Exerting Oneself

It is but normal to rest after exerting oneself too much. Our bodies can only take so much load.

In spirituality, it is the opposite.

No rest is encouraged if one wants to attain the goal. It should be expected that one is given all the reasons to stop and to take a break, while the opposite is actually the right direction to go.

It is forbidden to talk about how one gets exhausted in his spiritual journey, for he influences the other with his thoughts.

Each one should continue according to his capability and according to the conditions given to him from above.

Light remains at rest. The abundance of the light is available for one to take. One just needs to create a vessel for the light.

Efforts are necessary for the building of this vessel.

When one complains about the payment for his work, one does not see the gift already available for the taking. That means one is not yet ready to receive.

Therefore, each one of the friends should continue to encourage each other regardless of bodily weaknesses, obstacles, and disturbances. This is the law of mutual guarantee.

Ascent In The Shortest Possible Time

Ascent is half of the cycle and descent is the other half. Neither is permanent. One is either in an ascent or in a descent. But the speed that one goes through each state differs from one soul to another. One has a choice how short or how long one stays in a state. Ofcourse staying in an ascent as long as possible is preferable, but this mindset allows for the descent to settle in because the minute one desires to stay in this ascent state a moment longer, one goes to a descent immediately. The reason for this is that the 'moments longer' is already for receiving and not bestowing. However, if one accepts the pleasure of the ascent just for a little moment and goes back to work by desiring a higher state of spirituality, thus revealing bigger deficiency, one already beats the descent that is to come by having a higher goal. This kind of perception can be achieved only with the mercy of the Creator. If He pleases to open the eyes of the soul to see a higher goal and if He grants the energy for the journey, the soul thus continues without rest. This is remisniscent of the prophets who never really rested but never exhausted because the Spirit of the Creator was with them.

Rabash, one of the kabbalists, suggested that if one is in the state of ascent, one should delve deeper into the books and articles of the sages to reveal a higher purpose for one's work after accomplishing a certain level. The work never ends.

The advise is to stay in an ascent the shortest time possible.

Scrutinies of the Ego

As spirituality is developed, ego is also growing. Ego is useful because it is the means to advance in spirituality. Thus, limiting the ego is not encouraged. In kabbalah, there are the three lines -- the left, the right, and the middle. Left is the ego and the right is the reforming light. Ego provides the deficiency which helps in enlarging the desire and vessel through which the light can enter. Light is attracted during the study of the Zohar and the Talmud Eser Sefirot. The middle line is achieved when one brings his deficiencies and demands during the study with the world kli. Within this, many internal scrutinies happen. But, it is good to be reminded that we are given the remedy through which we can cry out to the Creator for help and through which He provides help. Rav Laitman speaks of this in his blog article entitled, 'Understanding the Three Lines of Our Inner Work.'

Israel

Israel is called upon to do a special task. It is a spiritual task which is to bring the method of correction to the world. It is written that each Jew will carry the nations of the world to its shoulder to the land of Israel. This land is not the material land, but rather a spiritual land where peace and harmony reign. If Israel fails to accomplish this task, another exile will happen. More beatings to the people of Israel and to the world will happen. Israel and all those with points in the heart will be pushed by nature to fulfill its role in the world. These beatings may be similar to the plagues in Egypt. Therefore the responsibility is big and has to accomplished by each and everyone who is called upon to do this. Happy Independence Day to Israel!