1.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 But it\u2019s important to realize that the (all-encompassing) N. R. N. C. Y. we\u2019d cited above is comprised of five elements…, <\/strong><\/p>\n That is, it\u2019s comprised of a full complex of Nephesh<\/em>-, Ruach<\/em>-, Neshama<\/em>-, Chaya<\/em>-, and Yechidah<\/em>-elements.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 … and that all of existence is embodied in it. <\/strong><\/p>\n The great and mammoth, round, gyrating all-encompassing N. R. N. C. Y. can be said to be the very ambiance and context of the cosmos.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 For indeed, everything that exists functions as a consequence (and in the midst) of it, no matter how miniscule it is. <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 And so, even the mineral aspect in Asiyah <\/em>(of one\u2019s being)…<\/strong><\/p>\n That is, even when functioning on the lowest level of the lowest world, one…<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 … has to realize the five levels of N. R. N. C. Y. (relevant to him) that are affiliated with the all-encompassing N. R. N. C. Y.<\/strong><\/p>\n For every single aspect of our being is tied to and absorbed in every other one, and the whole of it must work in tandem.<\/p>\n 2.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 As such, it\u2019s impossible to attain even the light of the mineral (aspect) of Asiyah<\/em>…<\/strong><\/p>\n … to say nothing of even higher realms…<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 … without (having first attaining) the (other) four aspects. <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 So no one can excuse himself from engaging in them all (i.e., in the honing of all five aspects of the soul) to the degree appropriate to his (spiritual) status. <\/strong><\/p>\n That is, since we\u2019re expected to grow in our beings and to grant satisfaction to our Maker, there\u2019s no reasonable way we can excuse ourselves from our obligations to follow through on that. As such, each one of us must strive \u201cto the degree appropriate to his (spiritual) status\u201d — which is to say, given his or her makeup, station, and environs — to do our best.<\/p>\n For while we won\u2019t be asked to account for not having been the person we\u2019re not, we will, though, be asked to account for why we\u2019re not the person we really<\/em> are<\/em>. And just as we\u2019ll be recognized for having tried our hardest in light of our challenges, we\u2019ll likewise be judged for not having done our best in light of our potential and for what lays latent, deep within. That being so…<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Each person would have to study Torah and fulfill mitzvot with (the proper) intentions … \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n i.e., to grant God satisfaction.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 … to receive the (degree of) Ruach<\/em> (appropriate) to his status. <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019d have to delve into the mysteries of the Torah according to his status to receive the (degree of) Neshama<\/em> (that is appropriate) to his status.<\/strong><\/p>\n Ashlag is now entering in the subject that will be the thrust of the rest of this work — the study of Zohar specifically and the Kabbalah in general.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 And (he\u2019d) likewise (have to contemplate) the (esoteric) reasons for the mitzvot…<\/strong><\/p>\n … i.e., to delve into or savor what was on God\u2019s \u201cmind\u201d when He charged us to do this or that mitzvah, and to thus commune with His inner will …<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 … since it\u2019s otherwise impossible to realize even the smallest light of holiness.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>His point is that it\u2019s imperative for us to delve into the mysteries of the Torah and the esoteric reasons for the mitzvot if we\u2019re ever to be fulfilled in our beings. Yet many, many don\u2019t, to Ashlag\u2019s great dismay. He\u2019ll now follow through on this idea to the end of the work.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n (c) 2012 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman<\/p>\n Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org<\/a><\/p>\n AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman’s translation of Maimonides’ “Eight Chapters” is available here<\/a> at a discount.<\/p>\n You can still purchase a copy of Rabbi Feldman’s translation of “The Gates of Repentance” here<\/a> at a discount as well.<\/p>\n Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has also translated and commented upon “The Path of the Just” and “The Duties of the Heart” (Jason Aronson Publishers).<\/p>\n Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled “Spiritual Excellence<\/a>\u201d and \u201cRamchal<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 1. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 But it\u2019s important to realize that the (all-encompassing) N. R. N. C. Y. we\u2019d cited above is comprised of five elements…, That is, it\u2019s comprised of a full complex of Nephesh-, Ruach-, Neshama-, Chaya-, and Yechidah-elements. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 … Continue reading