Introduction to the Book of Zohar (PDF) - Kabbalah Media Archive

I N T RO D U C T I O N T O T H E B O O K O F Z O H A R
It is not quite correct to say that there are only two paths, namely
the path of Torah and the path of suffering. In fact, it is impossible to
be corrected through the path of suffering. Only the Light corrects. We
learn in the four phases of the Straight Light: The Light begets the will
to receive, i.e., Behina Aleph, and then it awakens the will to bestow in
Behina Aleph, which forms Behina Bet. Afterwards, the Light continues
acting in the desire to bestow of Behina Bet and creates Behina Gimel,
then Behina Dalet and so on.
The Light affects the Reshimot in all the worlds. It elevates and
lowers, corrects and develops. It is therefore impossible to be corrected
by suffering. The only thing that can be achieved through pain is the
realization of the necessity of correction. We can either suffer or quickly
awaken (before the most terrible calamities befall us), and with the help
of studies and a group expose ourselves to the influence of the Surrounding
Light.
We must regain our sight before we plunge into real anguish, because
eventually we will still have to return to the starting point. We
should both grow smarter and do what we must, or wait until sufferings
compel us to do the same. There is no other way. Therefore, our freedom
of choice is in becoming smarter and taking advantage of the opportunity
provided.
This is the only choice we have. We need quickly to realize what we
should do. In that case, our journey will be peaceful, comfortable, and
quiet. We will know and look forward to everything that awaits us. Thus,
we will constantly attain better and better things, feel pleasant feelings,
and attract the Surrounding Light upon ourselves.
The alternative is to stubbornly stay put and wait until terrible
pain forces us to climb the same steps towards our already existing third
state.
We normally err in our interpretation of the concept of free will.
We perceive it as an ability to do something freely. However, nothing is
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