Any deep understanding of our great sages reveals they are all both rational and mystical. That is the reality we exist in and the paradox they seek to bridge to this day.
@@SeekersofUnity thank you for responding. The honest effort you put forth in your channel is a great benefit to your viewers and a kiddush HaShem IMHO. I also enjoyed your episode on the Hebrew letters. Felt like a meditation and I’m sure that was no accident
Todah rabba. Finished viewing at 1:06 AM. Very moving, passionate ed revelatory. I'm going to bed carrying a new spark inside, that it will grow again and again into a proper fire of work and commitment. So Maimonides found the Key, eventually. A passpartout for every heart whose genuine will is to be human, heavenly and earthly, and to work relentlessly and joyfully to the complete unfolding of Creation and, in doing so, taking a decisive part into the unspeakable self-cognitive process of the Being being being. I send you all my deepest blessings, Zvi. So nice to know that someone like You hangs around in these dark and confused days.
Thank you, I am happy to see there is more to this series. Ultimately integrating One-ness into the world, in every way, seems taking it full circle. I do so appreciate learning all of this about him. Much appreciation 🙏🏻✨✨✨
In a very broad sense, finding unity from different levels of abstraction is the whole project of Judaism. From Abraham who recognized his Creator ; that all physical beings acting on each other had a unified force behind them. To Moses saying “know today and take to your heart, the Lord your God, in the heavens above and on the land below - there is nothing else“. To the Hasidic concept that the levels of the soul are analogous and correspond to the larger spiritual worlds and process of creation. Immatato dae seems to follow, therefore, to be the pinnacle of this achievement. Seeing God in yourself, seeing God in others, seeing God in a larger cosmic sense- unifying the levels of abstraction. Love the video and series. Keep up the great work.
I like this. I experienced some of the evils a human can do to another quite young. It influenced me to try not to do those things to another person. To value the merit of a person over material comfort’s. To think of the good of all above my desires. I do ok. I have to work on my way of dealing with vile people causing harm though. Blind vengeance can overcome my attempts to be fair. LOL. I am human too😊💚 But it’s nice to see similar thoughts on how to treat other’s existed long before my practical adaptations. Thanks🥰
"There is one commandment, and the second is just like it". The second takes over, because an open mind is the only way to do the first: and when the one becomes two you've already done the first, the second is the only one left.
Idries Shah quotes a meeting between a Sufi and a philosopher. The Sufi says, 'What I see, he knows' - and the philosopher responds, 'What I know, he sees'. Perhaps these two men represent different approaches to the One, or perhaps they both speak for different aspects of ourselves. The mystic is reduced to silence, while the talker is reduced to something less than the Real.
🧡"The Secret To Happiness" The secret to happiness God never hid from us.. because everything we need to be happy, He placed in the palm of our hands. If you look there and see nothing, then look again. For in them lies the handshake of a good friend, the wear and tear of a job well done, the joy that is felt when helping others, and the warmth that comes from holding those you love. by Richard Roman
Thank you Zevi, again a beautiful episode, that i problably have to watch a few more times to fully understand in its basics, tho i have an idea about the love Maimonides is talking about, a strive not something i am close to, but something i, for real long for and try to follow. Its my light in the darkness
Can't believe I didn't know who Maimonides was until watching this series on him. Without a doubt, he was one of the greatest mystics to ever live and he should be up there with the likes of Christ, Muhammad, Buddha, and so on.
This chapter sheds a new light on Maimonides negative theology. Don't go wasting you life trying understand His essence, but meditate in His actions and imitate them. That's what he hints in the verse that YHWH passed before him we usually think of him as Moses. But Maimonides reads passed His face (= before panav) and showed His 13 attributes.
You would also understand his insistence on the original Talmudic instruction to say the morning blessings (ברכות השחר) in their proper order of awakening and not in the synagogue, as commonly practiced. You should be to appreciate God through His everyday engagement with you.
Intellect can be used to reflect on our True Nature. It is just that knowing our True Nature is a perpetual subject merged with the object of perception in the present moment. Moving from object consciousness and from knowing something as an object in consciousness to Self-referral to that through which everything else becomes known requires a shift in perception from the sought (sensations, images, emotions, thoughts) to that which is seeking (the gap between two thoughts) from being attentive at something to attention. Attention as such is directed and made manifest through intention. It has been found by seers that consciousness in its pure, undiferentiated state starts to vibrate the Creation with Primordial Sounds (sounds that exist before the apparition of language). The original mind which is still and empty of intrinsic existence is not nothingness and stasis but rather everything depends on everything else. By meditating on Primordial Sounds or mantras we can bring forth the qualities of consciousness in our life such as peace, love, joy, wisdom, compassion, creativity. One such mantra that opens the spiritual heart is: loving-awareness.
at 1:50 there's an image of the notorious Rationalism Vs Mysticism with the word "Ahem..." superimposed: being truly rational is ultimately being mystical-- otherwise it's pseudorational, rationalization, cutting the shoots...
Zevi thank you! Have you ever discussed the Shechina? Part of God or His creation?! Praying to the Shechina or just praying before the Shechina?! Is God physical or above time and space? Are we a part of God or just one of His creations? Thank you so much for this wonderful series! God bless you!!
the intellect alone is not the absolute measure of perfection, it is conceptual, merely a set of concepts or categories, limited boxes, direct divine experience is much larger, encompanses all human experience and points to awareness larger than human
Thanks Stephen. Not quite. Check out the first video in the series where we try set the record straight on that one: The Genius who Reshaped Judaism: Moses Maimonides ua-cam.com/video/w4ZgHJxQQVo/v-deo.html
Just a thought 💭 When the successful training of moral perfection, beginning in early childhood is achieved, and internalized, it then transitions to become the ‘training ground’, or foundation for the adult to perfect his own intellect, first by imitating God (training) and then culminating in the internalization of God. - becoming God. 😅
💫””Analogy is the sole possible mediator between finite and infinite. Dogma is the ever-ascending hypothesis of a presumable equation. For the ignorant it is the hypothesis which is the absolute affirmation, and the absolute affirmation which is the hypothesis.” -Eliphas Levi. You sir... Are a monster.🌟 A great monster.🔥🌊🌪🌏 Always a valued stop ✅
The solution to the puzzle is as follows: 1. Knowledge of God is knowledge of God's actions. 2. God's actions are the behavioral nature of the universe. 3. By understanding the nature of the universe around us, we can succeed. 4. Morality and God's will are implied by our sucess or failure. 5. Because there is no limit to the depth of the nature of the universe, amazing things can be accomplished by learning it. In essence, in the last chapter, the Rambam is pushing the reader to learn about the universe, and use that knowledge to forever continue to improve himself and mankind. Reading Maimonides' statements of "knowing God" in terms of Providence, the goal of the Commandments etc. properly must incorporate the way Maimonides defines the term. This is nothing magical or transcendant, as even Moses is not described by Maimonides as having any magical or transcendant knowledge of God. In Maimonides' worldview there is no "cold intellect." Rather, the intellect is the source of moral, ethical, and proper social behavior. Pines is pronounced Pee-nis, as any Israeli can tell you.
