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Day 29: Understand the Purpose of This Challenge

Thursday, 17 May 2012
Part 2/3 (to see other parts of the article, click on the pages at the bottom)

Rabbi Luzzato states our lifetime purpose in this way:

Man was only created in order to delight in Hashem and take pleasure from the Divine Presence, which is the true pleasure of all the pleasures that can be found.

His enlightening explanation of the purpose of plea­sure in this world is written in lofty terms:

The purpose of pleasures in this world is only to assist a person in having calmness and peace of mind so that he can turn his heart to serve Hashem. It is fitting that every­thing he does should be dedicated to the Creator.

This may seem like a daunting, unrealistic goal. On an average day, how many of us think of our Creator at all (except when praying), much the less "dedicate every­thing" we do to Him? Is Mesilat Yesharim intended only for pious tzaddikim?

In actuality, Rabbi Luzzato is inferring that every Jew can aspire to high levels of thought and behavior: our ca­pability for it is programmed into our spiritual DNA. No one can instantly reach this goal. It takes a lifetime. But you should be aware that in spiritual realms, all of your efforts are noted and rewards are tallied. If you think that you are at too low a level - that you don't qualify for Di­vine notice - consider the following facts that we learn from our Sages.

(1) When you avert your eyes from looking at an im­properly dressed woman, you merit "receiving the Shechinah." (Chazal Derech Eretz) This means that the moment you guard your eyes from looking at an improper sight, you receive the Shechinah, even if you do not sense it.

(2) Each time you avoid an improper sight, you are con­sidered a "holy person" and G-d rewards you for per­forming this mitzvah.

(3) Cutting off an improper thought, even just once, is "the root of all goodness" because it changes the tra­jectory of your thoughts and actions. (See Day 19.)

(4) According to Taharat HaKodesh, in the World to Come you will see the glorious Shechinah in the merit of averting your eyes even one time. Imagine if you avert your eyes continually!

Today: Draw closer to Hashem - now and forever - by controlling your eyes. Internalize the idea that your soul is benefitting from your restraint, whether or not you sense it.

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