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

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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<br />

would like <strong>to</strong> remind you that “<strong>the</strong> desire <strong>to</strong> bes<strong>to</strong>w” and “<strong>the</strong> desire <strong>to</strong><br />

receive” are just names. Human beings do not have pure desires <strong>to</strong> receive<br />

or <strong>to</strong> bes<strong>to</strong>w. The desire <strong>to</strong> bes<strong>to</strong>w is <strong>the</strong> Crea<strong>to</strong>r’s attribute, while<br />

<strong>the</strong> desire <strong>to</strong> receive is man, creation. This is his property and <strong>the</strong>re is<br />

nothing else in him.<br />

If man wishes <strong>to</strong> become similar <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Crea<strong>to</strong>r, he uses his desire<br />

<strong>to</strong> receive for <strong>the</strong> sake <strong>of</strong> bes<strong>to</strong>wal, i.e., he receives pleasure <strong>to</strong> please <strong>the</strong><br />

Crea<strong>to</strong>r. However, he still receives. Desires remain unchanged, only <strong>the</strong><br />

intention, <strong>the</strong> method <strong>of</strong> using <strong>the</strong> desire is modified. Therefore, when<br />

we say that man passes from <strong>the</strong> “desire <strong>to</strong> receive” <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> “desire <strong>to</strong><br />

bes<strong>to</strong>w”, we ought <strong>to</strong> understand that he acquires a new intention for<br />

<strong>the</strong> same old desire. This is why old desires with <strong>the</strong> intention for one’s<br />

self are considered dead. At a later stage, <strong>the</strong>y rise and become pure and<br />

eternal, if man acquires <strong>the</strong> intention for <strong>the</strong> Crea<strong>to</strong>r’s sake instead <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> intention for himself.<br />

Let me say this again: although <strong>Kabbalah</strong> is called a science, it is attained<br />

not in <strong>the</strong> mind <strong>of</strong> our world, but in <strong>the</strong> Upper mind. This world<br />

is attained in its Kelim, in <strong>the</strong> mind <strong>of</strong> our world. To start attaining <strong>the</strong><br />

Upper World above <strong>the</strong> Machsom, one should acquire <strong>the</strong> mind that corresponds<br />

with <strong>the</strong> Upper World.<br />

The mind <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Upper World is called “faith above reason”; it is<br />

<strong>the</strong> property <strong>of</strong> bes<strong>to</strong>wal. This property is exactly what constitutes <strong>the</strong><br />

mind in <strong>the</strong> Upper World. You may be sitting at <strong>the</strong> lesson and understand<br />

nothing. It does not matter. Just make an effort and this will attract<br />

<strong>the</strong> Upper Light. The Upper Light will create in you <strong>the</strong> Reflected<br />

light, <strong>the</strong> correct intention. This intention is where you will feel <strong>the</strong> Upper<br />

World and receive <strong>the</strong> Upper mind.<br />

This will happen not because you will be racking your brain, but<br />

because while being confused, irritated and exhausted, you will continue<br />

<strong>to</strong> aspire <strong>to</strong> Him. You will succeed not because you slept well and came<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> lesson in good spirits, with pen and paper, eager <strong>to</strong> research <strong>the</strong><br />

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