When I first became interested in the esoteric, there were certain fields which I quickly realised had been so completely hijacked by a certain faction of the “New Age”, and thereby so utterly discredited it, that it was no longer regarded as much more than a curiosity for fools.

One such field was that of Numerology.

The “New Age” deserves to applaud itself for bringing the fullest potential of alternative systems of spiritual development to the Western consciousness. When it comes to Numerology, however, a great disservice has been perpetrated against a proud, historical tradition.

The roots of Numerology go right back to the very beginning.

From the earliest moment that humanity looked up and saw patterns in the stars, the drive to understand how such perfect order could possibly exist has been at the very centre of intellectual pursuit. Modern science owes everything to these early systems of numerical analysis: systems created in the hope of uncovering the logic, design and causative agent behind all natural phenomena.

It is no coincidence that all ancient systems of writing are number based.

The most urgent need to record and relay information begins with the herds-man. With no formal system of writing available, he essentially had to develop one of his own making. Archeologists have found more ‘tally-sticks’¹ than any other artifact in ancient Sumer, and studies have shown that the proto-writing of the Sumerian culture, which is thought to predate all other writing systems, was a natural development of this simple method of maintaining a count of livestock and goods.²

With the fall of Sumer, the Mesopotamian culture developed this simple accounting system further; as did the Babylonian culture which eventually displaced them; into the most widely used and historically significant writing system in the region. By 3,400 B.C.E. cuneiform included some one thousand, five hundred³ distinct symbols⁴.

Of all writing systems, cuneiform is the simplest in which to recognize the ‘tally-stick’ root of the written form. It is a short step from a notch cut in a piece of wood to the lettering system that we all know, comprising indentations in clay:

Cuneiform Letter on Clay Tablet⁵

Around 3,000 B.C.E. a distinct variant of cuneiform emerged that would become established as Hebrew. Although the Modern Hebrew characters have lost much of the immediacy of cuneiform, in relation to the root of language⁶, the fact that each character doubles as the figure used to represent a number bears its own witness.

This duplication of symbol was not lost on the Mystics of the Jewish faith.

The Kabbalah is the central esoteric teaching of the Jewish Tradition. Attempting to explain the relationship between God and His creation, it is, of itself, a thesis which places much emphasis on Creation as a process reflected in number. It is in this tradition that we first find the concept that man may begin to comprehend the inherent order that he observes within nature. The key to this understanding lies in developing ‘…full knowledge of the manner by which numbers develop, become active, aware and finally complete in an eternal cycle’. ⁷

The most detailed development of this concept is found in the various forms of Gematria. In these traditions, number exploration goes far beyond the contemplation of the basic cycle one through ten.

In these systems, the central hypothesis is that words, or phrases, which have identical numerical value, bear some relation to each other. Several systems have developed through the ages, but the purest form relies on the summation of the absolute numerical values⁸ represented by the letters (common symbol) which make up the word or phrase.

The premise of such an activity is that, by identifying words which are numerically equivalent, we can learn something fundamental about both words. The numerical resonance between words indicates a harmonic relationship between them. Such a harmony, particularly when accompanied by a synchronicity of meaning or general contextual usage, can be interpreted in various ways: which depends largely on the tradition, or bias, of the practitioner.

Irrespective, every discovery adds to a personal understanding of the inter-connectedness of everything, offers additional insight to the natural order of things and ultimately draws the practitioner towards the Creator.

The next important development takes us to Greece. What may surprise many, despite the obvious similarity between the names of the letters, is that the Greek alphabet is nothing more than a variation⁹ on Hebrew: the common root being Phoenician which predated them both. As with the Hebrew alphabet, the Greeks had no separate symbols for numbers¹⁰. It should come as no surprise, then, to discover that the Greeks had their own form of Gematria.

Isopsephia, as the Greek tradition was called, shared many of the concepts and beliefs with which we are familiar from Gematria. In its earliest form, as in the Judaic tradition, Isopsephia was applied exclusively to sacred texts.¹¹

Whether or not Pythagoras (500 B.C.E.) ever used the methods of Isopsephia is unknown. Indeed, no written records of his methods, beliefs or inspiration exist.¹² Everything that we know of him, and the mystery school he is credited to have formed, was written centuries after his death. Most of the writings make it very difficult to know what is true, and what is myth woven around the revered founder of what appears to be a rather odd cult¹³.

Pythagoras Teaching Music

From Raphael’s “The School of Athens”

What is generally accepted as the most, but not entirely, truthful account comes from Aristotle, reporting in his “Metaphysics”¹⁴:

1.   The Pythagorean school held that the principles of Mathematics are the principles of all things. i.e. by comprehending numerical patterns, we can understand the patterns of nature.

2.   The number 10 was particularly significant, represented in the form of the Tetraktys – a common symbol which graphically represented the emanation from the Creator to the Mundane. (Compare with the 10 Sephira on the Tree of Life within the Kabbalistic tradition).

Tetraktycs and The Tree of Life

3.   All is number: an idea which encompassed both the physical and invisible world, up to and including the soul. This was not considered a theoretical matter, but was viewed as a statement of fact. In this context, the belief that the soul, in particular, was number may be relevant later.

4.   All numbers are whole numbers, or simple fractions of whole numbers. In the Pythagorean mind, no other type of number could exist because it only whole numbers were capable of representing the forms of reality.

5.   From earlier sources describing the development of the Pythagoras myth, it is clear that “Pythagoras was obsessed with the “deeper meanings” behind numbers; the spiritual and metaphysical meanings of their relationships with each other and their transcendence beyond the universe at large.”¹⁵

From these observations, there certainly appears to be evidence that the relationship that Pythagoras had with numbers could have been described in terms familiar to those working within the system of Isopsephia.

In any event, it is worth noting that two discoveries attributed to Pythagoras have survived the scrutiny of history: his geometric proof of the theorem which now bears his name¹⁶; and the mathematical elements of his theory of music, harmony and scale¹⁷.

Despite the disparaging attitude of modern science towards many of Pythagoras’ other theories, many of the most important discoveries of the Middle Ages rely on Pythagoras for inspiration¹⁸.

Johannes Kepler made his discovery of the Laws of Planetary Motion whilst attempting to prove the validity of Pythagorean notions of the Music of the Spheres¹⁹ and the Sacred Geometry of Platonic solids which underpinned the structure of the Solar System.

