by shortage nor by excess  It’s an ideal state that can be described as giving a glass of water to a thirsty man. One glass is exactly what he needs to satisfy his thirst, not more and not less. The amount of water is precisely sufficient to satiate his thirst. There is nothing left, nor is there a need for more water.

This is what the Creator prepared for us: a permanent state of “Malchut of the world of Infinity,” which we have to attain at this time of our evolution. For that, our desire has to exactly match the Light and be accompanied by the corresponding intention, in unity, in perfect harmony.

In general, it’s about the process of establishing correct relationships between the Creator and the creature. It’s because the fourth phase senses everything that is going on with it; it feels that it receives the Light, it senses the Creator’s attitude. All of it is given for the creature with the exception of its own reaction to what is happening. The Creator gives the desire to receive everything that He originally conceived, completely fills it with feeling, attitude, and goodness. Having received all this, the fourth phase becomes closed in itself and starts developing on this basis as it now has all three necessary parameters:

• The desire to receive;
• The desire to please, meaning the Creator’s love and good attitude;
• The pleasure that fills it.

In other words, there is me who strives to receive, there is the pleasure that I get, and there is a sensation of the loving Giver. These factors begin working inside me. If I didn’t feel the Creator’s love, I would simply keep enjoying myself without limits. However, love “spoils the whole thing”: Apparently, besides pleasure there is something that requires my response. It doesn’t “leave me alone,” and I begin the journey.
[104851]
From the 3rd part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 4/12/2013, TES

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Baal HaSulam, “The Arvut (Mutual Guarantee)”: This means that each and every one in Israel would take it upon himself to care and work for each member of the nation, and to satisfy all their every needs, no less than the measure imprinted in him to care for his own needs.

An approach like this sounds as something unrealistic. So in spite of all this, how is it possible to realize it? If this condition is already laid in creation, is means that whether we want this or not, we will have to fulfill it.

In general, there are many things that we do against our will, even if we sometimes naively suppose that we want it. But any intelligent person is able to discern what results from nature that arouses in us all kinds of drives, thoughts, and desires without asking for our opinion. We don’t decide about them beforehand, but rather we only discover them within ourselves post factum.

Today we already see that in the end, the system will oblige us to resemble it. Should we tremble in fear as if we are standing before the volcano eruption, something that cannot be prevented, and flee from it? Or can we do something in spite of all this?

Whatever the case, Kabbalists claim that we need mutual guarantee. And if we look at the whole world, we see that we probably won’t have other choice. If we begin to oppose this, we only arouse our entire ego and in the end, we will be finished with the entire earth. After all, nobody thinks that he is capable to truly unite. In our eyes this seems impossible; it is simply easier to die. But we won’t even be allowed to “get off” that easily….

So, if this condition is standing before us, it is a sign that we must learn how to realize it by way of hastening. It is already clear that this path will save us from sufferings that are worse than death since they are derived from something that I hate the most, something with which we are not prepared to agree.

And therefore it is necessary to consider all these seemingly unrealistic principles: loving one’s neighbor as yourself, mutual responsibility, brotherly love, and being as one man with one heart. After all, the solution is hidden here: It’s not merely a way to avoid troubles, to get off the path of suffering; rather, a surprising possibility is here—we didn’t even think that meanwhile, through love for another, the eternal world will be revealed to us.…
[105716]
From the 4^th part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 4/22/13, Writings of Baal HaSulam “The Mutual Guarantee”

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Question: A significant part of our internal work is to pretend that we are already in our next state. It’s extremely important for us. At the same time people are taken aback by stereotypes that it’s hypocritical and false. How do we work with this?

Answer: Please don’t work with it! For example, I look directly into your eyes and say: “Anatoly, I can’t  even imagine that I love you so very much!”

In other words, we pretend that we are already in our next state as children who play that they are adults and thus grow up. At the same time, we trigger powerful forces of integral and undivided nature that raises us according to the same principle as it raises children. By playing this game, we get closer to nature.

A child learns automatically like a little monkey: You do something and he “copycats” the same thing. Why can’t we act likewise?

Learn from nature! However, don’t pick up from the human or animate levels, but rather from the vegetative nature. At this phase, everything anticipates and aspires to the next state. That’s the reason plants grow. This is exactly how any live cell develops: by aspiring to its next state.

