Question: Do we need to acquire some special Masachim (screens) and overcome ourselves in order to reach the spiritual state of greatness (Gadlut)?

Answer: Suppose I live in human society and discover that everyone needs a certain food product. By a twist of luck, I am the only one who can produce it and to provide it for everyone.

I feel everyone’s general need. The desires of billions of people are now felt in me together with their filling! That is, I feel that everyone will enjoy what I am going to give them. The immense desire and filling enable me to feel the “newborn,” meaning the next stage in the development of this state.

How can I resist the temptation and not enjoy this immense pleasure by myself? After all, I took this desire and made it my own. We don’t understand now what a connection with others is, when by connecting with them, I take their desire and turn it into mine. It is like a mother who gives her child a spoonful of food and enjoys when he swallows it. She actually feels this pleasure physically. She receives because he does.

So there is a great danger that I will begin to enjoy egotistically. After all, I have received great desires and I am going to receive great pleasures. I have to create a screen (Masach) over the desire of others, which I have attached to myself and turned into my AHP.

Now I work in order to fill these desires. I perform a union with the upper Light (Zivug de Hakaa) within me, as if it is my desire and also my pleasure. When I receive all the filling in my vessel with the intention to bestow, I am ready to pass on the filling to the lower ones. This means that first I perform the correction for them, and then I fill them.

It says that “an older son receives twice.” It means that the upper one works with the desires of the lower one, which he perceives as his own and values them even more than his own.

There is an extra coarseness (Aviut) in these desires because when he later fills the lower ones, he receives a pleasure that is “620” times greater than their pleasure, just like a mother in relation to her child. Imagine how he enjoys the food and how she enjoys the fact that she has fed him. And for all of this we need a screen.…

This is why the depth of the desire revealed in AHP is so great. To achieve this depth, one needs to cut off the “stony heart (Lev ha Even)” and later perform many other corrections, layer by layer, which is like “many pennies that add up to a large account.”
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From the 4rd part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 11/8/2011, TES

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Question: How can we measure our spiritual progress?

Answer: Spiritual progress is indicated by the extent to which a person feels that he can attain the spiritual state only through unity. This means that he begins imagining the spiritual world correctly and understanding that spirituality is the quality of bestowal, which we attain only through practical unification in the group until we totally lose ourselves.

This happens by a person’s own desire, which the Light helps him realize. He assesses himself by how many disturbances he receives while doing this and by accepting them the right away, as help from the opposite side.

He perceives all of these disturbances and resistance as constituent parts of the same system of connection. And when every disturbance connects correctly to support this connection, it operates precisely to strengthen it.

Nothing was created in vain. Any force of resistance or contradicting force in the common system has to occupy its place and assist the unity. The forces can be “for” or “against” in all possible forms and directions, but the system is built so everyone unites in this complex, multifaceted construction. Every element in it acts in its own direction, but they all complete one another, and the system exists precisely by virtue of that.

If we take any complex geometric pattern or construction, we will see many lines in it that extend in different directions, as well as unifications of all sorts of forms. And precisely the size, might, and diversity of these connections creates the rich system.

If there are several systems that are opposite to one another and complete one another, they create the right balance, which is Malchut of the world of Infinity. The more flexible the system, the more highly organized it is. And flexibility is attained by virtue of the multitude and diversity of forces. The sharper the polarity of these forces, the greater might they achieve.

The more different connections there are between the elements, the more complex and sensitive the system is, and the more it opens itself up and is able to accept and process the entire upper Light with its infinite diversity of forms.

The entire diversity of our qualities and desires was created by the Light, by its 613 Lights. Therefore, nothing that exists is extraneous. We must only place every quality, thought, and desire that does not match it in the right place, which the Light had initially intended for it.

Then we will reveal an extraordinarily rich, flexible, and highly organized system that includes such a great number of connections that separate connections disappear and everything turns into one, infinitely connected whole.