Kepler’s Platonic Solid Model of the Solar System

Newton’s Theory of Light²⁰ relied on the same premise as the Pythagorean theory of light, which held that light was composed of particles. Newton suggested that the diffraction patterns which he studied were the result of these colored particles separating, according to their size, as they passed through the prism²¹.

Newton Splitting Light into its Component Particles

Around this time, as the world of science was making great strides forward, on the back of ancient mathematical concepts, the systems of Isopsephia and Gematria were being adopted by many mystery schools which began to spring up across Europe. In particular, the Rosicrucian²² and Masonic²³ Orders have at their heart, much symbolism which can only be understood by applying the logic and teachings inherent within these number systems.

Not until the late 19^th Century, when a similar wave of interest in occult truths swept society, did a significant advance occur in the field of numerical science.

Against a background which embraced the ideas of Theosophy; introducing many of the Eastern Traditions to the West; and The Golden Dawn; reinvigorating the Western Tradition; a little remembered music teacher, living in Atlanta City, came to some startling conclusions.

In her studies of harmony, Mrs L. Dow Balliett came to realise that the letter name applied to each note had the same vibratory qualities as the note itself. It was this simple observation, she later claimed, which led to her interest in the application of numerical science.

The handful of books which she published on the subject²⁴ essentially defined the modern method of relating names and numbers to acquire insight to the character and personality of the individual²⁵. Her ideas could easily have been quickly forgotten, but for the efforts of one of her students.

Dr. Julia Seton (Sears)²⁶ was an influential humanitarian, suffragette and lecturer in New Thought who toured the English speaking world extensively. It was she who brought Mrs. Balliett’s ideas to a world-wide public. She also wrote several essays on the subject, and it is her book “Symbols of Numerology” which is credited with giving the Science of the Vibration of Names and Numbers its modern name.

Dr Julia Seton Sears

(1862-1950)

Whilst Dr. Seton, and many other of Mrs. Balliett’s students, wrote influential books on the subject, it was Dr. Seton’s daughter, Dr. Juno Jordan who gave Numerology it’s scientific footing.

Turning her back on a career in dentistry, Dr. Jordan studied psychology and founded the Californian Institute of Numerical Research with the intention of testing and perfecting the system. The Institute continued for twenty five years, closing only when the research body had convinced themselves that the theory was robust, the methods accurate and the interpretational guidelines valid. The results were published in Dr. Jordan’s seminal work “The Romance in Your Name”²⁷.

Juno Jordan 1884-1984

The advent of the system represented a primary shift in emphasis in the field of Numerical Science in the West.

Historically, all of the Western systems directed their efforts towards uncovering the big answers. Numerology took the same principles and applied them at the personal level: effectively redirecting the focus of Numerical Science away from understanding creation and turning it towards understanding ourselves.

In this sense, Numerology has much more in common with Astrology than anything that Pythagoras may have been involved in. Clearly, the twelve key numbers (1-9 plus the 3 master numbers) may be considered in sympathy, if not entirely in harmony, with the twelve signs of the Zodiac: a science always directed toward self analysis and growth, rather than the rather tawdry ‘fortune telling’ device that it has become considered by the uninitiated.

Some have argued that the spectrum of numbers generated and utilized in a Numerological chart (there are no less than fourteen combinations required in order to generate a chart and to use it successfully as a tool towards self discovery) make the system too cumbersome. However, once the chart has been devised and interpreted, looking ahead is more akin to the study of biorhythms and is therefore much simpler for day to day application.

It is interesting to note that coming to Numerology too young is almost guaranteed to end the relationship early. The full value of the system seems to only become apparent later in life, when enough tests have been passed / failed that we can fully appreciate the reading before us. We have come to recognize for ourselves already, many of the things which Numerology has to say about us. With this in mind, it becomes clear that these aspects of ourselves which we do not recognize in our chart are the very aspects from which we can most powerfully learn as we move forward.

This in itself offers a clue to the real value of Numerology. Numerology does not tell us how to live our lives. Nor does it tell us our fortune. It cannot reveal lucky numbers. Nor can it indicate our perfect partners. As such, it offers much more than the ‘New Age’ allows it to.

Numerology is nothing less than a tool which aids us towards psychological self awareness.

Psychology is a complex field. Numerology takes that complexity, and by focusing on key psychological states, as applied to individual personality traits, opens the potential for dialogue on our strengths, which naturally aid us, and our weaknesses, which may have thus far hindered us. Such simple insight into our own character, allows us to move forward in full awareness of the true potential we harbor within ourselves.

It is, of course, important that this ‘self’ dialogue is an honest one, and perhaps explains why the system is more readily acceptable to those who have already lived a little. It is only through such honest appraisal, that our weaknesses can be turned into strengths, for even our weaknesses are a talent that can be nurtured. Dr. Jordon asks us to, “Discover our challenge. Do not attempt to overcome it – BECOME it”.

“All is number”, and the disharmonies that we face; psychologically, physically, emotionally; find their reflection in the dance of number which the Universe places before us. By offering some understanding of how our personal identity fits within the symphony, Numerology allows us to find a manner of living ‘in-harmony’ with the Universe as it unfolds around us.

I shall leave the final words to Mrs Dow Balliet:

“No talent can remain mute if it has been gained. No place can hold you that you have outgrown. ‘The Law of Nature is compensation’ – it will move you to where you belong. Deal only with yourself. Do not blame others. In-harmony cannot find you if there is no point of contact.”

Numerology provides a point of contact.

© 2009-2010 Written by Haruth for release on SymbolicLiving.com

This article is copyright protected.  Reproduction without written permission is prohibited.

