„Even a secular artist sees the entire world in a completely different…”
„Even a secular artist sees the entire world in a completely different way, more glorious than the way all other beholders see it. How much more so the righteous who see with the holy spirit, before whom the entire world appears in the measure of supernal beauty and splendor, akin to the glory that no eye has seen, that God alone will do for the one who waits for Him.”From Shemonah Kevatzim, VIII, 176
Rav Kook greatly valued artists and art; he knew that an artist has the ability to look beyond what is seen on the surface, a deeper gaze upon reality.
A great many artists in our generation repented as a result of a deep look at themselves, and from this at the world as well. Their deep language, the vision that knows there is something beyond what reality shows us on the surface, and the questions they posed to themselves about themselves and about others - gave them the ability to clarify and to believe that there is a God to the world.
The righteous also possess a deep gaze; they too know how to see the world more deeply than the rest of the world - both in the simplest aspects and in whole realms of life, in a complete perspective that knows how to see beyond (in inanimate objects and in people).
A good week to all!
For the recovery of Moshe ben Regina, Nili bat Rachel Sheli.
From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.