Salam Zevi, We were created “Weak” and with “Flaws” by Allah (ﷻ), and we will always and forever remain *imperfect* . This is the Pattern/ Way of Allah (ﷻ) (سُنَّةِ اللَّهِ), and you will find no alteration, nor change in the “Way of Allah (ﷻ)”. If you watched, and saw what Bilāl ibn Rabāḥ has said, in Omar Series that I told you about [Episode 3, part (38:00-36:45)], you would understand why: ❝Could things be achieved by mere wishes, life order would have been turned upside down.❞ - Bilāl ibn Rabāḥ, Omar Series. This is because if people wanted things to just simply pop up into existence by mere wishful-thinking, and it was possible, you’ll find cats, dogs, gold, cars, Pokémons …etc. completely pop up out of blue everywhere! In fact, you’ll see rampaging dinosaurs, zombies, people blown up, bombs, killings, transgressions and other absurd horrific things to randomly happen; Life will turn upside down to end with complete *Chaos* ! This is one of the reasons we cannot have everything-every power and energy that allows anything to pop into existence-or be completely perfect for a certain wisdom behind it. Moreover, once a person attains what they want, they’ll quickly become bored with it. Then, they will want another, ending with an insatiable *Greed*. And one can never know how much evil this would lead to; Perhaps one may intend to bring “Happiness” into people’s lives with the ability to let good things pop by mere wishful-thinking, but such person or others may also bring “Sadness” and pain into people, out of boredom. Also, Who is it to decide the consequences and long-term effect of such actions? Can they predict them or see their future? Are their “Souls” pure enough to hold such power? Are they worthy of it? This is one of the wisdom behind why Allah (ﷻ) has given sources, sustenance, provision & capabilities to His Creation only in a precise limited amounts within a specific term / Time that He assigned perfectly to each creature; This is summed beautifully in this Verse: ﴿وَلَوْ بَسَطَ اللَّهُ الرِّزْقَ لِعِبَادِهِ لَبَغَوْا فِي الأَرْضِ وَلَكِن يُنَزِّلُ بِقَدَرٍ مَّا يَشَاء إِنَّهُ بِعِبَادِهِ خَبِيرٌ بَصِيرٌ﴾ «Had Allah given abundant provisions to ˹all˺ His servants, they would have certainly transgressed throughout the land. Rather, He bestows from on high in precise measure whatever He wills; He is truly All-Aware, All-Seeing of His servants.» [42:27] • ⬩ • ❝Had it been possible for people to see what others wish and hope, they would only meet with swords in hands.❞ - Bilāl ibn Rabāḥ, Omar Series. What other wish and hope for may exactly be the opposite of what you hope for, leading to conflict of opinions: A Battle of Wills, where at certain places the majority ushers the minorities' freedoms! Or, perhaps it is the SAME wishes and hops; And when you live in such finite planet with limited resources, this may lead to one result: War! People want the same grounds, same houses, same spot, same dream land - Are you going to share? 🙂 People together having the same dream may sound very optimistic, but this is exactly why people are in conflict and competition with one another. “Freewill” isn't simple when you don't live alone, where your “Will” alone by itself only determines the fate of the whole world-You aren’t *solo* . This is a world shared by everyone together with multi-ethnicities who also have a “Will” of their own, where their actions will always have “Consequences”, as much as the atom’s weight of good & evil. Yet, who decides which opinion, or “Will” is “True”? Whose word gets the upper hand, eventually, in a manner that unites people’s heart together, and use such limited finite resources in the wisest way, so that everyone's needs will be fulfilled? Who knows what people truly intended for their actions? Is it really for higher good, or just for stroking their Egos? ﴿هَاأَنتُمْ أُولاء تُحِبُّونَهُمْ وَلاَ يُحِبُّونَكُمْ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْكِتَابِ كُلِّهِ وَإِذَا لَقُوكُمْ قَالُواْ آمَنَّا وَإِذَا خَلَوْا عَضُّواْ عَلَيْكُمُ الأَنَامِلَ مِنَ الْغَيْظِ قُلْ مُوتُواْ بِغَيْظِكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ﴾ «Here you are! You love them but they do not love you, and you believe in all Scriptures. When they meet you they say, “We believe.” But when alone, they bite their fingertips in rage. Say, “˹May you˺ die of your rage!” Surely Allah knows best what is ˹hidden˺ in the heart.» [3:119] ••• ﴿اعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَزِينَةٌ وَتَفَاخُرٌ بَيْنَكُمْ وَتَكَاثُرٌ فِي الأَمْوَالِ وَالأَوْلادِ كَمَثَلِ غَيْثٍ أَعْجَبَ الْكُفَّارَ نَبَاتُهُ ثُمَّ يَهِيجُ فَتَرَاهُ مُصْفَرًّا ثُمَّ يَكُونُ حُطَامًا﴾ «Know that this worldly life is no more than play, amusement, luxury, mutual boasting, and competition in wealth and children. This is like rain that causes plants to grow, to the delight of the planters. But later the plants dry up and you see them wither, then they are reduced to chaff.» [57:20] • ⬩ • 【𝟏/𝟒】
❝It is not normal in life that things should be perfect. Otherwise, people would have no need for one another.❞ - Bilāl ibn Rabāḥ, Omar Series. How could you be so self-contradictory at the very same time, that you were so unaware of it yourself. You were unaware of the fact, attaining “Perfection” negates the very reason “why” and the “actions” to attain it per se: Loving-Kindness, Justice, Righteousness, on this Earth. For how can we be kind to anyone, if everything was “Perfect”, on this Earth? “Perfection” on this Earth is unattainable. Perfect cubes *never unite* ; Like a kid’s building block toys that have perfect sides: If they formed a pyramid, their structure is so flimsy and does not hold together, since they're not attached, nor bonded together, thus they’ll easily fall apart. Puzzle pieces can unite, only because of their sides are imperfect, like the Hexagons of honey bee-cells, each of their sides fit together perfectly; Their limited shapes and capacity, not only gives the optimal space, but also organise and preserves it, as well as their sides diagonally join firmly and attach to form the best design for the hive. If you actually read more about why bees choose “Hexagons”, of all other shapes, you’ll learn more of its Mathematics. Learning about “ *Geometry* ” will make you understand more how each piece-in their own shapes, forms, and capacity-are so vital and have a significant importance (no matter how small they might be) to hold the whole solid architectural structure firmly together. This does not work only in the theoretical realm of math & numbers, but also in the actual, physical “Reality” in *Architecture* . As well as, the fine-tuned design of many creatures; Plants, animals, planets, stars and galaxies, from which we’ve learnt “Geometry” from. 🙂 This is the reason why Falsehood never sustains itself in the actual, physical “Reality”; Instead, it will dissipate and vanish, because in contrast to what’s “True” and “Real”, they’re bunch of lies & delusions that do not exist; Thus any wrong, fake puzzle pieces will shatter, break and fizzle away -Their whole flimsy architectural structure and poor design that was built upon such fake pieces will collapse, crumble and fall apart in physical “Reality”. And, as much of this also holds true for Data Structure and Operating Systems for computers, which will lead to errors and system failure - There’s *no unity* between “Truth” and falsehood, as they will never mix; “Truth” is REAL, because it forever remains, whereas Falsehood disappears. Another example is the atom of Oxygen, which has two missing electrons in its Outer electron shell. This is the reason why it *needs* 2 more electrons to be complete, such as 2 Hydrogen atoms, which will bound together to become water (H₂O). They also form a “Hexagonal” structure, seen clearly in Snowflakes. Water covers 71% of Earth’s surface in the oceans, and in the air as water vapour. Also in wells, rivers and lakes, in icecaps and glaciers. If there was more water in the atmosphere, it could have caused devastating floods on the planet, but everything has been set in specified amount that ensures the life within nature & the atmosphere through the “Water Cycle” - For water is what sustains the life of every living being, within their own living cells of different tiny little shapes, forms, and capacities forming the blocks that builds the design of their bodily structures. This also applies to the whole “Ecosystem”, where you give the trees Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), as much as it gives you Oxygen (O₂). As well as, every single organism which interact with one another in their physical environment, through their nutrient cycles, organic matter and energy flow-in fine-tuned specified, limited amounts-to cycle and move in perfect “Balance” throughout the whole system. Because each organism and various species *need* one another-with their own distinct forms, shapes and colours-they support each other’s existence within the Ecosystem; Their *imperfections* complete one another. In conclusion, this is truly applied in our Human lives; for through our own weaknesses and strengths: The *needs* we have and the *skills* others obtain will eventually complement one another, in a manner to maintain trade and ties between people; For example, a rich man needs the working hand of a worker, as much the worker needs money from the rich man to have a plate of food on his table (or pay his debt); A lawyer would need a doctor, as much a doctor would need a lawyer, …etc. to be employed in each other’s services. Because of Human weaknesses and strengths, the trade of deeds, goods and intellectual wealths-where currencies becomes the representative that determine their values-will flow amongst everyone like a “Water Cycle”, and strives to be a continuous flow ensuring the solid relationships, cooperation and bonds between our diverse communities of different colours, tongues and cultures. You cannot be “Kind”, if there are no more e.g. Poor people. You cannot maintain “Justice”, if there’s no more evil & crimes. You cannot be “Righteous”, if you were already perfect and without “Flaws” -Allah (ﷻ) created us in *Pairs* , and divided His creation to that which is “Positive” & “Negative”. 🙂 “Perfection” on this Earth is unattainable, because then there will be *nothing, no “Actions” to do* . ﴿أَهُمْ يَقْسِمُونَ رَحْمَةَ رَبِّكَ نَحْنُ قَسَمْنَا بَيْنَهُم مَّعِيشَتَهُمْ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَرَفَعْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ فَوْقَ بَعْضٍ دَرَجَاتٍ لِيَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُهُم بَعْضًا سُخْرِيًّا وَرَحْمَتُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌ مِّمَّا يَجْمَعُونَ﴾ «Is it they who distribute your Lord’s mercy? We ˹alone˺ have distributed their ˹very˺ livelihood among them in this worldly life and raised some of them in rank above others so that some may employ others in service. ˹But˺ your Lord’s mercy is far better than whatever ˹wealth˺ they amass.» [43:32] ••• ﴿ كَبُرَ مَقْتًا عِندَ اللَّهِ أَن تَقُولُوا مَا لا تَفْعَلُونَ * إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ صَفًّا كَأَنَّهُم بُنْيَانٌ مَّرْصُوصٌ﴾ «It is most loathsome to Allah that you say what you do not do. Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His way in firm ranks, as if they were a solid structure.» [61:3-4] • ⬩ • 【𝟐/𝟒】