Footnotes:

1.        Clay tokens marked as a “record of transaction” have been dated as early as 8,000 B.C.E.

http://www.denison.edu/campuslife/museum/cuneiform.html

2.        For an overview of this process visit

http://www.sumerian.org/tallysticks.pdf

3.        Adkins, Lesley, Empires of the Plain: Henry Rawlinson and the Lost Languages of Babylon, New York, St. Martin’s Press (2003)

4.        By the time the language became extinct around 75 C.E. the character set had reduced to some 500 symbols, mainly through elimination of homophones (symbols which represent the same sound), but also through the formation of logograms (a single symbol which represented an idea which previously required several symbols to convey).

http://xoomer.virgilio.it/bxpoma/akkadeng/cuneiform.htm

5.        One of the famous Armana Letters:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amarna_letters

6.        The historical development of the letter Aleph will help to demonstrate this point:

Cuneiform Proto-Hebrew  becomes Aramaic  becomes modern Hebrew א

For an appreciation of development of other Hebrew letters visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Hebrew_alphabet

7.        Leonard Bosman, The Meaning and Philosophy of Numbers, 1932. Still available in reprint at Amazon.

8.        The following table indicates the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, their English equivalent, and the number represented by each.

9.        For details of the simplicity of the variation visit:

http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/4_history.html

For an overview of the alphabet family tree visit:

http://phoenicia.org/alphabet.html

10.     The following table indicates the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet, their English equivalent, and the number represented by each.

Note: there was once a sixth letter (Digamma) of value 6, but it fell out of use as did the letters with the values 90 and 900.

11.     Modern writers lazily refer to the Greek tradition as Gematria. In general terms, we can assume that any “Gematria” which focuses on the New Testament, e.g., should rightly be referred to as Isopsephia.

12.     This of course has not stopped every esoteric movement, which includes a mathematical element within their teaching, lay claim to being heir to the true teachings of Pythagoras!

13.     For an interesting academic summary of the theoretical aspects of the Pythagorean sect visit:

http://www.cs.utk.edu/~mclennan/OM/BA/ETP/index.html

14.     A good summary is presented at:

http://www.abu.nb.ca/Courses/GrPhil/Pythagoras.htm

15.     From:  http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/pythagoras/

which gives a very good history of the development of the myth of Pythagoras.

16.     Though it may be true that Pythagoras was the first to be able to mathematically prove it, the principle which bears his name was known in Egypt, Chaldea and China thousands of years before his time. For more information, visit:

http://www.arcytech.org/java/pythagoras/history.html

17.     Pythagoras musical theories were central to the scientific understanding of tone, harmony and scale. The theories which he developed remain in use today, and form the basis of modern tuning, chord development and tonal progression.

To see how the Tetraktys relates directly to music theory, visit:

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/math5.geometry/unit3/unit3

18.     Read Richard Bloodworth’s short essay on Pythagoras’ contribution by visiting:

http://www.2b2b.org/docs/papers/PythagorasPhilos.pdf

19.     Music of the spheres discussed at

http://www.keplerstern.com/Music_of_spheres/music_of_spheres.html

20.     For information on Newton’s Theory of Light, visit:

http://galileo.phys.virginia.edu/classes/609.ral5q.fall04/LecturePDF/L20-LIGHTII.pdf

21.     From:  http://www.colorsystem.com/projekte/engl/08newe.htm

which gives an overview of the colour theory devised by Newton.

22.     For an interesting article which discusses Isopsephia as applied within the early Rosicrucian rituals and teachings visit:

http://www.rosecroixjournal.org/issues/2005/articles/vol2_22_29_mcdavid.pdf

23.     Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Rite of Freemasonry, Charleston, 1871 (in which Pike asserts that the Cabala is the key of the occult sciences, with particular reference to the Scottish Rite).

Albert Mackey, The History of Freemasonry, 1881 (in which the key to Masonic Gematria is revealed as that published in the second book of Agrippa, “Three Books of Occult Philosophy”). The form of the Key, which cannot be readily extrapolated from any of the Keys published here, can be obtained by PM for those interested but unable to access a copy of either Agrippa or Mackey.

24.     The most influential of her many titles, modern reprints of which are available on Amazon, include:

“Vibration: A System of Numbers as Taught by Pythagoras” 1905

“Philosophy of Numbers: Their Tones and Colours” 1908

“Nature’s Symphony, or Lessons in Number Vibration” 1911

“The Day of Wisdom According to Number Vibration” 1917

“Number Vibration in Questions and Answers, a Textbook” 1920

25.     It should be well noted, that no such system existed before the time of Mrs L. Dow Balliet. Any individual, or organization, claiming otherwise is at best misinformed, and at worst deliberately misleading.

26.     Dr Julia Seton (Sears) short biography can be read at

http://cornerstone.wwwhubs.com/Julia_Seton_Sears.html

27.     Dr Juno Jordan, “The Romance in Your Name” is available in reprint at Amazon.

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Many modern interprations are credited to Metropolis in the ideology of the human being turning bionic.  We can see in Christina Aguilera’s new album Bi-on-ic, this theme continues to be prevalent in the music industry.  Beyonce and Kylie Minogue also have donned appearances as bionic, transformed women. Lady Gaga’s stage name is rumored to be from Queen’s Radio Ga Ga which features portions of Metropolis. Conspiracy theorists do point to a underlying message in the music industry revealing a higher echelon working behind the scenes with the desire to turn humans into part human part robot tapped into the system by microchips.

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Is there something to it? As we get further into the future we are depending on electronics immensely for nearly all activities in our civilization.   Without them, could we survive?

Are we becoming too dependent on technology?

The film depicts the wealthy and privileged living off the underclass.

Metropolis is an absolute must see Silent film (with musical score), storyline and plot conveyed mainly through visual display and dramatic music.  This film has non-English subtitles but is understood through it’s visual depictions.

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Fritz Lang’s science fiction epic Metropolis was made in Germany in 1927, when German cinema was among the world’s finest.

The story takes place in a city of the future – the year is 2026 – when workers slave and live underground while, above them in a modern city, the wealthy literally feed off them.

A film that has influenced science fiction movies ever since, Metropolis has invariably been seen in less than pristine copies that have been edited and shortened for a variety of reasons (a few years ago there was the Giorgio Moroder version).

But now the original 124 minute version has been restored by the German Murnau Foundation, and it’s possible to see this milestone of cinema in the best conditions possible. If you’ve never seen it, you’re in for a remarkable experience; if you’ve only ever seen truncated versions, it will be like seeing it for the first time ~ by David Stratton.  SBS Films.

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Enjoyable for anyone wanting to see and learn more about Medieval lives.

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Many Festivals have continuing stories dramatized from year to year.

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This is a wake-up call

When we receive a wake-up call, who do we become in the process?

Who are we asked to become?

The BP oil spill is a man-made disaster detrimental to life and clear evidence we are impacting the planet in catastrophic ways.

