Kabbalah, a mystical and esoteric branch of Jewish spirituality, offers profound insights into the nature of existence and the purpose of life. Kabbalah, derived from the Hebrew word “kabal,” meaning “to receive,” is based on ancient Jewish mystical texts that date back centuries. It is a path of knowledge and wisdom that seeks to reveal the secrets of the universe, as well as the inner dimensions of the human soul.
Central to Kabbalistic teachings is the profound concept of the “Desire to Receive for the Sake of Sharing”. At the core of creation lies the Divine Light, an infinite source of love, abundance, and goodness. The Divine seeks to bestow its blessings upon all of creation, but in order to experience this love fully, there must be a vessel capable of receiving it. This vessel is known as the Desire to Receive. In the grand design of creation, the Desire to Receive plays a central role in the unfolding of the divine plan.
The Divine Light and the Vessel of Desire
In Kabbalah, the concept of the Divine Light takes center stage. This Divine Light is an eternal and boundless source of love, wisdom, and abundance emanating from the Divine Creator. It is the essence of all existence and the foundation of creation itself. Like an infinite ocean of love, this Divine Light has and continues to bestow its blessings and goodness upon all aspects of creation.
However, for the Divine Light to be experienced and appreciated fully, there must be a receptive vessel—a container capable of receiving and containing this divine abundance. In the process of creation, the Desire to Receive is not separate from the Divine Light; it is an essential part of the divine plan. The Divine Intention to Bestow and the Desire to Receive are intricately connected, and they form a dynamic interplay that sustains the entire universe.
Kabbalah is a verb, it literally means to receive, and if we are not constantly growing our desire to connect to the Creator, and thereby growing our capacity to receive blessings, then we are not accomplishing our purpose in this world.
Monica Berg
To Desire for Self or for Others
The Desire to Receive can be categorized into two primary aspects: the Desire to Receive for the Self and the Desire to Receive for Others. These two aspects represent different orientations of the human consciousness and have profound implications for one’s spiritual growth and connection with the Divine.
Desire to Receive for the Self:
There is the ego-centric aspect of human nature, where the primary focus is on fulfilling personal desires and needs. In this state, the individual seeks to satisfy their own wants, cravings, and aspirations without considering the well-being of others. This self-centered orientation can lead to a sense of separation from others.
When the Desire to Receive for the Self dominates one’s consciousness, it can give rise to selfishness, materialism, and a fixation on personal gain. The ego becomes the driving force behind actions, decisions, and interactions with others. This ego-centric Desire to Receive can lead to spiritual stagnation, as it keeps individuals bound to the physical and material aspects of existence, preventing them from connecting with higher spiritual truths.
Without the transformative shift towards the Desire to Receive for Others, the ego-centric desire to receive in it’s more negative manifestations can lead to the multiplication of negative qualities often associated with evil. When individuals are solely focused on fulfilling their own desires and needs without consideration for others, several detrimental consequences can occur:
- Selfishness and Lack of Empathy: it can lead to an excessive focus on one’s own well-being and disregard for the feelings and needs of others. This lack of empathy can create a sense of disconnection and alienation, contributing to a breakdown of compassionate relationships.
- Greed and Materialism: It can manifest as insatiable greed and materialism. Individuals may become obsessed with accumulating wealth, power, and possessions, often at the expense of others’ well-being and without regard for ethical considerations.
- Exploitation and Abuse: It can lead to a sense of entitlement and a willingness to exploit or abuse others to satisfy personal desires or gain an advantage. This can result in various forms of mistreatment, including emotional, physical, and financial abuse.
- Violence and Aggression: When individuals are primarily focused on their own desires, it can lead to a competitive and hostile mindset. The desire to assert dominance or control over others may result in aggressive behavior, conflict, and even violence.
- Isolation and Loneliness: The self-centered pursuit of personal gain can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness, as relationships may be strained or fractured due to a lack of genuine connection and empathy.