And above all else, If we were “perfect”, *how then do we NEED God* ? It’s because of our imperfections, weakness, and “Flaws”-our own “Finite”, limited capacities-will become the reason that draws us closer to Allah (ﷻ); Who is The Eternal Creator of Infinite Bounty. And in this whole “Finite” worldly life is the sign, evidence, and clear example to shows us whichever that has a beginning, therefore it’s “Finite”, and thus it will reach to its “Finite End”. This proves and attests the fact this “Finite” universe must have emerged from a power that is “Infinite”. Otherwise, it would have not existed by itself since it’s already “Finite”: An “Infinite” source of power must be what sustain its existence, and keeps it in continuous cycle of regeneration, renewal of its livelihood that wisely maintains its well-being, in such fine-tune design between its tiniest part to the system as a whole, in complete harmony and perfect balance (This cycle of regeneration will carry on, until it reaches its “Finite” specified term for it to end); While it’s all under the Will of Allah’s (ﷻ) alone and His supervision, Who’s All-Aware, All-Knowing & All-Wise to decide its Providence. This has all began, the moment Adam, peace be upon him, took a bite from the fruit in the Garden to either attain knowledge or immortality, because he recognised and acknowledged his own weaknesses; Such irony, in hopes to attain “Perfection” by eating the fruit, he fell in a mistake; This mistake Allah (ﷻ) has already been forgiven, for He is All-Forgiving, Full of Mercy. However, that was a lesson which embarked on the journey of self-discovery; Though, we live this “worldly life” not only learn about ourselves, but also to make the ultimate decision for the question Allah (ﷻ) asked every soul from Adam’s descendants, in Verse Q[7:172], where they've taken the Oath in the “World of al-Thar” (عالم الذَّر), before they were born into this Universe; And then they shall return to Him once their specified term / time ends. We’re in this “Finite” worldly life to know how “Weak” and imperfect we are, and how “Perfect”, All-Wise, Most Merciful and Most Compassionate Allah (ﷻ) is by *observing* -to look, behold & witness the signs Allah (ﷻ) manifested- what’s within us and outside of us in the physical world & Objective Reality; He’s All-Knowing of us, for He alone created every single atom of our beings and the whole Universe; It is we who lack knowledge and forget. In this “Finite” moment, we’re given the opportunity to truly experience who we are, and how Highly Exalted and Glorious Allah (ﷻ) is; To build trust, strengthen our faith and belief within our hearts, to know we’ll always *need* Allah (ﷻ) for He is our “Eternal Refuge” (الصَّمَد), as we *Submit* to become His *Servants under His Divine Will* forever. There’s a wisdom why Allah (ﷻ) has divided us, because those of true righteous hearts will complete one another's deeds & actions like puzzle pieces, throughout their lives to the extent of their skills, abilities and knowledge; And Allah won’t burden a “Soul” beyond its own “Capacity”. Their unity is only determined by Allah (ﷻ), for He’s All-Aware what lies hidden in their hearts. Allah (ﷻ) grants strength, power and His “Light” (energy) to each “Soul” within its limited “Capacity”; To witness this Worldly Life that’s right in front of us, that we can “see”, observe, discover, understand & learn from. Otherwise, such power & “Light” (energy) could destroy us, like a surge of huge amount of electricity that burns a fuse. Therefore, the “Flaws” & weaknesses we have, are not “Flaws” at all, but “Capacities” of each “Soul” that Allah (ﷻ) has assigned by His Wisdom, Gentleness and Mercy, so we can all complement one another. As well as, comprehend the knowledge of this worldly life in the streaming of Data around us, each at a given moment, within specified amount and time frame, in different life stages, only when they become prepared for the next stage and are completely ready to build Knowledge over the course of their lives. Just as the Verse Exodus [33:20] said, to see the Glory of God could destroy you in an instance, lightening could take away your sight, and may smite you to remain in pain and blind in the darkness. Yet, because of Allah’s (ﷻ) Wisdom, Compassion and Gentleness, He sends His provision in precise measure that corresponds to every Soul’s “Capacity” and limited capabilities, which is appropriate for their “Purpose” and correlates to their *Needs* and aspirations He created them for altogether as a whole; The dance between good & evil that they’ll be “Tested” with, together with all that He has made in *Pairs* in this Worldly Life. In the end, we were created “Weak” and with “Flaws” by Allah (ﷻ), and we will always and forever remain *imperfect* . But these “Flaws” & “Weakness” are already determined by Allah (ﷻ) as “Capacities” for each Soul, so that each of them may share their “Strengths” together that’s founded upon “Truth”, to compensates each other’s “Weaknesses”, so the flow of life will continuously interweave between them; And above all else, to seek Allah (ﷻ) to protect and sustain us, as it’s all decided by His Providence and Wisdom. Thus, what we may see as a “Flaw”, is only a “Flaw” in our “Knowledge” and understanding of Allah’s (ﷻ) Wisdom. I hope this leads you to a part of the solution of the “Riddle” in Verse Q[67:1-4]. *hint hint* ☺️ Hopefully, this bring a clearer understanding of how people lives work together in this worldly life, and interweave within Allah’s (ﷻ) Divine Wisdom, in pattern and ways He will never change. Perhaps we may not agree, however, Allah (ﷻ) has give His Promise to all Humanity on the Day of Judgment to reveal “The Book”; To show us the whole creation, and comprehend the nature of things, their relationship to each other, and the way they were governed by His Divine Wisdom, both in reference to the Universe as a whole and to each creature in particular-So you can finally understand your tiny particular story, in the middle of The Book, within His Grand Design of things-and *why* we’ve all differed. 🙂 • ⬩ • ﴿لاَ يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلاَّ وُسْعَهَا﴾ «Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity.» [2:286] ••• ﴿اللَّهُ الَّذِي رَفَعَ السَّمَاوَاتِ بِغَيْرِ عَمَدٍ تَرَوْنَهَا ثُمَّ اسْتَوَى عَلَى الْعَرْشِ وَسَخَّرَ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ كُلٌّ يَجْرِي لأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى يُدَبِّرُ الأَمْرَ يُفَصِّلُ الآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُم بِلِقَاء رَبِّكُمْ تُوقِنُونَ﴾ «It is Allah Who has raised the heavens without pillars-as you can see-then established Himself on the Throne. He has subjected the sun and the moon, each orbiting for an appointed term. He arranges [each] matter; He manifests signs, so that you may be certain of the meeting with your Lord.» [13:2] ••• «وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَمُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ فَاحْكُم بَيْنَهُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ وَلاَ تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءهُمْ عَمَّا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ لِكُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مِنكُمْ شِرْعَةً وَمِنْهَاجًا وَلَوْ شَاء اللَّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَلَكِن لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِي مَا آتَاكُم فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ إِلَى اللَّه مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ» «We have revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ this Book with the truth, as a confirmation of previous Scriptures and a supreme authority on them. So judge between them according to what Allah has sent down, and do not follow their whims instead of the truth that has come to you. To each of you We have ordained a code of law and a way of life. If Allah had willed, He would have made you one community, but His Will is to test you with what He has given ˹each of˺ you. So compete with one another in doing good. To Allah you will all return, then He will inform you ˹of the truth˺ regarding whatever you used to differ over.» [5:48] • ⬩ • 【𝟑/𝟒】