It doesn’t matter what your politics are.  It doesn’t matter what your beliefs and opinions are about global warming.

It doesn’t matter if you believe in evolution or creation.

Right now, this is what is happening to the planet because of us.

This is reflecting to us the undeniable reality that humans are having a traumatic impact on this planet and on the life forms co-existing on this planet.

But what can we do? We are seemingly helpless to the system of needing oil for fuel.  A system has been developed that is so strong, it is nearly impossibly to avoid contributing to the problem. We hand over our money to the oil industry to fill up our tanks so we can work and live.  Every product we buy, including basic necessities of food, clothing and shelter are all touched by oil. It is also extremely difficult for alternatives to make a serious dent in changing the system because of the sheer strength and magnitude of the oil industry.

What we can do is start becoming more aware of the problem as a first step.  We can stop distracting ourselves with things that are really not very important. We can stop living in our own bubbles of wants, needs and desires and closing ourselves off to seeing the bigger picture of what’s going on in this world and how we are a part of it.

What if, hypothetically, this oil spill couldn’t be stopped and continued for many more months or longer?  How would that impact the world?

Let’s look at what it’s doing right now. Don’t look away.  This is Reality.  This is important. This is the experience of life as a result of what’s happening right now.

These birds and sea life can’t even breathe.  Imagine yourself not being able to breathe.  Imagine oil coating your throat and lungs.  Imagine that experience.  That’s reality for them right now.

It’s Time to Wake Up.  This is Important.

This is a disaster.

What are we doing to this planet? What are we contributing to the world and to the life experience of other life forms?

How on earth could drilling happen without safety measures put in place in advance in case of a leak?  Shouldn’t all possible scenarios be studied, considered and accounted for in case of such situations possibly occurring?

The media mainstream numbs us to who we really are and what we are really doing here and what our purpose is.  Starting at an early age, life purpose is distorted to being focused on the Self.

In popular music, which we know greatly influences the young, we rarely hear anything these days other than gloating about the self.  “How rich and famous I am”, “How beautiful and sexy I am”, “How much materialism I have and can afford”, “How much better I am than you”, “How great my life is compared to everyone elses”,”How much fun my life is because I have what everyone else wants”.

Is this the message we want our children to be brought up on and look up to?  What kind of result does that have on people? Who do we become in the process.  Is this really the “American Dream”? To have all the materialism we are taught to desire?  What impact does having all this ‘stuff’ have on the world?

How does being self-centered really contribute to a purposeful life in the world?

Are we being distracted from realizing what our real life purpose is here on earth?

It’s all an illusion, fabricated by people’s ego’s, communicating those illusions to one anthers ego’s in a false circle of reality.

This is what the young generation is being brought up on in the media, and what they are believing to be the purpose of their lives.  To be products and promoters of their ego’s. It is so strongly ingrained in the minds of youth that it continues into adulthood for many.

Come back to reality and wake up.  Sure life isn’t about focusing on all the horrible things that are happening in the world, that would be depressing, but ignoring what is going on by keeping yourself entertained with distractions day after day, does a great disservice to all. It doesn’t balance a wholeness of reality through our actions and reactions.

Many people don’t want to know the dark side to reality and choose to ignore it at all costs.  However, the ignoring of what our actions do, is the very thing that contributes to that very ugly side of experience for others in the world.

Life is meant to be enjoyed, but at who’s expense? What are we doing as obsessive consumers, driving the need for more and more energy consumption to fuel our consumerist product assembly lines.

We are causing suffering to others in the world for our own desires.

A significant problem in mainstream society is that people are taught to be concerned with the self above and beyond.  When someone thinks about the collective they are labeled a communist or a socialist.  But that isn’t the truth.  That is an extremist point of view, tipping the scales to the opposite spectrum of extremism. That is a political point of view.  That isn’t a balanced point of  view based in reality.

Caring for others.  Being concerned for the life experience of others is about balance, giving, sharing.  Ultimately it is about love and kindness, generosity and understanding.  There’s something wrong with that?  But we know this only looks good on paper because where there are people, there are ego’s, and conflict arises.

Therefore, if being concerned for other people is too difficult, let us at least start by looking at the bigger picture of the world and for the wildlife on the earth.  Let’s start by waking up to how our choices are impacting the life experience of others.

The Buddha stated, “The cause of suffering is desire”.

Look at the suffering we are causing.

It is definitely time for us to wake up to the reality we are creating in the world.

What do you think? What do you think we can do?  How can we change what is happening in the world?

If your heart doesn’t sink when you see what we are doing to the world, why?

Imagine someone you love deeply suffering in this way.  How would you feel?  Life is sacred.

These birds did not ask for our mistakes.  They are crying out for us to wake up.  They are reflecting to us who we are and what we are doing.  It’s time to change.

What are we doing to this planet?

The destruction we have imposed on this planet for the past 100 years is profound.

Every day we are polluting this planets waterways, air and all life forms are being impacted.

How much more is it going to take before we wake up and choose differently for ourselves and this world?

Post a comment.  What are the solutions?

The best way to help personally is to give, which you can do by texting WILDLIFE to 20222 to donate $10 to the NWF Gulf Oil Spill Restoration Fund. If you’re in Louisiana and want to report oiled wildlife, call 1-800-557-1401. Sign up for NWF’s Gulf Coast Surveillance volunteer teams to help spot and report oiled wildlife throughout the Gulf at www.nwf.org/oilspill.

Article:

David Mizejewski

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© 2008-2010. A course in Kabbalah by Sephir.
Symbolic Living.

Be sure to read Kabbalah Part 1 and Kabbalah Part 2 first.

Authentic Kabbalah Part 3

The Desire’s Development

As previously mentioned, the desire to receive is the core of the universe, and all that exists within it in all its possible stages of development (inanimate, vegetative, animate and human) consists of certain strengths of the desire, which entirely determines its manifestation in our world. Let’s suppose, if we increased the desire of a tree (vegetative), it would turn into a cat (animate), and if we increased a cat’s desire a bit more, it would turn into a human being. Kabbalah tells us, that our world is a projection of the spiritual roots descending from the upper worlds, and beyond the illusion drawn by sensory perception, there is nothing, except for the desire to receive pleasure, and the pleasure itself.

