MAN-TREE
MAN-TREE
(For the upcoming holiday of Tu Bishvat, the New Year of Trees. Based on the letters of Baal aSulyama to his disciples)
The writings of the sages, man is likened to a tree. which leaves - observance of the Torah "le Lishma", that is, from a desire to reward or fear of punishment, and fruit - "Lishma" fulfillment of the Torah for the sake of Heaven. And fruits do not appear before the leaves will not grow. But then leaves rob, not to interfere with the fetus to grow and develop.
Many Jewish books are written very tangible terms, but absolutely describe spiritual things.
Every thing is similar to its root. From the root of the apple tree does not grow a pear. To give pdody should be wood torn from poor soil and planted in the good. This means that we need to tear himself from the society of jesters peas and those who practice gross materialism and "put" themselves among good people, aspiring to the spiritual. Surround yourself with books and right thoughts.
To our growing and fruit tree care for it, producing different 'livestock' work.
1. Maavakin
If the roots are exposed, their spud, wrapped up the ground to the tree is not killed. Dust, dust of the earth - Avak Hebrew. And yet, its root verb Leit'abek means "to fight". Harboring roots of the earth has the following meanings in the spiritual work:
- you need to deal with third-party ideas and tricks of the external mind which is always trying to push us to the understanding of the Torah through the intellect, logic;
- one who performs spiritual work, not show it to anyone and everyone. And the one who shows all its successes in the Torah - just wants a reward from others. Honor and recognition and so on. Therefore harbor roots.
2. Meashnin
Fumigate the tree to kill worms and larvae. Parasites - it sprouts selfishness. Smoke - a product of fire, and we have to burn selfish desires in the fire of faith over knowledge. There is another hidden meaning of the word. Smoke veiled eyes, and the eyes is called the outer mind. That is to awaken faith, you need to close the "eyes" of external perception (to convince myself that everything from the Creator, and all for the good, even if the eyes see different);
3. Maskilin
It comes from the word Skil - (penalty) pobienie stoning. And there are several meanings.
- Stone Hebrew Even that hints at Awana (understanding), even though these words and different roots. That is, it is just a hint. Just as the stones removed from the soil to the roots do not interfere with, and remove as logical and outwardly-intellektualtnye construction so as not to interfere with germs faith;
- Selfishness allegorically called Leo Avon - Heart Stone. Creator pulls him and instead of giving Leo aBasar - Heart Alive, the desire to be in bestowal.
4. Mehursamin
From "bite off" a verb. Separated from the dry branches of the tree that is not picked up from the root vitality. What does this mean in spiritual work?
It happens that a person fulfills the Torah and the commandments not because of faith, but because in his entourage decided so. And all his efforts like dry branches were selected and root vitality of faith. The Torah is the Land of Israel - the Torah, to observe for the sake of Heaven. Therefore, the "bite off" party the reasons for its enforcement.
5. Mizardin
When it becomes too much juicy and wet branches, they are pruned.
There is a problem called "wisdom dominates the action." When so addicted to the theory that they forget about the practice. But the foundation of truth that shines the Light of Torah wisdom in our actions. Therefore, "straighten" itself, focusing on actions.
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(Translator's Note - MG) And like this "watered trees" - it is important to saturate them with water, but do not pour. And we discussed the example of the head of Exodus. Pharaoh drowned in the river Boys in the water. Water is the Torah, but you can "drown" in it. That is to succumb to desire to get yourself (for himself) all enclosed in the Torah, and then she will Himself Mavet (elixir of spiritual death).
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And so in all people like a tree. And you can infinitely produce more examples. But it is important to understand the truth - not about agronomy sages, discussing agriculture.