*Now, here’s a little challenge for you* : Do we “unite” with god to complete (Allah ﷻ forbid!) his imperfect, missing pieces? Moreover, “Love” is NOT EVERYTHING, as it can bring other negative feelings, such as: Jealousy, Envy, Anger, Dominance, Possessiveness! A person can *love* a worldly, materialistic “Land” SO MUCH, they will kill or harm someone for it - Remember that. 🙂 Also, what about Allah’s (ﷻ) other attributes, which you’ve dismissed? He’s Capable of Vengeance, Severe in Punishment; Are we also to imitate such Divine Attributes, obliterate and blow people out of existence in a catastrophic disaster like an Earthquake / Tornado / Volcano / Meteor, just because He has done so before? *Gomorrah* sounds like a lovely example. Yeah, let’s kill our “Ego” and be “gods”, lol. ✦ What about His All-Powerful Capability to “Create” out of nothing? ✦ Can we become Eternal at our own “Will” alone? Self-sustaining? Being “Ever-living”; Can we stop death once it reaches us? ✦ Can we sustain the existence of the Universe from vanishing, as we go to sleep? ✦ Can we attain full Knowledge & Wisdom of all things, see the future, to determined how our “Kindness” effect other people’s lives & their consequences? Can we even control these consequences & results at all? ✦ Can all creation submit only to us, as we have the power to control them by our mere wishes & our sheer “Will” alone? ✦ Is our “Will” equal to that of Allah’s (ﷻ) Will? ✦ Then, who is “The King” & who is the “Servant”? ✦ Do we have the power to make our own “Light” to shine out of nothing at all in the middle of absolute darkness? Those who follow their whims (egoistical desires), in their height of arrogance and vanity, think and view themselves like *gods* where they strive for their “Freewill” to become the absolute against everyone’s else, regardless of consequences, while denying Allah (ﷻ) and never to become His Servants and under His Divine Will alone; In their foolish ignorance of understanding Allah’s (ﷻ) Divine Wisdom, they think to be under “His Will”, then it renders their own “Freewill” *insignificant* and *Morality* worthless. They act like Tyrants where, other people’s dignity will be of no value to them, but regard their own “Self” more important, thus should be the dominant one. Like hypocrites, they live in constant clear contradictions and cognitive dissonance; They speak with a silver tongue of whichever that does not truly reflect what’s in their souls, and hide in their hearts. They can't even sustain their own existence by themselves; Are they tougher and harder in their own creation than the skies Allah (ﷻ) has constructed? Did they create things from nothing? Did they create themselves by themselves? Or did they even create the Heavens and Earth? No! They live in constant doubt and uncertainty, with “Existential Dread” in this “Finite” moment, like laughable entities that Allah (ﷻ) mocks and ridicules-He took away His Guidance and restricted it from them because of their denial & disbelief-as they become astray, keep floundering blindly and stumble from one mistake into another, lost in utter darkness, where Allah (ﷻ) draws them towards their destruction, to be finally forgotten in an Eternity of pain. It reminds me so much of the story of our Father, Abraham, peace be upon him, when he debated with a Tyrant King who regarded himself as a ‘god’, as many other rulers did in Ancient polytheistic civilisations. 🙂 ﴿أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِي حَاجَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ فِي رَبِّهِ أَنْ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ إِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّيَ الَّذِي يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ قَالَ أَنَا أُحْيِي وَأُمِيتُ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْتِي بِالشَّمْسِ مِنَ الْمَشْرِقِ فَأْتِ بِهَا مِنَ الْمَغْرِبِ فَبُهِتَ الَّذِي كَفَرَ وَاللَّهُ لاَ يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ﴾ «Have you not seen the one who debated Abraham about his Lord because Allah had granted him kingship? ˹Remember˺ when Abraham said, “My Lord is the One Who has power to give life and cause death.” He argued, “I too have the power to give life and cause death.” Abraham challenged ˹him˺, “Allah causes the sun to rise from the east. So make it rise from the west.” And so the disbeliever was dumbstruck. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.» [2:258] • ⬩ • Wishing you all peace, blessings and guidance. 【𝟒/𝟒】
for those of us who have been hiding for 120 years since leaving Alsace-Lorraine then to Odessa-Liverpool-New York-N. Dakota-to Oregon by wagon some of the family and later by car or train...my son especially is being drawn toward's Hebrew teachings as we raised him and his sister in the Worldwide Church of God founded around 1947 by Herbert W. Armstrong and wife....where we kept the Sabbath and the Jewish Holy Days yet believed in Yeshua as a prophet and he rebelled as he has always been very sensitive to truth and the teaching we got from that cult that we are no longer a part of and he if yearning for the true teachings as his anger towards the injustice done. to him in Hawaii where he was almost killed twice once with a hatchet and once with a 2x2 and not a drop of compensation, restitution or justice has come from there only lies and fear that he would find an attorney to take his case but not 1 has ever agreed to help him...how he survived is he believe's God's mercy and lovingkindness and he wants to leave the justice part to Hashem but they won't even give him enough to get implants for all the teeth broken, knocked out and now removed...lost his spleen, hearing and eyesight suffer still, traumatic brain injury left him pretty helpless for almost 3 years, not to mention all the broken and fractured ribs, every one broken or fractured, left lung punctured and collapsed from one of the ribs and fractured vertebrae in the neck.... he is embarrassed that he has no teeth and it has kept him from engaging publicly for some. time, but he is drinking in as much knowledge as he can and is trying to keep the Holy Days best he can but is on SSI and on get's $804 a month and he feels bad cause he tried. going to a Synagogue but can't pay $2500.- a year...I know they offered him a special outreach thing but he was a little disheartened that he is so broken and can't afford to give what they would like...anyways sooo much info. apologies I just was taken by that cult and am bitter at how much they took from us and he is weary of those who would take from someone who literally has given the shirts off his back and the hats off his head to those even less fortunate the he....and he is on pain management from all the horror he through Hashem has survived....I am just grateful that he can at least find some of the beautiful teaching/compilation of the Rambam, and Rebe Yitzach Ginsberg, YY Jacobson, Nissim Black recently and others who share the beauty and depth he needs to see in his heritage cause all he remembered since age 4 or 5 is if Grandma doesn't go to our church she will burn in the lake of fire and be erased from The Book of Life? He is still a mystery to me but Adonai has kept him from death yet allowed him to suffer for straying so far...it's Sukkoth and he is trying to celebrate freedom from bondage yet feel's a slave to this corrupt system that is barely giving him enough to be able to walk and talk without being in pain so fierce I have seen him tremble from it...and he's a tough, brave man who showed no fear when facing death only when the police tried to sweep him under the rug along with the 2 attempted murdrs....anyways...God bless and maybe say a prayer for my son Andy Snow....
There is another Maimonides. Besides the skeptic and the mystic, the religious Jew. The verses of Jeremiah are read during the fast of the 9’th of Av. Maimonides would understand this, is that the reason of all the exiles and the destruction of both Temples was because we did not really understand God and that God is infinitely Good Kind and Just. We did not understand it enough so that we as well wanted to imitate Him and do good. It is not enough just to do moral acts but we must become good and want to to good with love and passion. True wisdom is understanding that God is infinitely Good so much, that we ourselves actually become good and want to do good.
Bingo. The difference between Rambam's 3rd and 4th level of human perfection is that, while both levels focus on kindness and compassion, in the 3rd level you get there by reason, for example the social contract (an orderly society requires civility and law), whereas the 4th and highest level is that we are imitating God's infinite compassion. Note that Leviticus 19:18, "Love thy friend as you love yourself..." ends with the words, "I am God," meaning: emulate Me.
Trying a little too hard to be a mystic intellectual? It's forgivable but I prefer the delivery style of Rabbi Simon Jacobson. Hopefully with time you will work out the kinks, the message is there but the "cartwheels"* seem a bit over the top.
Check out the rest of our Maimonides series: ua-cam.com/play/PL_7jcKJs6iwXUKaVOvNJWr5DSLPTYV0j9.html
Thank you
You’re most welcome. Thank you brother.
That was beautiful Zevi, thank you.
You’re most welcome friend 🙏🏼
Thank you!
You’re most welcome 🙏🏼
thanks Zevi for this series on Rambam i learned a lot
You’re most welcome :) Thank you for joining us to learn together. It means the world to me.
Any deep understanding of our great sages reveals they are all both rational and mystical. That is the reality we exist in and the paradox they seek to bridge to this day.
Very well said. Thank you 🙏🏼
@@SeekersofUnity thank you for responding. The honest effort you put forth in your channel is a great benefit to your viewers and a kiddush HaShem IMHO. I also enjoyed your episode on the Hebrew letters. Felt like a meditation and I’m sure that was no accident
Todah rabba. Finished viewing at 1:06 AM. Very moving, passionate ed revelatory. I'm going to bed carrying a new spark inside, that it will grow again and again into a proper fire of work and commitment. So Maimonides found the Key, eventually. A passpartout for every heart whose genuine will is to be human, heavenly and earthly, and to work relentlessly and joyfully to the complete unfolding of Creation and, in doing so, taking a decisive part into the unspeakable self-cognitive process of the Being being being. I send you all my deepest blessings, Zvi. So nice to know that someone like You hangs around in these dark and confused days.