Although the structure of the desire and its development will be explained in the further part of the course, a short explanation, however, may as well be given at this point. All that exists in each world is divided into four levels: Inanimate, Vegetative, Animate, and Human. These correspond to four levels of desire, and similarly, every object consists of these levels, and each level consists of sub-levels structured the same way.

Desire is often depicted as a vessel, or circle.

Let’s clarify, what is our place in that global desire structure, and what role do we play in it. As we already know, the whole process of the universe development is an exact projection of constantly growing desire to receive. There are several rules according to which the process of desire development works:

Hence, the whole process of development of humanity is merely a manifestation of constantly growing desire to receive. I hope it’s clear, that every action follows certain desire, and there is no action without a desire. We don’t control our desires, but they control our actions – they appear, develop, and disappear according to a constant pattern. Thus, knowing the structure of the desire, and its development pattern, our world becomes absolutely predictable. The appearance of human being is the last (4th) stage of desires development – its inner development can be depicted as follows :

Obviously, the dates are approximate. Please note, that humanity appeared around 40.000 years ago, and remained existing on the lowest (inanimate) level of egoism, which corresponds to simple desires of physical body -sustainingits existence. It consists of simple desires for food, sex, sleep, parenting etc. In fact, this level is not considered egoistic, as egoism deals with social desires only (to be explained later). As egoism level gradually grows up with the increasing speed, a new level of desire appears. There was a certain amount of people, who climbed up to the higher level of egoism (vegetative), while others remained existing on the lower one (inanimate). Invention of money was merely a way to express that new egoism layer, to express that particular division in society. People belonging to the vegetative level of desire felt differently than others, more separated from each other. Meanwhile, egoism kept growing up, thus creating a new level of desire, which appeared the same way as previous one. While two lower levels kept existing, a new one ascend to the upper level of egoism, thus creating a new form of desire. The aspiration to power, fame, and honor corresponds to the animate level of development, and obviously represent much bigger desires than the previous ones. The mechanism that this desire is based on is the same : people belonging to this level felt even more separated from one another, thus the need to express oneself in the society caused such manifestations, as wars, politics etc. The last level of the desire development embodies aspiration to knowledge, meant to be used on the same basis, as previous desires – to express one’s position in the society.

The levels differ from one another in two parameters, that gradually change from stage to stage : amount of people included, and egoism size.

Hence, the higher level of desire, the more egoistic state it represents, and the fewer people belong to it. This proportion is constant for each level of Nature (inanimate, vegetative, animate, and human) Although the amount of people living on the globe increases, this proportion doesn’t vary.

Desire and pleasure

The question is, why does humankind change so fast, whereas animal, vegetative, and inanimate level remain almost the same throughout thousands of years? Why our egoism is constantly growing? Let’s clear it up. In fact, there are only two distinct components that the universe consists of : desire, and pleasure. There is nothing else in the objective reality (beyond its form drawn by 5 senses) except for these two forces : reception and bestowal. The force of reception is represented by desire to receive, also called “the creation”, however, the force of bestowal is a manifestation of the Creator within the desire – in other words, with regard to our sensation.

Please note, that both receiving and giving is only an action, that doesn’t indicate whether it’s egoistic, or altruistic. Egoism and altruism represent the intention of action, not the action itself. Intention can be imagined as an electric charge – plus and minus. Hence, there are 4 possible combinations :

1. Receiving to receive pleasure (egoistic reception) -
2. Receiving to give pleasure (altruistic reception) +
3. Giving to receive pleasure (egoistic bestowal) -
4. Giving to give pleasure (altruistic bestowal) +

Egoistic reception (1) is what we know from our world – 95% of population represent this state. Egoistic bestowal (3) also exists in our world – around 5% of population are involved into “altruistic” organisations, etc. Altruistic bestowal (4) doesn’t exists in our world, and it’s impossible to reach by a human being. This is the quality included in the Creator, and this is the orgin of pleasure (hence, pleasure is considered to be a purely altruistic force). Altruistic reception (2) is possible only through method of Kabbalah, and this is what kabbalists do (to be explained later).
Egoistic intention of the desire means no more and no less, than sensation of pleasure within the desire (inner sensation). However, altruistic intention is a sensation of pleasure beyond the desire (sensation of what is outside). Thus, what we deal with in our world is either egoistic reception, or egoistic bestowal. Let’s examine what happens when altruistic pleasure (+) enters an egoistic desire (-) :

If the desire doesn’t match the quality of pleasure (their charges aren’t identical), it becomes destroyed by pleasure. The spark of pleasure received this way is called : “ner dakik” (hebr. tiny spark of light), as Kabbalists tell us, that people in our world don’t even know what real pleasure is, as they have never felt it. Let’s examine how this model of reception works :

1. The only goal we have is to receive pleasure. Regardless of its form (buying a car, making a career, eating french fries), all we want is at least that slight sensation of fulfillment.

2. The empty desire (without fulfillment) is felt as suffering, and the fulfilled desire is felt as happiness. This is what we want, right? To be happy.

3. Usually, it takes a pretty long time until we achieve our goal. It can take a day, a month, years, even a lifetime. As we feel empty throughout this process, we suffer.

4. Once we achieve our goal, we feel happy for a little while (a spark of light). Let’s say, I have been dreaming about buying a new car. To afford it, I had to work hard for many years. And finally, I can buy it. I feel happy, I got what I wanted. Tomorrow I’ll feel a bit less happy than today. In one week, I won’t even remember about that happiness. I’ll feel empty again, and some new, bigger desire will appear, making me suffer again, forcing me to go through the same process. Looking back, we see how much time we had spent on achieving the desired object, but received very little pleasure in return. Likely, our life consists of 99,9% of suffering (emptiness) and 0,1% of happiness.

Let’s take a look at what happens when the desire is being destroyed by pleasure :

Once the desire (along with spark of pleasure) disappears, a new one appears. It’s bigger than the previous one, therefore requires more time and effort to achieve. Accordingly, it causes more suffering, because the bigger emptiness is, the more suffering comes from it. This is the constant pattern of growing egoism, according to which our desires develop.

We live under a constant influence of the Creator, which represents utterly altruistic quality (altruistic bestowal). This influence doesn’t vary, and never changes. However, as our egoism grows up, and thus a degree of dissimilarity with the Creator’s quality increases, we receive more and more negative result (suffering) in return. Thus, this model of reception causes destructive results of interaction between the creature and the Creator.

