יח

And he said that his own sufferings are in the aspect of the ways of G-d. And he then told the story brought in Shivchei HaAri z"l: that once the Rav Rabbi Chaim Vital zichrono livracha greatly pressured the Ari [Rabbi Yitzchok Luria] to reveal a certain secret to him. The Ari did not want to, for he said it posed a great danger for him [Chaim Vital]. But Rabbi Chaim Vital pressed him greatly, and because of this the Ari was compelled to reveal it — for he had said that he came into the world only to rectify the soul of Rabbi Chaim Vital zichrono livracha. It follows that when Rabbi Chaim Vital pressured him, he was truly compelled to reveal the secret before him. And immediately afterward, when he revealed this secret, his son became ill and passed away because of it — may the Merciful One protect. And how is it possible to comprehend this? For surely he was compelled to reveal the secret because of Rabbi Chaim Vital's urgent pressing, as mentioned — and yet he was punished for it. But this is the aspect of the ways of G-d that cannot be comprehended. And he told all this in connection with his own sufferings from his children and those who came forth from him — that all his sufferings are on account of us, because he is occupied with drawing us close to Hashem Blessed be He. And surely his intention is truly for Heaven's sake. And certainly it is the true will of Hashem Blessed be He that he be occupied with rectifying us and drawing us close to Him Blessed be He — for this is the very core of the honor of Hashem Blessed be He and His will, and so on. And yet despite all this, he has such sufferings and punishments specifically because of this. But this is the ways of G-d that cannot be comprehended at all in any way.