Beautiful and inspiring
Thank you friend.
Thanks for sharing, we've inherited so many lies it is hard to know where to look for answers, thank you for sharing you're knowledge
You’re most welcome Stephen.
Hallelujah!
Beautiful
very valuable
Thank you, I am happy to see there is more to this series. Ultimately integrating One-ness into the world, in every way, seems taking it full circle. I do so appreciate learning all of this about him. Much appreciation 🙏🏻✨✨✨
In a very broad sense, finding unity from different levels of abstraction is the whole project of Judaism. From Abraham who recognized his Creator ; that all physical beings acting on each other had a unified force behind them. To Moses saying “know today and take to your heart, the Lord your God, in the heavens above and on the land below - there is nothing else“. To the Hasidic concept that the levels of the soul are analogous and correspond to the larger spiritual worlds and process of creation. Immatato dae seems to follow, therefore, to be the pinnacle of this achievement. Seeing God in yourself, seeing God in others, seeing God in a larger cosmic sense- unifying the levels of abstraction. Love the video and series. Keep up the great work.
I like this. I experienced some of the evils a human can do to another quite young. It influenced me to try not to do those things to another person. To value the merit of a person over material comfort’s. To think of the good of all above my desires. I do ok. I have to work on my way of dealing with vile people causing harm though. Blind vengeance can overcome my attempts to be fair. LOL. I am human too😊💚 But it’s nice to see similar thoughts on how to treat other’s existed long before my practical adaptations. Thanks🥰
"There is one commandment, and the second is just like it". The second takes over, because an open mind is the only way to do the first: and when the one becomes two you've already done the first, the second is the only one left.
Idries Shah quotes a meeting between a Sufi and a philosopher. The Sufi says, 'What I see, he knows' - and the philosopher responds, 'What I know, he sees'. Perhaps these two men represent different approaches to the One, or perhaps they both speak for different aspects of ourselves. The mystic is reduced to silence, while the talker is reduced to something less than the Real.
🧡"The Secret To Happiness"
The secret to happiness God never hid from us.. because everything we need to be happy, He placed in the palm of our hands.
If you look there and see nothing, then look again. For in them lies the handshake of a good friend, the wear and tear of a job well done, the joy that is felt when helping others, and the warmth that comes from holding those you love. by Richard Roman
Thank you Zevi, again a beautiful episode, that i problably have to watch a few more times to fully understand in its basics, tho i have an idea about the love Maimonides is talking about, a strive not something i am close to, but something i, for real long for and try to follow.
Its my light in the darkness
Right there with you :)
Amen
Perfection of the knowledge of Hashem. He seems to lean towards what we now conceive as Gnosticism. Very interesting. Thanks for the great video Sir.
You’re most welcome friend.
Can't believe I didn't know who Maimonides was until watching this series on him. Without a doubt, he was one of the greatest mystics to ever live and he should be up there with the likes of Christ, Muhammad, Buddha, and so on.
Wow!
🙏🏼
Could someone give me some advice as to how to get started in mystical practices?
Loved this video. Are you on audea? most of my audio is consumed there and would appreciate the audio version of your content on that platform.
Thanks Jam. Most of our stuff is available on audio. We're working on getting the rest there too.
yeah man!
תודה זאב
אשמח לפגוש אותך מול הים
שבת שלום
This chapter sheds a new light on Maimonides negative theology. Don't go wasting you life trying understand His essence, but meditate in His actions and imitate them. That's what he hints in the verse that YHWH passed before him we usually think of him as Moses. But Maimonides reads passed His face (= before panav) and showed His 13 attributes.
You would also understand his insistence on the original Talmudic instruction to say the morning blessings (ברכות השחר) in their proper order of awakening and not in the synagogue, as commonly practiced. You should be to appreciate God through His everyday engagement with you.
Intellect can be used to reflect on our True Nature. It is just that knowing our True Nature is a perpetual subject merged with the object of perception in the present moment. Moving from object consciousness and from knowing something as an object in consciousness to Self-referral to that through which everything else becomes known requires a shift in perception from the sought (sensations, images, emotions, thoughts) to that which is seeking (the gap between two thoughts) from being attentive at something to attention. Attention as such is directed and made manifest through intention. It has been found by seers that consciousness in its pure, undiferentiated state starts to vibrate the Creation with Primordial Sounds (sounds that exist before the apparition of language).
The original mind which is still and empty of intrinsic existence is not nothingness and stasis but rather everything depends on everything else.
By meditating on Primordial Sounds or mantras we can bring forth the qualities of consciousness in our life such as peace, love, joy, wisdom, compassion, creativity.
One such mantra that opens the spiritual heart is: loving-awareness.
at 1:50 there's an image of the notorious Rationalism Vs Mysticism with the word "Ahem..." superimposed:
being truly rational is ultimately being mystical-- otherwise it's pseudorational, rationalization, cutting the shoots...
Zevi thank you!
Have you ever discussed the Shechina? Part of God or His creation?! Praying to the Shechina or just praying before the Shechina?!
Is God physical or above time and space?
Are we a part of God or just one of His creations?
Thank you so much for this wonderful series!
God bless you!!
You’re most welcome Rabbi. I touched on some of those issues in our series on Pantheism: What is Pantheism?
ua-cam.com/video/AxExn1z1hGc/v-deo.html
the intellect alone is not the absolute measure of perfection, it is conceptual, merely a set of concepts or categories, limited boxes, direct divine experience is much larger, encompanses all human experience and points to awareness larger than human
Amazing man! Was he Saladin's physician? or was that another great Hebrew?
Thanks Stephen. Not quite. Check out the first video in the series where we try set the record straight on that one: The Genius who Reshaped Judaism: Moses Maimonides
ua-cam.com/video/w4ZgHJxQQVo/v-deo.html
Just a thought 💭
When the successful training of moral perfection, beginning in early childhood is achieved, and internalized, it then transitions to become the ‘training ground’, or foundation for the adult to perfect his own intellect, first by imitating God (training) and then culminating in the internalization of God. - becoming God. 😅
💫””Analogy is the sole possible mediator between finite and infinite. Dogma is the ever-ascending hypothesis of a presumable equation. For the ignorant it is the hypothesis which is the absolute affirmation, and the absolute affirmation which is the hypothesis.” -Eliphas Levi.
You sir...
Are a monster.🌟
A great monster.🔥🌊🌪🌏
Always a valued stop ✅
Zevi= Go-to Guy for Mo Ma
The solution to the puzzle is as follows:
1. Knowledge of God is knowledge of God's actions.
2. God's actions are the behavioral nature of the universe.
3. By understanding the nature of the universe around us, we can succeed.
4. Morality and God's will are implied by our sucess or failure.
5. Because there is no limit to the depth of the nature of the universe, amazing things can be accomplished by learning it.
In essence, in the last chapter, the Rambam is pushing the reader to learn about the universe, and use that knowledge to forever continue to improve himself and mankind.
Reading Maimonides' statements of "knowing God" in terms of Providence, the goal of the Commandments etc. properly must incorporate the way Maimonides defines the term. This is nothing magical or transcendant, as even Moses is not described by Maimonides as having any magical or transcendant knowledge of God.
In Maimonides' worldview there is no "cold intellect." Rather, the intellect is the source of moral, ethical, and proper social behavior.
Pines is pronounced Pee-nis, as any Israeli can tell you.
Thanks friend :)
Hide ‘n Seek
86 & 1:68 both = 14 👑 8:52
Excellent presentation. By the way the name Shlomo Pines is properly pronounced "Peenes."
Thank you friend. I know, just trying to be sensitive to the anglophiles (and not get demonetized). :)
let not the wise man boast in his wisdom
Guide 1.54 knowing the truth of GODs word, one knows the nature of all things.
To perceive the nature is to know nature
What happens in nature? All of nature not just the bits that are nice.
Salam Zevi,
We were created “Weak” and with “Flaws” by Allah (ﷻ), and we will always and forever remain *imperfect* . This is the Pattern/ Way of Allah (ﷻ) (سُنَّةِ اللَّهِ), and you will find no alteration, nor change in the “Way of Allah (ﷻ)”.
If you watched, and saw what Bilāl ibn Rabāḥ has said, in Omar Series that I told you about [Episode 3, part (38:00-36:45)], you would understand why:
❝Could things be achieved by mere wishes, life order would have been turned upside down.❞
- Bilāl ibn Rabāḥ, Omar Series.