Growing egoism increases a degree of dissimilarity to the Upper forces.
Hence, on the one hand, receiving pleasure is our inborn life core, but on the other hand, we are virtually incapable of receiving it, as the pleasure destructs the desire itself. At this point it can be concluded that we are born to suffer. Once man reveals this, one common question arises : “What is the meaning of my existence?”. Before we answer this, let’s go back to the question we asked previously : why does human level change so fast, whereas the lower levels (animate, vegetative and inanimate) remain existing on the constant level of egoism? What is the difference between 4th level of the desire, and the rest of them (1, 2, 3)?

1. The first level (inanimate) represents the smallest desire to receive pleasure, therefore it affects only the sum of all the elements, and is not separately manifested in each of the inanimate elements of nature.

2. At the next level (vegetative),the will to enjoy is bigger, and already manifests in each particular element. Hence, each element at the vegetative level already possesses the ability for individual movement (for example, plants open their petals and turn toward the sun). This level includes such processes as absorption and excretion, yet beings at this level still lack the sensation of individual freedom of will.

3. At the third level (animate),the will to receive pleasure grows even larger. Desire produces individual sensations in each particular element and creates a unique life for everyone, one that differs from those of the others. However, there is no sense of empathy with others at this level. These beings still lack the necessary compassion or pleasure with regard to others.

4. Finally, the fourth level (human) creates the desire to receive pleasure based on sensation of others. The previous levels cannot sense others and can generate simple needs only within the limits of their own desires. On the human level, a person who can sense another acquires the other’s needs.

The difference between the levels is pretty slight, and it’s still unclear, why humans egoism grows up, as apposed to lower levels. It is important to understand, that only human level is egoistic. In fact, there is no egoism on the lower levels of existence, because there is no freedom of will, and there is no sensation of others. These levels are entirely guided by the Creator (nature), so that no free choice remains. We observe, that these levels exist in perfect harmony. As we already know, egoism has nothing to do with the basic needs (sustaining one’s existence) – it manifests with regard to others, thus causing corrupted relationships between a person and the environment. Hence, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd levels unconsciously exist being perfectly connected with the Creator, whereas the human being is the only egoistic element in purely altruistic surrounding.

According to the law of equivalence of form, the Upper forces put pressure on the lower level, thus forcing it to change, so that they become identical. The higher degree of dissimilarity to the Creator a man reaches, the more destructive influence from above he may expect. A man can be compared to a cancer cell, that doesn’t feel the common desire of the whole body, and focuses on satisfying its own needs instead. A cancer cell, being surrounded by an altruistic environment consisting of healthy cells, gives up providing the body with esentially important elements, and begins to absorb them for pleasing itself. Thus the whole body dies, along with a cancer cell.

Being a sole egoistic component of the universe, a man doesn’t sense the unity of the world he lives in. His perception is limited to inner world, which is an illusory projection of inner qualities. This is pointed out in the Book of Zohar :

Quote:
Open slightly your heart to me, and I will reveal the world to you.
The Book of Zohar

In Kabbalah, the full spectrum of man’s desires is called “heart”. Thus, it’s said, that once you transform your desires, so that they are directed to outside reality, you will witness the reality itself, the way it exists regardless of observer, beyond time, space, and form.

It’s been said, that inanimate, vegetative, and animate levels have no freedom of will at all. Their behavior is determined by inborn mechanisms, thus they are absolutely guided by the Creator. The question arises : is there any freedom of will when it comes to a human level? This is indeed a very important question to be clear up.

© 2008-2010. A course in Kabbalah by Sephir.
Symbolic Living.

Coming up next in Part 4

Freedom of Will, Meaning of Life and more

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In life, there is suffering.  Buddha taught us, and Jesus showed us.  Life can be full of pain and sorrow.  It is difficult to grasp when others are purposefully inflicting pain on us and are relentless in their pursuit.

All the emotions I felt during the week didn’t compare to what I felt last night.  Before getting ready to go to bed I read that a cemetery in my hometown had been vandalized.  The headstones were knocked over, as many as 300, and some were damaged. I wasn’t sure if it was where some of my loved one’s were buried or not but I felt a pull in my heart.  I called my mother and told her about what happened.  She hadn’t heard anything about it until I called.  I mentioned the name of the cemetery and she spoke with my father and confirmed it was where my grandparents and great grandparents were buried, and where my parents, brother and I have plots where I may also be buried one day.

A flood of emotions I couldn’t stop went through me and tears poured from my eyes.  I went upstairs and felt the loss run through me.  I couldn’t understand how people could choose to be so cruel.

I remembered being in that cemetery to bury my grandmother, and all that pain returned of the loss of someone I loved so dearly.  As I’m writing, it’s difficult to hold back the tears.  I remember standing with family members in the cold, wet weather and seeing her casket prepared for lowering with all the flowers and tears.

I’ve realized, people will hurt you in life no matter what your intentions.  People will take advantage of an opportunity to be unkind.  People can be vicious and cruel, unloving and lack any remorse of what their actions do to others on a deep level. Sometimes we have to endure the pain.

Everything else that happened in the week that was painful was washed away by the flood of pain I felt last night.  My mind let go of the weeks difficulties imposed on me, and turned to remembering how much I loved my grandparents and how much they loved me.

I remember seeing my grandfather sick, in the hospital in so much pain from diabetes and gangrene setting in.  The nerves in his feet excruciating.  How different he looked as he became so thin and how difficult it was to see him suffering. They wouldn’t be able to amputate his legs like other family members had been because of his heart being too weak. I remember when my grandmother was dying how we’d talk on the phone, how different it was as she got weaker. I got a phone call from my mother telling me she had passed away.  That same flood of pain I felt again last night.  The uncontrollable feeling of loss.  When I found out, I held onto a picture of her I had onto my dresser and cried. She gave me pictures of herself from an old album the Christmas before.  She gave me a spiritual picture that Christmas as well that she had on her wall since I could remember from my childhood of Jesus knocking on a door in a garden of flowers. She died a few months later, a week after my birthday.