It happens because AHP of the upper one used to be in Galgalta ve Eynaim of the lower one—this is the way everything descended. That’s why when we aspire to the next state, we discover AHP inside our Galgalta ve Eynaim, that is, in our upper part we discern the higher state. That’s it! We don’t tune up to the upper one, but rather try to penetrate into it since it’s already inside us.

Question: Still, how do I relate to what we do if I see it as phony?

Answer: Treat it as a game. We are playing! We are actors! Can I press the button marked “Love” only because Rabash writes in his works that “everybody has to love, respect, and bow to the group, and feel it as something great”? It’s not for me. However, if I make an effort, it will trigger the Surrounding Light, that in its turn will instigate my next internal condition that is already present inside me, and now it starts replacing my current state. It’s a simple physical principle. There is no miracle here. We have to explain it to others on a larger scale.

We have no other choice. The Creator requires it from us through the world that He displays to us. We have to accept this challenge and respond to this unique opportunity granted to each of us. We have to take advantage of this chance, hold each other’s hands, get closer, hug, connect our hearts and brains, and thus break through to the next level of existence.

The upper world will disclose itself to us inside our unity. Let’s constantly keep it in mind, and then theoretical knowledge that we have been studying for so many years will be revealed in us. I hope to see you all at that level. Just try!
[104777]
From a Virtual Lesson on Fundamentals of Kabbalah 4/7/2013

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Question: Can I get the group’s response for my attempts to annul myself before the friends? Is there an indication that the work has been done?

Answer: You accept their opinions, desires, and thoughts, but at the same time you make a distinction and they don’t dominate you. You perceive their cumulative “image”—thought-desire-intention—and begin to sort out the data: What are the criteria according to which I judge myself and them? How do I connect the two parts, separate them, or put them together one on top of the other? According to what plan?

How can I fulfill my perception? How can I connect to the environment correctly? How can I be sure that the result of this clarification, of becoming equal to them in my thoughts, desires, and intentions I will not deceive and lie to myself? How can I be an expert, a true analyst, an “appraiser”? What tools do I have to measure things? After all, what’s important is that I should be neutral. Even if I see fraud, I should be as objective as I can with regards to the details.

So having no choice you need the Creator. Everything is before you except for one thing: You don’t know how to get started. You are not sure what angle you are looking at, you don’t understand what controls you, or what obligates you to come to certain judgements and not others…

This question about oneself is already a good sign. Although it’s an unpleasant situation and you feel confused, you don’t look outside anymore and don’t attribute any meaning to the external conditions, but rather, you turn your sight within, trying to examine your essence that determines all your thoughts, decisions, and your judgment.
[105659]
From the 4^th part to the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 4/21/13, “Introduction to The Book of Zohar”

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Question: How can we reach the innermost point from which we can rise above the ego? What is that point?

Answer: This point is my “Self.” What can be more precious to me in all of reality than my “Self”? We are still not aware of how extreme our selfishness, the egoistic tyranny, is. Nothing can compare to it.

Our mistake is that we usually compare and measure everything according to the physical, beastly, corporeal concepts of life and death. This drastically lowers our “expectations,” and often under the pressure of troubles a person is even ready to give up life, which seems worthless to him compared to his suffering. Many are ready to put an end to their lives because of the wrong standard, because of a “beastly” perspective on life.…

But if you measure your life with respect to eternity and wholeness, you cannot give it up. You cannot give it up since your true “Self” is hiding here, the most precious thing that you have, although you have not yet revealed it and have not compared it with the real standard, with eternal life, with the eternity and the power of the real creation and not with the corporeal life on the level of our world.

Question: Do I need a strong and secure environment into which I can “dive in” in order to give up my egoistic self?

Answer: We must understand that generally speaking, only the Light that comes from Above can help us here. In the meantime, we have not actually realized this and live in a lie, measuring everything with respect to corporeal life. When we begin to measure everything according to the spiritual standard, we will discover terrible depths, in which self-abnegation is utterly impossible.