This is because if people wanted things to just simply pop up into existence by mere wishful-thinking, and it was possible, you’ll find cats, dogs, gold, cars, Pokémons …etc. completely pop up out of blue everywhere! In fact, you’ll see rampaging dinosaurs, zombies, people blown up, bombs, killings, transgressions and other absurd horrific things to randomly happen; Life will turn upside down to end with complete *Chaos* ! This is one of the reasons we cannot have everything-every power and energy that allows anything to pop into existence-or be completely perfect for a certain wisdom behind it. Moreover, once a person attains what they want, they’ll quickly become bored with it. Then, they will want another, ending with an insatiable *Greed*. And one can never know how much evil this would lead to; Perhaps one may intend to bring “Happiness” into people’s lives with the ability to let good things pop by mere wishful-thinking, but such person or others may also bring “Sadness” and pain into people, out of boredom. Also, Who is it to decide the consequences and long-term effect of such actions? Can they predict them or see their future? Are their “Souls” pure enough to hold such power? Are they worthy of it? This is one of the wisdom behind why Allah (ﷻ) has given sources, sustenance, provision & capabilities to His Creation only in a precise limited amounts within a specific term / Time that He assigned perfectly to each creature; This is summed beautifully in this Verse:
﴿وَلَوْ بَسَطَ اللَّهُ الرِّزْقَ لِعِبَادِهِ لَبَغَوْا فِي الأَرْضِ وَلَكِن يُنَزِّلُ بِقَدَرٍ مَّا يَشَاء إِنَّهُ بِعِبَادِهِ خَبِيرٌ بَصِيرٌ﴾
«Had Allah given abundant provisions to ˹all˺ His servants, they would have certainly transgressed throughout the land. Rather, He bestows from on high in precise measure whatever He wills; He is truly All-Aware, All-Seeing of His servants.»
[42:27]
• ⬩ •
❝Had it been possible for people to see what others wish and hope, they would only meet with swords in hands.❞
- Bilāl ibn Rabāḥ, Omar Series.
What other wish and hope for may exactly be the opposite of what you hope for, leading to conflict of opinions: A Battle of Wills, where at certain places the majority ushers the minorities' freedoms! Or, perhaps it is the SAME wishes and hops; And when you live in such finite planet with limited resources, this may lead to one result: War! People want the same grounds, same houses, same spot, same dream land - Are you going to share? 🙂
People together having the same dream may sound very optimistic, but this is exactly why people are in conflict and competition with one another. “Freewill” isn't simple when you don't live alone, where your “Will” alone by itself only determines the fate of the whole world-You aren’t *solo* . This is a world shared by everyone together with multi-ethnicities who also have a “Will” of their own, where their actions will always have “Consequences”, as much as the atom’s weight of good & evil. Yet, who decides which opinion, or “Will” is “True”? Whose word gets the upper hand, eventually, in a manner that unites people’s heart together, and use such limited finite resources in the wisest way, so that everyone's needs will be fulfilled? Who knows what people truly intended for their actions? Is it really for higher good, or just for stroking their Egos?
﴿هَاأَنتُمْ أُولاء تُحِبُّونَهُمْ وَلاَ يُحِبُّونَكُمْ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْكِتَابِ كُلِّهِ وَإِذَا لَقُوكُمْ قَالُواْ آمَنَّا وَإِذَا خَلَوْا عَضُّواْ عَلَيْكُمُ الأَنَامِلَ مِنَ الْغَيْظِ قُلْ مُوتُواْ بِغَيْظِكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ﴾
«Here you are! You love them but they do not love you, and you believe in all Scriptures. When they meet you they say, “We believe.” But when alone, they bite their fingertips in rage. Say, “˹May you˺ die of your rage!” Surely Allah knows best what is ˹hidden˺ in the heart.»
[3:119]
•••
﴿اعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَزِينَةٌ وَتَفَاخُرٌ بَيْنَكُمْ وَتَكَاثُرٌ فِي الأَمْوَالِ وَالأَوْلادِ كَمَثَلِ غَيْثٍ أَعْجَبَ الْكُفَّارَ نَبَاتُهُ ثُمَّ يَهِيجُ فَتَرَاهُ مُصْفَرًّا ثُمَّ يَكُونُ حُطَامًا﴾
«Know that this worldly life is no more than play, amusement, luxury, mutual boasting, and competition in wealth and children. This is like rain that causes plants to grow, to the delight of the planters. But later the plants dry up and you see them wither, then they are reduced to chaff.»
[57:20]
• ⬩ •
【𝟏/𝟒】
❝It is not normal in life that things should be perfect. Otherwise, people would have no need for one another.❞
- Bilāl ibn Rabāḥ, Omar Series.
How could you be so self-contradictory at the very same time, that you were so unaware of it yourself. You were unaware of the fact, attaining “Perfection” negates the very reason “why” and the “actions” to attain it per se: Loving-Kindness, Justice, Righteousness, on this Earth.
For how can we be kind to anyone, if everything was “Perfect”, on this Earth? “Perfection” on this Earth is unattainable.
Perfect cubes *never unite* ; Like a kid’s building block toys that have perfect sides: If they formed a pyramid, their structure is so flimsy and does not hold together, since they're not attached, nor bonded together, thus they’ll easily fall apart.
Puzzle pieces can unite, only because of their sides are imperfect, like the Hexagons of honey bee-cells, each of their sides fit together perfectly; Their limited shapes and capacity, not only gives the optimal space, but also organise and preserves it, as well as their sides diagonally join firmly and attach to form the best design for the hive. If you actually read more about why bees choose “Hexagons”, of all other shapes, you’ll learn more of its Mathematics.
Learning about “ *Geometry* ” will make you understand more how each piece-in their own shapes, forms, and capacity-are so vital and have a significant importance (no matter how small they might be) to hold the whole solid architectural structure firmly together. This does not work only in the theoretical realm of math & numbers, but also in the actual, physical “Reality” in *Architecture* . As well as, the fine-tuned design of many creatures; Plants, animals, planets, stars and galaxies, from which we’ve learnt “Geometry” from. 🙂
This is the reason why Falsehood never sustains itself in the actual, physical “Reality”; Instead, it will dissipate and vanish, because in contrast to what’s “True” and “Real”, they’re bunch of lies & delusions that do not exist; Thus any wrong, fake puzzle pieces will shatter, break and fizzle away -Their whole flimsy architectural structure and poor design that was built upon such fake pieces will collapse, crumble and fall apart in physical “Reality”. And, as much of this also holds true for Data Structure and Operating Systems for computers, which will lead to errors and system failure - There’s *no unity* between “Truth” and falsehood, as they will never mix; “Truth” is REAL, because it forever remains, whereas Falsehood disappears.
Another example is the atom of Oxygen, which has two missing electrons in its Outer electron shell. This is the reason why it *needs* 2 more electrons to be complete, such as 2 Hydrogen atoms, which will bound together to become water (H₂O). They also form a “Hexagonal” structure, seen clearly in Snowflakes.
Water covers 71% of Earth’s surface in the oceans, and in the air as water vapour. Also in wells, rivers and lakes, in icecaps and glaciers. If there was more water in the atmosphere, it could have caused devastating floods on the planet, but everything has been set in specified amount that ensures the life within nature & the atmosphere through the “Water Cycle” - For water is what sustains the life of every living being, within their own living cells of different tiny little shapes, forms, and capacities forming the blocks that builds the design of their bodily structures.
This also applies to the whole “Ecosystem”, where you give the trees Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), as much as it gives you Oxygen (O₂). As well as, every single organism which interact with one another in their physical environment, through their nutrient cycles, organic matter and energy flow-in fine-tuned specified, limited amounts-to cycle and move in perfect “Balance” throughout the whole system.
Because each organism and various species *need* one another-with their own distinct forms, shapes and colours-they support each other’s existence within the Ecosystem; Their *imperfections* complete one another.
In conclusion, this is truly applied in our Human lives; for through our own weaknesses and strengths: The *needs* we have and the *skills* others obtain will eventually complement one another, in a manner to maintain trade and ties between people; For example, a rich man needs the working hand of a worker, as much the worker needs money from the rich man to have a plate of food on his table (or pay his debt); A lawyer would need a doctor, as much a doctor would need a lawyer, …etc. to be employed in each other’s services. Because of Human weaknesses and strengths, the trade of deeds, goods and intellectual wealths-where currencies becomes the representative that determine their values-will flow amongst everyone like a “Water Cycle”, and strives to be a continuous flow ensuring the solid relationships, cooperation and bonds between our diverse communities of different colours, tongues and cultures.