My grandmothers funeral was the first I went to, which was open casket.  I remember walking in that room, after traveling home, and seeing her lay lifeless.  All that pain came back last night.  The memories of the loss returned because of someones cruel intentions to vandalize symbols of loved ones.  When I arrived and got in the car of my brother, there were no words I could say, only tears could say what I felt. When arriving at the funeral home I entered, saw my mother and father and could only cry.  I saw for the first time someone I had enjoyed so much time and shared so much love with in a casket.  My uncle brought me over to her casket and we kneeled in front of her.  I remember seeing her hands crossed with a rosary between them. When I saw her thumbs for the first time with real clarity, I saw my thumbs, and saw myself in her.  I saw who she was as a part of me.

When I was younger I was told I have “piano fingers” and I was always self conscious because I was thin, and I would try to hide my thumbs.  But when I saw my grandmothers hands crossed, I felt shame, as if I had dishonored who she was by dishonoring and not accepting myself for who I am. Her hands were my hands, and I loved her so much. Disapproving of myself was like disapproving of her, and it was painful to realize.  I had lost her.

My grandmother loved this song and it was played at her wake.

It’s worth the pain I’ve felt many times throughout my life to have known you.

Having had the opportunity to feel real love for people in life, makes all the pain and suffering worth it.  It felt as though, through all the pain, they were there again, to be with me, at least in spirit.  Reassuring me, and reminding me that there is love and kindness in the world, and we had the opportunity to share that with one another.

I’m reminded of the title of a book, which I’ve never read but have heard of – “Yesterday I cried”

And I will cry many more times in life.

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In many world cultures the world is seen as a testing ground, or a place to learn about ourselves and our souls.  But sometimes the focus is so much on humanities personal missions and an afterlife, we can lose reverence for the earth and lose our experience of now.  The world is much more than a place where we simply use to our personal disposal for our own benefit.  Many people believe we have dominion over the world and are superior to all else that exists in the world.  In that effect humans take on the dangerous position of having the right to do as we will with the earth without considering the bigger consequences for our actions.  This has lead to devastating results. The environment and life in all it’s forms are affected by our decisions, and the actions that result from choices.  The environment is polluted in a myriad of ways every day. Animals are slaughtered in the billions for human consumption with little consideration for their experience as living beings as a part of the earth. This is the result and expense of disregarding the value of earth as little more than a tool at our disposal for our own benefit.

There’s another view of the earth. A more holistic approach to seeing who we are as part of the world rather than simply on the earth, we are a part of its expression.

There is a view of the world, nature, the entire universe and all that exists within it as being as much a spiritual part of reality as the human soul is. This view see’s the world, and all sentient, living beings as being a part of the All, the universal Divine reality.  That All, is considered God.  Rather than the more common perception in our culture of God as a far off, distant force or being in a heavenly realm, the Divine is considered to be All that exists, and we humans are part of that expression, as is every other living being in existence.  Therefore, the entire world, all the plants, animals, every atom that exists to create the air we breathe, all the insects, the radiant sun, all of it considered to be the Divine expressing itself so that it can know itself through experience.

Volcano in Iceland

In this, Nature is viewed not as something we use and abuse as we wish, but as sacred, and the world is honored.  In all that we consider other than ourselves, is considered to be the greater Self.  All the parts we consider as separate, independent parts in the universe, are actually a part of the whole, the Oneness.

Going green is a step towards honoring nature.  Sure, many consider going green as a fad, and we can see businesses are using it to their advantage, but the bigger picture is nature is finally, in our culture, being seen again as being more important than our own selfish desires.  People are finally moving more into understanding the harmony between who we are with the environment as being vastly important.

Volanic electrical storm from the Iceland Volcano

There’s still a long way to go.  More people are waking up to this fact, but many are still perceiving themselves as more important than anything “not” themselves.  I still see people throwing coffee cups, among many other things, into the street before they get on the bus.  Just one simple example of mindlessness that occurs when we’re in our “own little world” instead of seeing the bigger picture of our actions.

Philosophies or theologies of Pantheism, Paganism, Druidry, Taoism, Hinduism, Native traditions, animism… can often seem foreign and non-desirable to many Western minds, however their underlying theme is based on the reverence for the earth and life and understanding the Divine expressed through the creation, as well as the evolution, of the universe.

The Earth is a place that has been here long before you existed and will remain long thereafter, but every person has an impact.  Every choice made influences this world.  The world and humanity are not separate.  Humanity can not exist without the environment.

Honor the air you breathe, the water you drink, the blue sky you see, the birds you hear, the flowers you smell, the herbs that heal your body, the sunshine that warms your skin, the bee’s that pollinate your food.  Honor life, Honor the Divine through honoring the world.  This manifestation we call the earth is so grand, so beautiful, so intensely mystical in our experience of reality when we connect to it, realize it, and acknowledge it’s magnificence.  Enjoy it. Love it.  Revere it for the reality it offers to you to experience.

Whether you believe in creation, or evolution or something else entirely it does not matter, for the world is here regardless of what you believe. It is here and you are here and that’s real. The world is where we live, it’s where we are experiencing life, right now.  The importance of all life, right now and throughout all your life, is worthy of our reverence and respect.  It is a divine manifestation you have the pleasure of being a part of.

We love flickr.  There are so many beautiful photographs of the world and the experiences in it to enjoy.  Some of the images linked to in this article are from a nature group we encourage you to check out.

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For years, Autumn has been my favorite time of year.  The air gets so crisp and fresh, the colors, the earthy fragrance from the tree’s, leaves and grasses.

This year, Spring has arrived with flowers on my mind.   Hyacinths, Crocuses, Tulips, Daffodils, and many I know not the name, are starting their journey towards the sun.  This year, spring has really caught my attention, unlike I have remembered for many years.

The sun is rising earlier and setting later.  Easter has arrived and passed and now we have the warmer summer months to look forward to in the Northern Hemisphere.

When I think of plants and how they strive towards the light it makes me think of the intention of Yoga and Kabbalah.  Both are ways of seeing and experiencing a connection to the light.   As above, so below, the ancient axiom that heaven and earth are connected.  Recently I was reading a bit about Yoga and it’s purpose.  In the West Yoga is often considered mainly as a physical exercise to stretch and strengthen the body.  That however, is work on the biological form.  Yoga is much more, not only does it affect the mind, but it’s very purpose is for spiritual union with the divine.  I’ve read, Yoga is about the human tapping into that spiritual energy force and bringing it down to the earth.  Like being a conduit of the spiritual world and connecting the earth to the light, and vice versa.