This mutual connection becomes so tight and multidimensional that it goes from being discrete to analog. All three lines, Sefirot HBD-HGT-NHY existing in the system, merge into one.

These separate, discrete forms of unification turn into one monolithic whole, which does not divide into parts and does not consist of elements, but becomes one, simple, infinite Light.
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From the 1st part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 11/14/11, Shamati

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The power of the Light that Reforms enables a person to enjoy bestowal. Then he finally understands what it means to return to the source of the Light, to goodness.

Everything that a person enjoyed in his egoistic desire now brings him pain, and everything he suffered from in his egoism now brings him pleasure. Everything is inverted, as it says: “I saw a reverse world.”

Everything has turned upside down because there is nothing but the two influences: either reception or bestowal. There is nothing but these two sensations: One or the other, where when one increases, the other decreases or vice versa.

So we have to understand that our advancement is possible only thanks to the upper Light that will let us feel that bestowal is good and receiving for oneself is bad. Only then will we be able to advance and not before.

Just as now I work in order to fill my desire to receive, I will work in order to fill my desire to bestow. But when we operate for bestowal, we work in the general vessel, in Malchut of Infinity, in the collective soul.
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From the 1st part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 11/13/2011, Writings of Rabash

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Question: I understood that there are laws and forces in our world. What law or force prevents me from attaining bestowal and why? How can I change this in myself?

Answer: Your egoism prevents you from this on purpose. It can be tamed only by an external force, which acts only when you study, communicate with similar people, and teach others because the force of correction is hidden in the connection between us.

Question: If the 99% of humanity can’t change anything themselves, what exactly are we trying to change in them with our circulation efforts?

Answer: We, the 1%, should correct ourselves through uniting in the group and by the force of our unity (Arvut) unite all those 99% who are outside the group. See “The Introduction to The Book of Zohar,” Items 70-71.

Question: Can a man or a woman who studies and disseminates Kabbalah and is in our environment be depressed? If so, what is the reason?

Can people who have a genetic and hereditary susceptibility to depression or mania study Kabbalah?

Answer: In our time, depression is the most common phenomenon, and the cure for it is greater involvement in group activities.

Question: I have three teenagers at home, and they absolutely refuse to listen to the wisdom of Kabbalah. How and when can I talk to them about this topic?

Answer: Do not talk to them about Kabbalah until they grow up and desire to hear about it themselves.
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In the group, there is a constant circulation of desire. The key for me is to be more active in analysis and correction. Indeed, my corrected attitude towards others returns to me better adjusted and strengthened. In this way, I introduce changes to the way the group influences me. My weak impetus evokes strong feedback, according to the measure that I value the friends.

Here everything depends on how much importance I ascribe to them. It could be that the group is very large, but I don’t value them at all, or it could that the group is small, but I consider them as the best environment in the world. This is my choice. By building the correct attitude towards them, I change my destiny. Until now everything happened according to the plan of nature: I grew, and they filled me with enthusiasm. But now I am given an opportunity to create an identical attitude towards them myself.

This has become possible thanks to the shattering of the vessels, as a result of which today I see my desires as foreign, isolated, and not dependent on me. Essentially, I have an opportunity to correct them as if from the side, externally. And I myself constitute only the point that the Creator kindled within me.

The entire reality, all the souls are before me. And I am a spark that needs to build the correct attitude towards them and relate to them as the Creator relates to the created beings. This is so because these souls are my spiritual vessel. I was given an opportunity to begin to relate to them consciously, purposefully, and they strengthen me in response. So I gradually discover that I have a connection with the Creator. It turns out that my vessel is Malchut filled with the upper Light.

And here is my only choice. The group, on its part, will give me all that is necessary for me. But if I don’t cooperate with it selectively and specifically want that, the world leads me through the path of suffering, which is called “in its time.”

Thus, if you want to be on the fast and straight path toward the goal, activate the group. Only from it, from the correct environment, will you receive the Light, the force of accelerated development.

