DON’T PAY TWICE
(OR TOO MUCH)
Whenever you want to learn a hard truth, a difficult
lesson about the weekly portion or other studies, always try to learn what our
original teachers have shared with us. For me, in my study of Judaism, Torah, Kabbalah
or the Ancient Writings, my original teacher is Chief Rabbi Joseph Hilbrant.
You will see or hear, in almost any class or teaching by Rabbi Hilbrant’s
spiritual sons, a reference to the Rabbi our teacher. Why? Many think it is to
pay homage or out of respect – in fact, this is only one of the reasons. The
main reason we mention Rabbi Hilbrant is all about energy.
As Rabbi Hilbrant would always share, the most energy
exists at the seed level, at the source. Even though sometimes we feel distant
from the seed, or we don’t ‘feel’ the energy very strongly, we must understand
that we are receiving energy on a spiritual/soul level. When we connect to Rabbi
Hilbrant (or in your case-your teacher/spiritual leaders), we are establishing
a connection in a spiritual way that will allow what we need to learn to better
flow into us.
This connection, fostered by love and respect for our
teacher, helps get the lesson to us on the “soul level”, not just an
informational seminar but in true transformation. We should always remember that the reason this happens (powerful learning at the
soul level) is because Rabbi Hilbrant (in my case for example) is constantly
connecting to his teachers, and his teachers before them, to carry on the tried
and tested lessons of the Jewish Faith. This allows for unbelievable continuity
and a powerful channel of energy.
In the portion of Vayigash there are many secrets, but
one of the most prominent is a lesson learned often the hardest way:
Jacob worked very hard his whole life, living to be 147
years old. The Torah shares with us that for 130 of those years, he was going
through constant struggle after struggle. In fact, only the final 17 years of
his life were Tov (good), according to the Zohar. When Jacob comes to Egypt and
Pharaoh asks him how his life has been, he tells Pharaoh, “Few and difficult.”
Because of this complaint, Jacob creates an opportunity for the Opponent-through negative energy.
The lesson is a powerful one. When we go through pain or
struggle (remember, in this life, pain and suffering are the guarantee) , this
is the payment we need to give to the Opponent (the ‘Evil Inclination and
source of all chaos in this world). We are meant to give it to him, and if we
pay that price with happiness we will have earned our true fulfillment. (And,
avoided the Bread of Shame)
However… where most people fail is that they often pay
the Opponent twice. Once for the pain they go through, and then a second time
when they complain about that pain. This additional energy is what the Opponent
uses to invoke more chaos in our lives. Remember-we are the ones fueling the
Opponent with our negativity…
We are all going to have challenges and pain – this is
our price to pay to remove Bread of Shame (the spiritual necessity to earn, not
simply receive, all real lasting energy in life) and see miracles. Yet, we must
remember to not give the Opponent a second payment. Simply put, don’t complain.
Accept the pain with happiness – that is the way to make it go away forever.
David Fournier
Restoring Grace
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