Freedom, therefore, is not a static state of being, but rather a cyclical state of flux: The freer you become, the more of yourself you discover; the more you discover, the more of yourself you need to express in order to become free… and so on.
The first thing to consider is whether or not the world is even worth conquering. I mean, take a look around. This place is totally chaotic. People spend most of their time eating each other alive, and the rest of the time ignoring one another.
The only options are to freak out and get overwhelmed by all the hatred, or to put it in perspective and laugh at the mongrels who spew it.
Have you ever met a child who cannot love? … Instead of working to assert our spirits over this strife, to assert our humanity, we develop this thick skin that blocks out the pain but, consequently, blocks in the soul. And the result is, I cannot love.
Clearly, we are at odds with ourselves. On the one hand, those who believe that human effort can and will lead to such a transformation will be alienated by the concept of Moshiach, a G-dly redeemer – hence the flourishing of secular messianic ideologies in the past two centuries. On the other hand, those who believe in the Jewish approach could reason that if the final transformation will only come about through Moshiach, then why bother with our own efforts to create change?
On both scientific and spiritual frontiers, the subsequent advances created a new reality, and the world would never be the same.
I felt my mind unwinding out of control, like a fishing reel set loose by a wild catch too large to handle. Who do I think I am? How am I supposed to know if I am living the life that I am meant to live? Why can’t I see any sign?
Without oil, the wick will quickly burn out, utterly consumed by the intensity of the flame. It is the oil that enables the two to coexist, and fuels the flame while it is attached to the wick. So, too, the oil of Torah, especially the way it is illuminated by the mystical teachings of Kabbala and Chassidus, provides fuel for the Soul’s fiery existence and enables it to perform its ultimate mission – to remain united with the body and be spiritual within a physical world.
From the perspective of the Master Conductor, anything is possible.
If G-d’s will determines reality, then how can I possibly fail? Doesn’t G-d want me to succeed? If everything exists only by virtue of it being the Creator’s will, then does that mean He wants me to fail?
If I find a balance between materialistic needs and spiritual pursuits, and seek to infuse my materialism with meaning while giving my spirituality practical earthly expression, then I am in harmony with my material and spiritual self, and am on the path to living a truly beautiful life.
Since a Jew is actually a part of G-d above, it follows that the G-dly spark that we are seeking is not something new that we are looking for, rather it is something that has been lost. And just like any lost artifact, you have to look for it in the place where it was lost…
Driven by selfishness and grief and regret, and knowing that all is lost, all they can muster is a ridiculously obvious and suicidal frontal assault for which the sheep is well prepared. The sheep has been planning for this moment for a long time. The Shepherd will watch closely, but will not intervene. This is the sheep’s moment, and the sheep must walk it, to a certain degree, alone.
March 8, 2013