First through Coercion, then Willingly
“…Do not be surprised that when one assumes the burden of the kingdom of heaven, when he wants to work in order to bestow upon the Creator, he still feels no vitality at all, and that this vitality would compel one to assume the burden of the kingdom of heaven. Rather, one should accept it coercively, against his better judgment. That is, the body does not agree to this enslavement, why the Creator does not shower him with vitality and pleasure. The reason is that this is a great correction. Were it not for this, if the will to receive had agreed to this work, one would never have been able to achieve Lishma. Rather, he would always work for his own benefit, to satisfy his own desires. It is as people say, that the thief himself yells, “Catch the thief!” and then you cannot tell which is the real thief in order to catch him and reclaim the theft from him. But when the thief, meaning the will to receive, does not find the work of accepting the burden of the kingdom of heaven tasteful, since the body accustoms itself to work against its will, one has the means by which to come to work only in order to bring contentment to his Maker, since his sole intention should be only for the Creator, as it is written, “Then shall you delight yourself in the Lord.” Thus, when he served the Creator in the past, he did not sense any pleasure in the work. Rather his work was compulsory. But now that he has accustomed himself to work in order to bestow, he is rewarded with delighting in the Creator, and the work itself renders him pleasure and vitality. This is considered that the pleasure, too, is specifically for the Creator…”
(Baal HaSulam, Shamati 20.)
A New Perception of Reality
If offered the opportunity to develop a spiritual perception of reality — beyond the limitations of our five physical senses — most people would express at least a mild curiosity. This new perception would reveal a perfect, harmonious, and interconnected reality governed by a single, benevolent force. In today’s world, increasing numbers of individuals are turning to religions and spiritual practices. For some, the relentless pursuit of material satisfaction has become unbearable. For others, an innate curiosity drives them to uncover the true purpose of human existence. Many spend years exploring various methods, often abandoning them when they fail to deliver, until they discover an authentic path capable of fostering an objective, unbounded perception of reality, replacing the inherently limited and subjective experience shaped by our egoistic desires.
The empirical science of Kabbalah offers such a path. However, those who embark on this method soon encounter a significant challenge: spiritual existence is not merely different from our usual sensory experience — it is fundamentally opposed to it.
The Challenge of Spiritual Existence
Our default mode of existence is self-centered, driven by a relentless pursuit of personal pleasure and fulfillment. We perceive reality through a lens of selfish, individualistic desires, filtering out anything that does not serve our immediate needs. This egoistic “operating software” shapes our emotions, thoughts, and interactions, leaving us blind to the broader, selfless principles that govern true reality.
In contrast, spiritual reality operates on principles of pure, unconditional love and bestowal. This is evident even in the physical body, where cells and organs function in mutual guarantee, each existing solely for the benefit of the whole. Without this selfless cooperation, life could not exist. In nature’s inanimate, vegetative, and animate levels, this mutual guarantee is instinctive, automatically sustaining life. Humans, however, are unique. We are designed to become conscious partners in this system, actively recognizing and aligning with its laws to maintain its balance and life-creating capacity.
Yet, our inherent nature is at odds with this purpose. Like cancer, we consume and destroy without regard for consequences, driven by selfish desires. Unaware of our destructive tendencies, we justify our actions and blame others for the problems we create. When Kabbalah reveals the ego’s dominance and the need to transform our approach to reality — shifting from self-interest to selfless love and service — many are shocked or offended. Some abandon the path entirely, while others become vocal critics, attempting to discredit the method.
The Struggle Against the Ego
Those who persist in Kabbalah — whether driven by curiosity, a lingering hope for personal gain, or a genuine spiritual spark — face a prolonged and arduous struggle against their ego. The goal of spiritual existence lies beyond the ego’s control, where it can no longer provide motivation or security. As one progresses in a dedicated spiritual environment, practicing selfless love and bestowal with others, the ego resists, withdrawing its support. This process is akin to climbing a mountain: the higher one ascends, the harsher the conditions become, and the less “oxygen” the ego provides. From the ego’s perspective, continuing feels life-threatening.
Yet, this resistance is a positive sign. The more the ego struggles, the closer one approaches the spiritual goal. Those with lingering egoistic expectations gradually fall away, leaving only those driven by a pure spiritual aspiration — a seed of the independent, objective human observer seeking to shed all selfish motives.
The Role of the Creator
Ultimately, no one can achieve spiritual existence through personal effort alone. The qualities required — selfless love and bestowal — are incompatible with our inherent nature. Only the Creator, the singular governing force of reality, can provide these qualities, “upgrading” our egoistic software to align with spiritual principles. However, this assistance must be earned. One must demonstrate complete humility and surrender, free of any selfish intent, ready to serve the Creator without expectation of reward.
This requires a coercive effort, supported by a spiritual group, to persist against the ego’s resistance. As the ego’s influence wanes, progress becomes increasingly difficult, until one reaches a point of total exhaustion — where the ego can no longer provide motivation. At this critical juncture, the Creator intervenes, offering a new source of vitality: a selfless desire to serve the spiritual system and nurture life.
From Coercion to Willingness
After this prolonged preparation, where one forces oneself to act against the ego, a transformation occurs. With the Creator’s assistance, the individual begins to act willingly, fueled by a genuine desire to bestow. The spiritual spark within — the seed of the objective human observer — awakens, ready to grow through increasing similarity and partnership with the Creator.
At this stage, the individual no longer seeks personal gain. The ego, once a dominant force, is neutralized, and the person becomes a conscious, active participant in reality’s harmonious system. What began as a coercive struggle becomes a joyful, willing alignment with the Creator’s purpose, marking the true beginning of spiritual development.