Resolution Of An Obscure Riddle

Dr. Michael LaitmanFrom Baal HaSulam’s “Introduction to the Study of the Ten Sefirot:” “Indeed, it is to resolve this great riddle that the verse writes, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Here is what is meant by a “vague riddle”: What is the meaning of life and its goal? What does this entire universe exist for? Why are we here? Why do we feel what we feel? If one starts asking these questions, one definitely has to find answers to them to discover the meaning of life.

Then, we stop asking whether our material life is good or bad, nor do we strive to understand it more or to accomplish anything on this plane. We are preoccupied with a question that concerns the very basis of life: “Where does it all come from?” Everything around us has a meaning. So, what is the general purpose that nature or the Higher force pursued at the time of creation? What does our existence mean in general?

Indeed, in regard to resolving this obscure riddle, it is said: Taste and see that the Lord is good. Those who keep the Torah and Mitzvot correctly are the ones who taste the taste of life. They are the ones who see and testify that the Lord is good… In other words, if a person observes certain laws, he tunes himself up in a way that he begins to feel the purpose of life, its basis and origin. It is about having a feeling of the source of the entire universe, not just of man or even of humanity, but rather nature as a whole: Where did it start, why, and what purpose is it leading us to?

Kabbalists say that it becomes possible if a person makes special internal corrections. Because now we can’t catch answers to these questions, so we only have a question per se. Although, having a question signifies that we are already capable of finding a solution. Consequently, the sum of a question and the observation of the “Torah and the commandments,” that is the correct calibration that leads us to resolution of this dilemma that is, as it sounds: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” It means that one will feel and understand the benevolence of the force that is the source of nature.

We don’t yet understand the meaning of good and evil. The meaning of life is the attainment of the essence of creation, not just feeling its pleasant taste. If we experience a sensation of the Creator’s benevolence, it means that we fulfill our empty cavities that need answers with Him.

We are the ones who have to make internal changes, since our efforts give shape to finding the answer. We don’t have a choice: Either we fulfill the commandments (make corrections) or we don’t. The entire process is built in a way that a person advances without being asked whether he or she wants it or doesn’t. But if we constantly strive to find support that helps us move faster in the direction of the answer, then to this extent we implement our freedom of choice.

It is said that “The wicked, in their lives, are called dead.” If one doesn’t exercise the method of correction, advancement, or use the Reforming Light, then one’s life becomes pitiful. While in the material plane, one can even be quite successful, but he will never move forward toward the goal. And so his life will remain at the animate level of existence.

The human level means that a person uses the Light that Reforms and constantly rises from the animate level to the human level, to the level of man, Adam, which means similar (Domeh) to the upper force.

Related Material:
Going Through The Question For Which There Is No Answer
Whom Do I Want To Please?
The Tastiest Creator!

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