\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Now, don\u2019t be surprised by the idea that a single individual can have the entire world plummet downward or soar upward by his deeds alone. It\u2019s (simply due to the fact that there\u2019s) an inviolable (cosmic) law (that indicates) that the universal and the specific are like two drops in a pond, and that whatever occurs to the universal occurs to the specific as well.<\/b><\/p>\n
This is the principle of the microcosm corresponding to the macrocosm, each particle of a hologram mirroring the whole of it, each link reflecting the chain.<\/p>\n
The point is that though we’re each independent elements of the whole, every one of us is inexorably linked to it. Jiggle one and you impel the other, and vice versa. As such, move one way, and you move the universe along with you, you are that powerful. (Contrarily, encounter the universe moving another way, and know that you\u2019ll find yourself moved in that direction, too, you are that susceptible.)<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 In fact, all specifics do the selfsame things that the universal does, because the universal only comes about after its specific parts do, with all their quantitative and qualitative elements. <\/b><\/p>\n
So for example, the notion of \u201cfour-ness\u201d can\u2019t exist until there are four separate entities. Though each entity is different from the others, they each go into making up the \u201cfour-ness\u201d they\u2019ve now become, and so they\u2019re linked. As such, whatever happens to any one of them affects the lot of them, and it subsequently changes the entire \u201cfour-ness\u201d as well. The same is true of the universe: it wouldn’t be what it is without each one of its necessary separate and unique elements, so each one is vital and representative of the whole.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 As such it follows that the acts of a specific (person) can (indeed) have the universe soar upward or plummet downward to a degree. <\/b><\/p>\n
This chapter brings us back full circle to the book\u2019s initial questions, and thus ties the whole work together.<\/p>\n
If you recall, Ashlag had asked (among other things) in the very first chapter: What are we at bottom? And, what role do we play in the great course of events which we\u2019re such minor players in?<\/p>\n
The bulk of the book is then spent explaining all that, but what\u2019s most telling in the context of the present discussion about delving into Kabbalah and Zohar is what Ashlag said in Ch\u2019s 48-49, 56, where he indicated that each one of us fully establishes what he or she is made of and fulfills his or her true raison d\u2019\u00eatre when we study Kabbalah, since by doing that we each single-handedly help bring the universe to full blossom.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 That explains the Zohar\u2019s statement (to the effect) that we\u2019ll be brought from exile to redemption through the study of the Zohar and Kabbalah (Tikkunei Zohar<\/i> 6). After all, what does studying the Zohar have to do with the redemption of the Jewish Nation?<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n
\u00a0(c) 2013 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":" \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Now, don\u2019t be surprised by the idea that a single individual can have the entire world plummet downward or soar upward by his deeds alone. It\u2019s (simply due to the fact that there\u2019s) an … Continue reading