Forces of Life
„The harsh forces in the soul – envy, anger, and all the more so might and pride – were prepared to accomplish great things in a great soul. Indeed, in proportion to the greatness of these psychic forces, the mastery of the intellect must be still greater and more exceeding over them, so that there be strength to guide each of the strong forces in its proper place.”From Ein Ayah, Shabbat I 20
Anger, envy, pride – these are intense forces that can build a person, build a world, or destroy it. Therefore, the stronger they are, the more intellect is needed in guiding them. Not in the sense of dry wisdom, but in a deep, gentle, and precise vision that understands the soul, knows how to direct, to guide, and to illuminate even its stormy places. In order to advance and repair ourselves and the world, we are required to be able to listen to what bubbles within us and not to suppress it immediately. To turn envy into aspiration, pride into inner steadfastness, and anger into a moral outcry. Intellectual guidance does not block the intensities we received from the Holy One, but gives them direction.
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From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.