Similarly, Kabbalah or Qabalah in the esoteric sense, explains the process of creation of the Divine into the physical world from the spiritual subtle worlds and humanities climb back up the tree of life towards the originating source, the light.

When I look at the flowers blooming in spring, the birds arriving with their songs, I see the manifestation of the Divine, the life force.  Flowers show us the beauty of light, and what light and earth produce together.  They are like an expression of a Divine Union of elements manifesting themselves in the most artistically pleasing expressions of  the  senses.

It is endlessly fascinating how nature is coded with such complex signatures to bring forth the most creative and inspiring works seemingly without effort for our delight and opportunity to experience.

If you’re ever feeling down, or disconnected from yourself there’s nothing like really appreciating nature.  There’s so much to experience in nature, yet every day people are stuck to their routines and busy, hectic schedules.  Life passes us by when we don’t take the opportunities and prioritize what’s really important -  I mean, what’s really important.  Life and enjoying it.

Step outside on a sunny day and enjoy the art all around you.

To me, nature is symbolic of the Divine.  People think the Divine is so far away, but to me, it’s all around us.  You just have to see it in the everyday things we take for granted. It’s always there.

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In the West, and likely in all the world from place to place, we are conditioned to be judgmental of not only others, but of ourselves.  We are conditioned to be critical and self righteous, but we can change this by becoming more aware of our thoughts and who we are.

We can see the harm this conditioning does when others are treated badly, made fun of, criticized for being who they are.  This type of treatment to others causes feelings that are not joyous, abundant and loving.  This type of treatment comes from a place of fear, ignorance and a lack of compassion when our ego’s desires to create the illusion of us being better than others takes root.  It is so easy to harm others through our actions and words.  Karma teaches us that actions have results.  When the intentions behind your actions are harmful they reverberate to others and return to you. It does not truly feel good to treat others poorly, it is an illusion that is temporary and unfulfilling.

Namasté is a sanskrit word used frequently in the West in practices like Yoga and Meditation and is known in the East for it’s communion with others.

Namasté is a term of recognizing the Divine in others and is translated to mean “The Divine in me bows to the Divine in you” or “The Light in me bows to the Light in you” and similarly related variations thereof.

This is a recognition of the universality of the source and spiritual essence that is within all sentient beings.  It is an honoring of the sacred oneness of all that is with reverence, appreciation and respectful kindness.

There have been moments when I’ve been in a crowd of people and I’ve judged others unfairly.  There have been some moments of epiphany when this happens as well.

One day in the grocery store near the automated cashier counter I saw a woman who was very pale, very different looking than other people in general standing with a man, putting her order through.  She looked drained of energy, sickly almost.  For a brief second my mind flitted to judgments.  Negative thoughts about her appearance, really quite shallow thoughts, recognizable everywhere we turn these days. I too had fallen victim and in turn created victims of the viciously unfair thoughts applied to complete strangers that can plague our unawakened minds. Then in a flash something dramatic came over me.  A feeling of light poured over her, or through her and I could feel it so strongly.  It radiated. My mind immediately changed to a feeling of complete compassion, oneness and seeing her truth.  In her it was as if the Divine had become so clearly present.  My eyes softened, and a truly powerful surge of love flooded out all other considerations.  An understanding that she too suffers, as we all do; that her suffering was real, became genuinely apparent.  It was not a feeling of pity in any way.  It was a feeling of reality.  That this woman was on her journey in this life and has so much to live for, to enjoy, and so much pain to endure, all at once.  She was the presence of the human experience of life, in that moment, totally and undeniably real. I was there, to witness and feel who she was, in her state of being as she was, and it transformed me in that moment.

As I walked away to get to the cashier with my order, it was as though I became my real self again.  Remembering who I really was.  So much more authentic than all that chattering drivel of judgments that passes through our minds.  I realized who she was and who I was.  I felt light.

Another experience I had which I remember clearly, a couple years earlier, was when walking through a college hallway and seeing a man walk by.  Immediately I judged him as so many of us do.  We really are conditioned from a very young age to see what in others we can label as less than valued. When I saw him, my judgment again immediately escaped me.  This time though it was as if I saw a beam of light within him, at the core of his being.  It wasn’t something visual, nothing I could see with my eyes, rather it was a very strong sense of the light.  A sense that came through in a visual within, not externally.  In that moment too, a compassionate feeling overwhelmed me.  I realized that this was the light spoken of in the term Namasté.  As I looked around I realized that this was the hidden light that was in all of us, including myself, and it lighting up, it was resonating with the light in others. In that moment I did not feel guilty for my previous moment of negative thoughts.  In contrast, I felt relieved.  I was relieved to know that from the darkness of my thoughts, light was born, and I could release the negativity and let it go.  I felt like I was seeing the truth of who he was and those other thoughts were merely illusions that could dissipate so quickly for they had no real weight of authenticity.  They were not the truth.

It is so amazing how in a crowded area with so much going on around us, it’s as if everything fades away except for the power in that moment of transformation.  Everything vanishes from importance and an awakening takes place.

In hindsight though, those negative thoughts we do carry around with us do have weight.  A weight that is so heavy on our hearts and minds and clouds our vision of what is true.

If we all saw the light in others, and shared our light through our kindness and living with compassion there would be more love to enjoy, more laughs not at the expense of others, but laughs of enjoying the presence of others.  It is sad that in our society a large portion of our laughter is generated from the ridicule and belittling of others.  This is not true laughter, it is a spasm of unawareness that leaves us knowing less of the truth of ourselves and others.

If you wish to truly feel good and share that goodness with others, be kind, be generous,  be loving.  It will change your view of the world, your experience and the experience of others. Live your truth.  The real truth of who you are.  See the truth of the light in others, under all those layers.  It is there, in everyone.

Have enough compassion for yourself, to have compassion for others.

“When your mind is liberated your heart floods with compassion: compassion for yourself, for having undergone countless sufferings because you were not yet able to relieve yourself of false views, hatred, ignorance, and anger; and compassion for others because they do not yet see and so are imprisoned by false views, hatred, and ignorance and continue to create suffering for themselves and for others.”

“When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help. That’s the message he is sending.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

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