# The Seven Pillars - Part 2
שבעה עמודי האמונה
Source: https://ajew.org/reader/seven-pillars/1/2 ## Segment 1 Still, even though judgement and punishment seems bad, everything is from Hashem only for our Good, to scrub away our sins and to shine us. But when we deafen our ears and tur our shoulders away from being rectified, that is the time when such judgement is aroused, For itis impossible to become fixed from our brokenness unless we raise our awareness to the secret of Teshuvah and its root=to know that everything is from Hashem [i.e. that right now, brand new, out of Infinite Light, Hashem is creating the place, the you, the other person, the circumstance, your thoughts, your feelings, the words, etc. —every detail of what is happening including your thoughts and feelings about it—this is the secret of Teshuvah. This is the root meaning of the word “teshuvah.” ‘Return’ everything to Hashem. Knows that every detail of the moment, including your thoughts and feelings, etc.] is all from Him. That knowledge is revealed in your ability to have your feelings hurt and, nevertheless, you stay silent, knowing[/watching] Hashem create the whole [situation and experience] knowing that it is all happening for your ultimate Good, including the scrubbing away the stains of sin and nullifying the sin's damage. To know that all the insult is being orchestrated in order to teach you to expand your consciousness. When we hold this type of awareness [always holding on to the quality of Teshuvah] it completely nullifies the concealment, nullifies the husks [that block us from perceiving the bliss and joy of Hashem’s Light] Amen! —[see Likutay Moharan 6] ## Segment 2 PILLAR FIVE: TESHUVAH (RETURN, REPENTANCE) ## Segment 3 “The fifth foundation is to know the following: For each and every spiritual ascent, every time we are aroused to teshuvah—to a deep sense of regret [for our sins], and we have thoughts along the lines of “From now on, | will surely be a kosher, holy person: now | will surely perform such and such [Divine Service] those thoughts are tainted with the type of heresy called "koachi vi’oatzem yadi—MY power and the strength of MY hand.” These type of thoughts soon dredge up sadness and feeling far from Hashem For one thinks that [teshuvah] is in his own hands and that what he manifests is up-to him. What?! Does he really think that just because he suddenly wants to do teshuvah because Heaven sent him thoughts that pierced his heart one time, does he think that he can simply decide that he is close to Kedushah?! And does he really think that being distanced from Kedushah is through his own failings? He doesn't know and he doesn't understand! For it is Heaven which delays him because he has yet to merit to that certain thing of Kedushah. For he didn't yet pray properly. And even if from now [he decides to be holy but still] doesn't find favor in Hashem's eyes, he won't withstand the test There is no other advice than to commit to doing Good and to entreat Hashem to at least not distance him from prayer and supplication. That Hashem should implant in his consciousness that no matter what happens, he always remembers the advice of prayer, the foundations of which are in the highest holy mountains—to reveal [through his prayer] the Truth that everything is in Hashem’ Hand, that He has the Power to grow and strengthen everyone. As itis written, “And | shall favor whomexer | shall favor’ —meaning whoever asks Me to favor him, him shall favor, For [Hashem implants in his consciousness] that there is never [a reason for] despair. For all the different setbacks are from the Blessed One out of Lovingkindness and Compassion in order to bring him close, not to distance him. And for all these setbacks and challenges, the main thing is 10 increase the amount of prayer and supplication—whether it be before, during or after the test. And even if G-d forbid he were to fail—purposely or accidentally, coercively or desirously. It is still all Hashem, as above. ## Segment 4 PILLAR SIX: ACTION ## Segment 5 The sixth foundation is to know that even though everything is in Hashem’s Hands and all physical and spiritual circumstances arise via His Supernal decrees, evertheless, the King of the Universe established everything so that you can experience and be tested through free choice and that you must do your part. However, your intent should not be that the action is really your own doing, but rather that you are being given the experience of being tested through your free choice. For that is the mandate—to do, even though the doing is not actually you. Therefore, you must encourage yourself to use all your power to go in the Way of the King of the World, to guard yourself from all types of sin and guilt and to conduct yourself towards the highest good within society. Again, not that you should think you are actually doing these things, but rather that you are being given the experience of existence and choice—[like being in a virtual reality game where you experience things that are not actually happening] For example, knowing Faith and Truth, it is clear that any profit destined for you will undoubtedly come to you even if you hide underground. So too, the mitzvot you will be able to do and the arousal you have to be involved with holy things will certainly find you when it arises within the Divine Will to favor you such that you