Then you will see that the intervention of the upper force that is above you is necessary. You will finally understand that there is room for the upper authority.You will have such sensation for the first time, and this is already a new step along the way.
[105528]
From the 4^th part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 4/18/13, “Introduction to The Book of Zohar”

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Baal HaSulam, “The Peace”: He believes that this world is not like an open store without an owner, but that there is an owner present, a shopkeeper, who stands in his store and demands of each customer the right price for the merchandise he is taking from the store…

Such a person is regarded as one who wishes to borrow. Thus, even before he stretches his hand to take from this world, which is the store, he takes it as a loan, to pay its price. 

Question: What is this loan?

Answer: The loan is a collection of forces, thoughts, and actions, correctly arranged in order to bestow. This “individual order” is exactly what you have to do in your state. You are given all that is required, a complete package deal.

However, the trouble is that you already have left this state. You already want to “debit,” to steal part of this loan. Well, this happens in general. Some organization demands a budget for lofty purposes, and afterward they do business “on the side” instead.

I don’t accuse anyone; we only have to draw a conclusion from this. This is how a person is built. This is our nature, and this happens everywhere in the world, in every nation. It happens even when someone speaks enthusiastically, he’s sure that he is truly and simply handling the means at his disposal. However, a different desire comes along with a different usage. It is natural that when a person receives millions, his desires heat up.

Generally, theft and corruption are natural things; they always have existed. In the past, leaders didn’t need to take anyone into account and did what they wanted, but today some things emerge on the surface. This is even though we still don’t understand where to find the correction.

The problem is only a lack of an environment that will support and hold you in the right state. If the environment were strong enough, you would correctly use a loan, which comes in response to a request that has been approved. You are not guilty; you simply are not connected to the right environment, which would be the one thing that would maintain the right approach for you.

Therefore, it is first necessary to build the right environment. Without this, there is no chance. This is so even if a person submits a truly justified request and receives the means correctly. A number of years go by, and they discover that he has accounts abroad or secret real estate investments or something else. And we ourselves are to blame. We didn’t investigate all the conditions, not at the time the loan was approved, but at the time it was received.

On the other hand, in spirituality, there are no mistakes like these. If you don’t prepare the environment, then your request simply is not accepted. You can knock on the door all you want, but no one will open it for you.

Question: Which is to say, without friends who are guarantors for me, I cannot receive any loan?

Answer: Right, this is because you intend to realize it from the start with unsuitable conditions.

Question: Which is to say, my request for receiving a loan needs to pass through the group?

Answer: Yes. I want to help the friends so much, to unite them, to see them as one body that I must do something, and then, with this, I raise pain through the group. This is not talking merely about a “transition,” rather it is about absolute despair that rips me apart. I am like a mother who suffers because she cannot feed her children. I turn for help with this and then receive the loan.

However, this is not a loan on our terms. The Creator wants to help the friends himself. Therefore, this is speaking here about the Torah. I receive the Light that Reforms and the Light that fills the Kelim. I receive this on condition that I truly have a desire, an urge to bestow. I’m boiling up, but I don’t know what to do. And then everything will be arranged for me: I will be given the understanding, the Kelim, the means, and all that is required.

Question: So, how do I ask ? To whom do I turn?

Answer: This is my internal appeal. Not everyone is prepared to express the burning, inner love. Sometimes, it is the opposite. From the outside, it seems that it is contempt.

Love doesn’t burst out like lava from a volcano. It is the opposite. In accord with the spiritual source, it always comes with limitation, concealment, with covers and with modesty. Don’t expect hugs and kisses from the friends. The love burns within, and outside of us is a screen and the Reflected Light, which is to say, something completely opposite. After all, the screen with the Reflected Light are built above the egoistic desire, dark and gloomy to death. Therefore, love always is covered with modesty. The screen itself is concealment.

So, we return to the loan from the Creator. I receive the power to bestow to the group from Him. I help the friends, unite them so that they will join together wholeheartedly, and I feel that the Creator becomes revealed in the connection between them, with a laughing, happy face.

This is all the realization of the action. His powers act on me inside and out. By constructing the vessel, I see these forces when He is revealed. So, what did I do by myself? In sum, I prepared a place for this revelation.
[105545]
From the 4^th part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 4/19/13, “The Peace”

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