You cannot be “Kind”, if there are no more e.g. Poor people. You cannot maintain “Justice”, if there’s no more evil & crimes. You cannot be “Righteous”, if you were already perfect and without “Flaws” -Allah (ﷻ) created us in *Pairs* , and divided His creation to that which is “Positive” & “Negative”. 🙂
“Perfection” on this Earth is unattainable, because then there will be *nothing, no “Actions” to do* .
﴿أَهُمْ يَقْسِمُونَ رَحْمَةَ رَبِّكَ نَحْنُ قَسَمْنَا بَيْنَهُم مَّعِيشَتَهُمْ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَرَفَعْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ فَوْقَ بَعْضٍ دَرَجَاتٍ لِيَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُهُم بَعْضًا سُخْرِيًّا وَرَحْمَتُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌ مِّمَّا يَجْمَعُونَ﴾
«Is it they who distribute your Lord’s mercy? We ˹alone˺ have distributed their ˹very˺ livelihood among them in this worldly life and raised some of them in rank above others so that some may employ others in service. ˹But˺ your Lord’s mercy is far better than whatever ˹wealth˺ they amass.»
[43:32]
•••
﴿ كَبُرَ مَقْتًا عِندَ اللَّهِ أَن تَقُولُوا مَا لا تَفْعَلُونَ * إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ صَفًّا كَأَنَّهُم بُنْيَانٌ مَّرْصُوصٌ﴾
«It is most loathsome to Allah that you say what you do not do. Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His way in firm ranks, as if they were a solid structure.»
[61:3-4]
• ⬩ •
【𝟐/𝟒】
And above all else, If we were “perfect”, *how then do we NEED God* ?
It’s because of our imperfections, weakness, and “Flaws”-our own “Finite”, limited capacities-will become the reason that draws us closer to Allah (ﷻ); Who is The Eternal Creator of Infinite Bounty. And in this whole “Finite” worldly life is the sign, evidence, and clear example to shows us whichever that has a beginning, therefore it’s “Finite”, and thus it will reach to its “Finite End”. This proves and attests the fact this “Finite” universe must have emerged from a power that is “Infinite”. Otherwise, it would have not existed by itself since it’s already “Finite”: An “Infinite” source of power must be what sustain its existence, and keeps it in continuous cycle of regeneration, renewal of its livelihood that wisely maintains its well-being, in such fine-tune design between its tiniest part to the system as a whole, in complete harmony and perfect balance (This cycle of regeneration will carry on, until it reaches its “Finite” specified term for it to end); While it’s all under the Will of Allah’s (ﷻ) alone and His supervision, Who’s All-Aware, All-Knowing & All-Wise to decide its Providence.
This has all began, the moment Adam, peace be upon him, took a bite from the fruit in the Garden to either attain knowledge or immortality, because he recognised and acknowledged his own weaknesses; Such irony, in hopes to attain “Perfection” by eating the fruit, he fell in a mistake; This mistake Allah (ﷻ) has already been forgiven, for He is All-Forgiving, Full of Mercy. However, that was a lesson which embarked on the journey of self-discovery; Though, we live this “worldly life” not only learn about ourselves, but also to make the ultimate decision for the question Allah (ﷻ) asked every soul from Adam’s descendants, in Verse Q[7:172], where they've taken the Oath in the “World of al-Thar” (عالم الذَّر), before they were born into this Universe; And then they shall return to Him once their specified term / time ends.
We’re in this “Finite” worldly life to know how “Weak” and imperfect we are, and how “Perfect”, All-Wise, Most Merciful and Most Compassionate Allah (ﷻ) is by *observing* -to look, behold & witness the signs Allah (ﷻ) manifested- what’s within us and outside of us in the physical world & Objective Reality; He’s All-Knowing of us, for He alone created every single atom of our beings and the whole Universe; It is we who lack knowledge and forget. In this “Finite” moment, we’re given the opportunity to truly experience who we are, and how Highly Exalted and Glorious Allah (ﷻ) is; To build trust, strengthen our faith and belief within our hearts, to know we’ll always *need* Allah (ﷻ) for He is our “Eternal Refuge” (الصَّمَد), as we *Submit* to become His *Servants under His Divine Will* forever.
There’s a wisdom why Allah (ﷻ) has divided us, because those of true righteous hearts will complete one another's deeds & actions like puzzle pieces, throughout their lives to the extent of their skills, abilities and knowledge; And Allah won’t burden a “Soul” beyond its own “Capacity”. Their unity is only determined by Allah (ﷻ), for He’s All-Aware what lies hidden in their hearts.
Allah (ﷻ) grants strength, power and His “Light” (energy) to each “Soul” within its limited “Capacity”; To witness this Worldly Life that’s right in front of us, that we can “see”, observe, discover, understand & learn from. Otherwise, such power & “Light” (energy) could destroy us, like a surge of huge amount of electricity that burns a fuse. Therefore, the “Flaws” & weaknesses we have, are not “Flaws” at all, but “Capacities” of each “Soul” that Allah (ﷻ) has assigned by His Wisdom, Gentleness and Mercy, so we can all complement one another. As well as, comprehend the knowledge of this worldly life in the streaming of Data around us, each at a given moment, within specified amount and time frame, in different life stages, only when they become prepared for the next stage and are completely ready to build Knowledge over the course of their lives. Just as the Verse Exodus [33:20] said, to see the Glory of God could destroy you in an instance, lightening could take away your sight, and may smite you to remain in pain and blind in the darkness. Yet, because of Allah’s (ﷻ) Wisdom, Compassion and Gentleness, He sends His provision in precise measure that corresponds to every Soul’s “Capacity” and limited capabilities, which is appropriate for their “Purpose” and correlates to their *Needs* and aspirations He created them for altogether as a whole; The dance between good & evil that they’ll be “Tested” with, together with all that He has made in *Pairs* in this Worldly Life.
In the end, we were created “Weak” and with “Flaws” by Allah (ﷻ), and we will always and forever remain *imperfect* . But these “Flaws” & “Weakness” are already determined by Allah (ﷻ) as “Capacities” for each Soul, so that each of them may share their “Strengths” together that’s founded upon “Truth”, to compensates each other’s “Weaknesses”, so the flow of life will continuously interweave between them; And above all else, to seek Allah (ﷻ) to protect and sustain us, as it’s all decided by His Providence and Wisdom.
Thus, what we may see as a “Flaw”, is only a “Flaw” in our “Knowledge” and understanding of Allah’s (ﷻ) Wisdom. I hope this leads you to a part of the solution of the “Riddle” in Verse Q[67:1-4]. *hint hint* ☺️
Hopefully, this bring a clearer understanding of how people lives work together in this worldly life, and interweave within Allah’s (ﷻ) Divine Wisdom, in pattern and ways He will never change. Perhaps we may not agree, however, Allah (ﷻ) has give His Promise to all Humanity on the Day of Judgment to reveal “The Book”; To show us the whole creation, and comprehend the nature of things, their relationship to each other, and the way they were governed by His Divine Wisdom, both in reference to the Universe as a whole and to each creature in particular-So you can finally understand your tiny particular story, in the middle of The Book, within His Grand Design of things-and *why* we’ve all differed. 🙂
• ⬩ •
﴿لاَ يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلاَّ وُسْعَهَا﴾
«Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity.»
[2:286]
•••
﴿اللَّهُ الَّذِي رَفَعَ السَّمَاوَاتِ بِغَيْرِ عَمَدٍ تَرَوْنَهَا ثُمَّ اسْتَوَى عَلَى الْعَرْشِ وَسَخَّرَ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ كُلٌّ يَجْرِي لأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى يُدَبِّرُ الأَمْرَ يُفَصِّلُ الآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُم بِلِقَاء رَبِّكُمْ تُوقِنُونَ﴾
«It is Allah Who has raised the heavens without pillars-as you can see-then established Himself on the Throne. He has subjected the sun and the moon, each orbiting for an appointed term. He arranges [each] matter; He manifests signs, so that you may be certain of the meeting with your Lord.»