pray for it. Regarding all this, the mitzvah is to descend into the concealment [that it looks like you are actually doing something] with the awareness that the purpose is the cosmic rectification. ## Segment 6 This is where everyone is greatly mistaken. For they see written in the Torah of G-d, “...and the L-rd, your G-d will bless you in all that YOU DO..." so too, regarding spiritual matters, "...you shall DO them..." Also. in the Book of Shmuel. “...for I am the master of sin...." “...and I caused all of this...” and the like, it seems to be saying that we are indeed responsible for the outcome. Really though, the intent is that we need to exert as much effort as we can, keeping in mind the above [that it is like a virtual reality ride and the goal is to have the experience of being tested and exercising choice] It is forbidden to forget that everything you do/experience, spiritually or physically, is by Heavenly decree and that you absolutely cannot see the Hand of G-d causing the outcome. For Hashem's main "pleasure" comes when we recognize Him inside the concealment and know that the concealment itself is from Him. That we hold paradoxical awareness of higher consciousness within our mundane existence. to know that somehow, He Knows and Controls and yet we choose. To recognize that there is a natural unfolding of nature and history that is nevertheless Divinely Orchestrated to the minutest detail. That everything in the historical process has been and is for the rectification of His Crown. To know that Hashem is Elokim [the Gd of Kindness and Flow is the same G-d of Harshness and Constriction.] ## Segment 7 In light of the above, the advice how to conduct yourself regarding livelihood and all your other needs is this. Before you decide how you will go about something and where you will turn, you need to first raise your eyes to the Heights, to draw forth simple Emunah that what you are really doing is rectifying the Empty Void—the root of all concealment. For then you realize that the real rectification is in having that Emunah—to believe that the way is not for you to do anything at all except to pray and supplicate. Then, afterwards, when a flash of true (or even false) advice sparks your mind, you need to follow that advice while holding the awareness that the real purpose is for you to have the experience of choice. Not to think G-d forbid, that Hashem cannot give you your needs except through this particular path with its reasons and activities, not to be attached to the outcome. For this is completely like the idolatry of the golden calf. ## Segment 8 This is what the tradition teaches that, after this life, when you are standing in front of the Heavenly Court, they will ask you, "Did you conduct your affairs with Emunah?" Meaning, when you went about your life, did you intend that the purpose of all your activities was to rectify your Faith? Did you hold the awareness that the main point was for you to have experiences combining the different aspects of creation in order to fulfill the Torah in those particular ways? Did you maintain awareness that your livelihood was completely from Hashem’s Hand and not at all due to your own actions? Or did you conduct yourself atheistically thinking, "What? Is the salvation of my livelihood going to come because I sit in the Torah study hall? If I don't go to work, I won't have livelihood!" ## Segment 9 Even in light of the above. even with Faith. one must have great clarity to discern which actions are according to Divine Providence or its opposite, may Hashem show Mercy! ## Segment 10 PILLAR SEVEN: THE TZADDIK ## Segment 11 The seventh foundation deals with the concept of drawing close to the Tzaddik Emet [the absolute saintly person who has completely nullified his physical urges and negative character traits and whose entire focus is bringing the people of Israel and righteous Gentiles to complete Teshuvah.] ## Segment 12 1. "The soul of Mashiach (the Messiah) preceded the world." (Talmud Pesachim 54a) It is the root of all the souls of Israel and the entire Creation This is the secret [meaning of the Talmudic discussion in Berachot 6b,] "The entire universe was created only to team up with him," and of (Mishlei 10:25) "The Tzaddik is the foundation of the world." ## Segment 13 2. The Holy One took counsel with this soul in creating His world, as is written, "With whom did He take counsel to be brought to understanding and learning in the way of judgement?” (Yeshayahu 40:14) ## Segment 14 3. He guaranteed the Holy One that he would fix the world. ## Segment 15 4. Every act of worship in the whole world, every incarnation, clarification, test and revelation of faith happens through him, as is written, "In My entire house, he is faithful.” (Bamidbar 12:7) ## Segment 16 5. To him the Holy One gave rulership and sovereignty, in the manner of "The Tzaddik rules with fear of G-d." (1 Shmuel 23:3) 6. He is the Heavenly court. ## Segment 17 7. He is the revelation of Hashem’s Hand—meaning that the Divine Orchestration of all circumstances, whether spiritual or physical, down to the slightest detail, happens through him. ## Segment 18 8. He is the revelation of prayer, as is written, “And I am prayer." (Tehillim 109:4) ## Segment 19 9. He is the Chariot for the Shechinah (Divine Presence/G-d's Feminine aspect). ## Segment 20 10. He is the Kedushah (Holiness).