Today you perceive Malchut of Infinity as “this world.” This reality influences you, and changes you according to the way you relate to it. Everything depends specifically on your attitude, on the extent to which you create and invite upon yourself the influence from the friends. Turn them to the correct angle in your perception, and they will radiate the Light on you. After all, you deal with Malchut of Infinity given to you for the work.
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From the 4th part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 11/9/2011, “Matan Torah (The Giving of the Torah)”

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The sages said: “A thousand people come to study, but only one comes out to the Light.” The studying of the one thousand creates the opportunity for one person to come out to the Light because everything grows in the form of a pyramid. There is no other way.

The entire still level gives rise to one plant, and the entire vegetative level to one animal. Hence, it’s impossible to bring one to the Light without one thousand who begin to study and enter the lower level.

It is the one thousand people who build the vessel so that their work will result in one force that reaches the Light. In other words, they achieve their general unity.
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From the 1st part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 11/9/2011, Writings of Rabash

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Question: Why does the state of smallness (Katnut) not disappear and, in contrast to the state of greatness (Gadlut), remain forever?

Answer: The state of smallness doesn’t disappear because it is the foundation of the degree, independent and unrelated to the state of greatness. It exists in itself.

If we look at our world, the “small state” is like a person who is alone in this world. He doesn’t need anything except basic necessities. But since he is surrounded by others who instill different desires in him, beyond necessity in the small state, he begins to want everything! These are not his desires, and therefore they can disappear.

And, then again society pressures the person, he adopts its new ideas and once again enters the state of greatness. The “great state” refers to a surplus.

In spirituality, the state of greatness (Gadlut) is really a surplus in the present level. It is impossible to be in this state if I don’t find someone upon whom I can bestow, according to my power and ability and the other person’s desire.

Therefore, the state of greatness disappears. If the lower one no longer desires to receive from me, I cannot bestow to him, and if another lower one develops a desire to receive from me, I begin to bestow upon him. These are things that do not depend on me.

In our world, greatness or adulthood means that a person grows up and becomes part of society, begins to work, and gives and receives from society. A grown-up is someone who started his independent life and is incorporated in the general work. Therefore, his desires are not his desires, and his actions are not intended for himself. This is called a state of greatness, adulthood.

We can see it clearly from examples in this world. After all, we are in a world in which we bestow to each other. It only seems to us that each one works just for himself. It is a false perception arranged for us from Above and confusing us.

In spirituality, the upper Partzuf merges with the Light only at the request of the lower one. Therefore, it necessary for us to understand the difference between the state of smallness and the state of greatness: The state of smallness (Katnut) is “I” myself. The state of greatness (Gadlut) isn’t me at all. The desires are not mine, but rather they are the desires of the lower ones. The powers that enable me to fulfill these desires are not mine, but come from Above, and the filling isn’t mine either, but is transmitted down. And I am in the middle, between the upper one and the lower one, in the middle third of Tifferet.

There is the huge difference between the state of greatness and the state of smallness. The little “me” is me, and the big “me” is the others, that is, “We.”
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From the 3rd part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 11/8/2011, TES

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The moment we enter the convention hall, we should immediately connect to the great, collective desire, be ready for connection, and expect that it will happen here and now! We must think that it will necessarily happen here and now (as it is said about waiting for the arrival of the Messiah everyday). This calls forth the action, and it really happens.

It isn’t enough just to come to the convention—we must prepare for it. It is a good idea to study the convention material. Surprising you with new ideas there is not part of my plan. Conversely, the more familiar you are with the material and the more I speak of seemingly known things, in response to our desire directed at what you have read, heard, and studied, I will be able to bring really new explanations.

I would like to see people at the convention who understand, feel the material, and know in advance what I am going to say. The topics of the lessons and sources they are based on can be found in convention preparation material. We have to study it because there shouldn’t be any surprises. All our advancement should take place internally, by connecting and revealing new states.