[13:2]
•••
«وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَمُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ فَاحْكُم بَيْنَهُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ وَلاَ تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءهُمْ عَمَّا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ لِكُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مِنكُمْ شِرْعَةً وَمِنْهَاجًا وَلَوْ شَاء اللَّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَلَكِن لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِي مَا آتَاكُم فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ إِلَى اللَّه مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ»
«We have revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ this Book with the truth, as a confirmation of previous Scriptures and a supreme authority on them. So judge between them according to what Allah has sent down, and do not follow their whims instead of the truth that has come to you. To each of you We have ordained a code of law and a way of life. If Allah had willed, He would have made you one community, but His Will is to test you with what He has given ˹each of˺ you. So compete with one another in doing good. To Allah you will all return, then He will inform you ˹of the truth˺ regarding whatever you used to differ over.»
[5:48]
• ⬩ •
【𝟑/𝟒】
*Now, here’s a little challenge for you* :
Do we “unite” with god to complete (Allah ﷻ forbid!) his imperfect, missing pieces?
Moreover, “Love” is NOT EVERYTHING, as it can bring other negative feelings, such as: Jealousy, Envy, Anger, Dominance, Possessiveness! A person can *love* a worldly, materialistic “Land” SO MUCH, they will kill or harm someone for it - Remember that. 🙂
Also, what about Allah’s (ﷻ) other attributes, which you’ve dismissed? He’s Capable of Vengeance, Severe in Punishment; Are we also to imitate such Divine Attributes, obliterate and blow people out of existence in a catastrophic disaster like an Earthquake / Tornado / Volcano / Meteor, just because He has done so before? *Gomorrah* sounds like a lovely example.
Yeah, let’s kill our “Ego” and be “gods”, lol.
✦ What about His All-Powerful Capability to “Create” out of nothing?
✦ Can we become Eternal at our own “Will” alone? Self-sustaining? Being “Ever-living”; Can we stop death once it reaches us?
✦ Can we sustain the existence of the Universe from vanishing, as we go to sleep?
✦ Can we attain full Knowledge & Wisdom of all things, see the future, to determined how our “Kindness” effect other people’s lives & their consequences? Can we even control these consequences & results at all?
✦ Can all creation submit only to us, as we have the power to control them by our mere wishes & our sheer “Will” alone?
✦ Is our “Will” equal to that of Allah’s (ﷻ) Will?
✦ Then, who is “The King” & who is the “Servant”?
✦ Do we have the power to make our own “Light” to shine out of nothing at all in the middle of absolute darkness?
Those who follow their whims (egoistical desires), in their height of arrogance and vanity, think and view themselves like *gods* where they strive for their “Freewill” to become the absolute against everyone’s else, regardless of consequences, while denying Allah (ﷻ) and never to become His Servants and under His Divine Will alone; In their foolish ignorance of understanding Allah’s (ﷻ) Divine Wisdom, they think to be under “His Will”, then it renders their own “Freewill” *insignificant* and *Morality* worthless. They act like Tyrants where, other people’s dignity will be of no value to them, but regard their own “Self” more important, thus should be the dominant one. Like hypocrites, they live in constant clear contradictions and cognitive dissonance; They speak with a silver tongue of whichever that does not truly reflect what’s in their souls, and hide in their hearts. They can't even sustain their own existence by themselves; Are they tougher and harder in their own creation than the skies Allah (ﷻ) has constructed? Did they create things from nothing? Did they create themselves by themselves? Or did they even create the Heavens and Earth? No! They live in constant doubt and uncertainty, with “Existential Dread” in this “Finite” moment, like laughable entities that Allah (ﷻ) mocks and ridicules-He took away His Guidance and restricted it from them because of their denial & disbelief-as they become astray, keep floundering blindly and stumble from one mistake into another, lost in utter darkness, where Allah (ﷻ) draws them towards their destruction, to be finally forgotten in an Eternity of pain.
It reminds me so much of the story of our Father, Abraham, peace be upon him, when he debated with a Tyrant King who regarded himself as a ‘god’, as many other rulers did in Ancient polytheistic civilisations. 🙂
﴿أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِي حَاجَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ فِي رَبِّهِ أَنْ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ إِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّيَ الَّذِي يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ قَالَ أَنَا أُحْيِي وَأُمِيتُ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْتِي بِالشَّمْسِ مِنَ الْمَشْرِقِ فَأْتِ بِهَا مِنَ الْمَغْرِبِ فَبُهِتَ الَّذِي كَفَرَ وَاللَّهُ لاَ يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ﴾
«Have you not seen the one who debated Abraham about his Lord because Allah had granted him kingship? ˹Remember˺ when Abraham said, “My Lord is the One Who has power to give life and cause death.” He argued, “I too have the power to give life and cause death.” Abraham challenged ˹him˺, “Allah causes the sun to rise from the east. So make it rise from the west.” And so the disbeliever was dumbstruck. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.»
[2:258]
• ⬩ •
Wishing you all peace, blessings and guidance.
【𝟒/𝟒】
for those of us who have been hiding for 120 years since leaving Alsace-Lorraine then to Odessa-Liverpool-New York-N. Dakota-to Oregon by wagon some of the family and later by car or train...my son especially is being drawn toward's Hebrew teachings as we raised him and his sister in the Worldwide Church of God founded around 1947 by Herbert W. Armstrong and wife....where we kept the Sabbath and the Jewish Holy Days yet believed in Yeshua as a prophet and he rebelled as he has always been very sensitive to truth and the teaching we got from that cult that we are no longer a part of and he if yearning for the true teachings as his anger towards the injustice done. to him in Hawaii where he was almost killed twice once with a hatchet and once with a 2x2 and not a drop of compensation, restitution or justice has come from there only lies and fear that he would find an attorney to take his case but not 1 has ever agreed to help him...how he survived is he believe's God's mercy and lovingkindness and he wants to leave the justice part to Hashem but they won't even give him enough to get implants for all the teeth broken, knocked out and now removed...lost his spleen, hearing and eyesight suffer still, traumatic brain injury left him pretty helpless for almost 3 years, not to mention all the broken and fractured ribs, every one broken or fractured, left lung punctured and collapsed from one of the ribs and fractured vertebrae in the neck.... he is embarrassed that he has no teeth and it has kept him from engaging publicly for some. time, but he is drinking in as much knowledge as he can and is trying to keep the Holy Days best he can but is on SSI and on get's $804 a month and he feels bad cause he tried. going to a Synagogue but can't pay $2500.- a year...I know they offered him a special outreach thing but he was a little disheartened that he is so broken and can't afford to give what they would like...anyways sooo much info. apologies I just was taken by that cult and am bitter at how much they took from us and he is weary of those who would take from someone who literally has given the shirts off his back and the hats off his head to those even less fortunate the he....and he is on pain management from all the horror he through Hashem has survived....I am just grateful that he can at least find some of the beautiful teaching/compilation of the Rambam, and Rebe Yitzach Ginsberg, YY Jacobson, Nissim Black recently and others who share the beauty and depth he needs to see in his heritage cause all he remembered since age 4 or 5 is if Grandma doesn't go to our church she will burn in the lake of fire and be erased from The Book of Life? He is still a mystery to me but Adonai has kept him from death yet allowed him to suffer for straying so far...it's Sukkoth and he is trying to celebrate freedom from bondage yet feel's a slave to this corrupt system that is barely giving him enough to be able to walk and talk without being in pain so fierce I have seen him tremble from it...and he's a tough, brave man who showed no fear when facing death only when the police tried to sweep him under the rug along with the 2 attempted murdrs....anyways...God bless and maybe say a prayer for my son Andy Snow....
There is another Maimonides. Besides the skeptic and the mystic, the religious Jew. The verses of Jeremiah are read during the fast of the 9’th of Av.
Maimonides would understand this, is that the reason of all the exiles and the destruction of both Temples was because we did not really understand God and that God is infinitely Good Kind and Just. We did not understand it enough so that we as well wanted to imitate Him and do good. It is not enough just to do moral acts but we must become good and want to to good with love and passion. True wisdom is understanding that God is infinitely Good so much, that we ourselves actually become good and want to do good.
Bingo. The difference between Rambam's 3rd and 4th level of human perfection is that, while both levels focus on kindness and compassion, in the 3rd level you get there by reason, for example the social contract (an orderly society requires civility and law), whereas the 4th and highest level is that we are imitating God's infinite compassion. Note that Leviticus 19:18, "Love thy friend as you love yourself..." ends with the words, "I am God,"
meaning: emulate Me.
Trying a little too hard to be a mystic intellectual? It's forgivable but I prefer the delivery style of Rabbi Simon Jacobson. Hopefully with time you will work out the kinks, the message is there but the "cartwheels"* seem a bit over the top.
Thanks friend. You should listen to whatever works for you :)
Beautiful
Amen