Seeing The Light
Born to be wild - live to outgrow it.
Lao Tzu
As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.
Carl Jung
Sweetest friends Shalom!!!
The pasuk says "Adam ayir pere yivaleid" - Man is born as a wild donkey. So if you see someone acting like an animal it is because he was born that way.
A GREAT Yid came to the world named Rav Yisrael Salanter. He tried to spread the message that we must work our entire lifetimes to change our basic nature. Unfortunately, he is all but forgotten. If people are working it is usually not on their middos but at the office. Working at the office is important! But a person can be a Harvard trained lawyer and live like an animal. Eat like an animal, have relations like an animal, get angry like an animal etc. etc.
We have been blessed with an entire literature designed to guide us in the herculean task of character improvement. Some of the suggested books: Messilas Yesharim [of course], Shaarei Tshuva, Chovos Halevavos, Alei Shor [Rav Volbe], Daas Chochma Umussar [Rav Yerucham Levovitz] and the latest hit "Da Es Atzmicha" [now translated into english as "Know Yourself" - I think].
I am looking for good Jews who are involved in internalizing the content of these brilliant sefarim filled with deep psychological insight for the purpose of self-perfection. Once I find such people I would like to go to them for berachos because they are HOLY!! Such people make great spouses, friends, workers and members of the community.
Once somebody starts learning more and more mussar he begins to understand how many flaws he has in his character and how much he must improve. When he starts making changes, his life becomes so much more meaningful. Until that time a person is living in darkness - and when he sees the light [after the 120 mark], it is too late.
Lao Tzu
As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.
Carl Jung
Sweetest friends Shalom!!!
The pasuk says "Adam ayir pere yivaleid" - Man is born as a wild donkey. So if you see someone acting like an animal it is because he was born that way.
A GREAT Yid came to the world named Rav Yisrael Salanter. He tried to spread the message that we must work our entire lifetimes to change our basic nature. Unfortunately, he is all but forgotten. If people are working it is usually not on their middos but at the office. Working at the office is important! But a person can be a Harvard trained lawyer and live like an animal. Eat like an animal, have relations like an animal, get angry like an animal etc. etc.
We have been blessed with an entire literature designed to guide us in the herculean task of character improvement. Some of the suggested books: Messilas Yesharim [of course], Shaarei Tshuva, Chovos Halevavos, Alei Shor [Rav Volbe], Daas Chochma Umussar [Rav Yerucham Levovitz] and the latest hit "Da Es Atzmicha" [now translated into english as "Know Yourself" - I think].
I am looking for good Jews who are involved in internalizing the content of these brilliant sefarim filled with deep psychological insight for the purpose of self-perfection. Once I find such people I would like to go to them for berachos because they are HOLY!! Such people make great spouses, friends, workers and members of the community.
Once somebody starts learning more and more mussar he begins to understand how many flaws he has in his character and how much he must improve. When he starts making changes, his life becomes so much more meaningful. Until that time a person is living in darkness - and when he sees the light [after the 120 mark], it is too late.
Go to Chofetz Chaim. For all my disagreements with certain aspects of their hashkafa/philosophy, many of them try to do this as much as they can.
Posted by
Ezzie |
7:26 AM
I guess we all focus on different things. For some it is the office, for others it is something else. I heard that the reason why some people always distract themselves, either with music or cellphones, is b/c they don't want to be alone with their thoughts. However, there are some people that don't mind sitting and doing some introspection and thinking about what they can improve. We should all strive to do that. :)
Posted by
smb |
12:24 AM
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