This is called advancement. The words of the material can be the same, but the impression they leave and the depth they reveal will be new. We will feel them in a new way and on a new level.

Hence, we should study the material and songs by heart so that they are familiar to all of us. This is very important. If having tasted something we then taste it again, it seems pleasant and new. But when we taste something for the first time, we barely sense the taste.

The same is said about a sin: The first transgression isn’t considered a sin because the person didn’t know what would happen and simply tried it. But as soon as one has “tasted” and wants to continue, like Adam who said about the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge: “I ate and shall eat more!”—then this is already a problem.

Hence, we should “taste” the materials of the convention in advance so that at the convention itself, we will “continue to eat” and discover the real taste. It isn’t enough that we read half a page and think we’re ready. We have to build the vessels, our tools of perception, and arrange them just like kneading and warming dough. This is how we must warm ourselves. The general preparation determines whether we will feel something or not.

The more prepared we are, the faster we’ll be able to attain, both in heart and mind. If both are operating correctly, we will achieve revelation.
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From the 2nd part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 11/2/2011, “The Love for the Creator and Love for the Created Beings”

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The Zohar, Chapter “Pekudei (Accounts),” Item 763: The ark of the covenant in the seventh palace receives everything from the righteous, Yesod de ZA de Atzilut. Afterwards the souls come out from the ark of the covenant and enter the righteous below, in the first palace, Yesod. Subsequently, they come out from the righteous below and clothe in people. After their demise, they enter the ark of the covenant in the seventh palace so all the souls will be included from above, from Bina, the seventh palace, and from below, from the Yesod of the palaces, to be complete on all sides.

We must try to ascribe forms of unity, types of the connection between us to each word, action, and concept that we read about in The Book of Zohar. After all, there is nothing except that. It’s all about the extent and form of the connection between parts of the single soul, which for now The Zohar designates with all kinds of names, actions, and types of the relationship between us.

But essentially, all of this is designed to direct us to the only state where there are no parts, but only one desire in the unified Light. Thus we need to imagine everything that we read about in The Zohar as one system.
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From the 2nd part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 11/9/2011, The Zohar

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Our problem is that we don’t know how to imagine the Creator: Are we supposed to just imagine something to ourselves? And here we forget the principle of “I dwell among My people” and that “from love of the created beings” one comes “to the love of the Creator.”

Thus, if I want to bring pleasure to my Maker, I have no other choice to come closer to and imagine it correctly but to build a group, to connect with it, and to increase its importance so that it turns into the most important and appreciated thing in my eyes, something above all this reality, like godliness.

And then the connection between the friends will manifest within me like the upper force, by which I am impressed, to which I pray to, and from which I ask. And all my work will be only for this purpose.

Otherwise, only pretty words will remain: “To bring contentment to the Creator,” “with selfless intentions,” “not for the sake of receiving a reward,” “adhesion with the Creator,” and so on. With whom will I be in adhesion, to whom will I bestow?  All these concepts will remain completely unclear and vague for me, they will be something I can’t realize and will disappear from my sensation.

Thus, when we speak about the Creator and are constantly confused about how to relate to such an elusive concept that our senses can’t perceive, we need to remember that it is the general force that manifests within the group. This upper force is actually the Creator.

So why is it said that there is no one but man and the Creator and the relations between them? Where is the group here? And here one needs to remember that it is not a group of different people. Only one general soul exists, and man needs to make efforts in order to return to the correct perception of reality. And then he will see that all of this is his individual soul, and the general force that fills his soul is the Creator.

One needs to go slightly above corporeal vision that shows us physical bodies in our corporeal world, which are seemingly before us and have been given to us only for the purpose of the work. Try to imagine to yourself a higher dimension, all of reality as your one Kli (vessel), one desire, which is separated into multiple parts in your imagination called “evil inclination.” But thanks to your efforts to connect these parts together, you will discover the general force within that connection, and it will be called your Creator.
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From the 1st part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 11/9/2011, Writings of Rabash

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