- Destructive Actions: The unchecked Desire can lead to destructive behaviors, both towards oneself and others. Addiction, reckless decision-making, and harmful actions may arise from a lack of consideration for the consequences of one’s actions on oneself and others.
- Perpetuation of Injustice: when not balanced by consideration for others, can perpetuate social injustices and inequalities. It may contribute to a society where some individuals thrive while others suffer.
Individuals trapped in these negative patterns, become prisoners of shackles of ego-driven desires , displaying a lack empathy, compassion, and connection with others.
Desire to Receive for Others:
The Desire to Receive for the Sake of Sharing, represents an altruistic and selfless orientation. In this state, the individual’s focus shifts from personal gain to the well-being and happiness of others. The individual experiences joy and fulfillment by giving, sharing, and bestowing goodness upon others without expecting anything in return.
It opens the heart to compassion, empathy, and interconnectedness with all of creation. This selfless orientation transcends ego-driven desires and fosters a profound sense of unity with others and with the Divine.
The Shift
The key to spiritual growth in Kabbalah lies in transforming the Desire to Receive from ego-centric to altruistic. This transformation is a profound and liberating process that is achieved. When individuals shift their focus from fulfilling personal desires to desiring to share and bestow goodness upon others, they align themselves with the higher purpose of creation.
The transformative journey involves shifting the focus from self-centered to altruistic. By redirecting one’s desires towards benefiting others and seeking to share and bestow goodness upon the world, individuals align themselves with the Divine purpose of creation.
Through spiritual practices, self-awareness, and the cultivation of the Desire to Receive for the Sake of Sharing, individuals elevate their consciousness and embrace a path of compassion and love. This transformation allows them to become channels of the Divine Light, sharing the blessings of the Divine with others and contributing to the higher purpose of creation.
Mirroring the qualities of the creator
In this state of consciousness, the powerful vessel that is Desire becomes a conduit for the Divine Light to flow through and touch the lives of others. By sharing love, kindness, and compassion, individuals become channels of Divine blessings, and their actions become a reflection of the Creator’s love.
A person can embody the qualities of the Creator and align themselves with the essence of the Divine. Just as the Divine seeks to bestow goodness upon all of creation, individuals who cultivate the Desire to Receive for the Sake of Sharing become channels of the Divine Light, radiating love, compassion, and kindness to others. They also experience the fullness and abundance of connection to the divine.
This orientation allows individuals to transcend the limitations of ego-driven desires, which often create barriers and separations among people. Instead, they experience a profound sense of unity and interconnectedness with all of creation. By recognizing the inherent interconnectedness of all beings, individuals realize that they are part of a greater whole—a tapestry where each thread is intricately woven into the fabric of existence. Through the Desire to Receive for Others, individuals open their hearts to compassion and empathy. They become attuned to the needs and well-being of others, seeking to alleviate suffering and bring joy and comfort to those around them. This act of selfless giving not only benefits others but also brings a sense of joy, fulfillment, and spiritual elevation to the giver.
In embracing this selfless orientation, individuals mirror the Divine attributes of love, generosity, and benevolence. They align themselves with the essence of God, who is often described as the embodiment of boundless love and compassion. Just as the Divine shares everything with creation, individuals who cultivate the Desire to Receive for Others become instruments of Divine blessings in the world. This altruistic approach to life fosters a sense of connectedness and compassion with others, breaking down the walls of separation and division. It inspires acts of kindness, understanding, and forgiveness, creating a ripple effect of goodness and positive energy in the world.
Ultimately, individuals become co-creators with the Divine. Their actions and intentions reflect the higher purpose of creation, spreading and experiencing love,, This orientation leads to a deeper connection with the Divine and a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment, as individuals contribute to a world guided by love, compassion, and unity as well a different self awareness..
Oneness and Love
The experience of embracing this shift goes beyond the love and goodness that individuals receive from God; it is a connection to others by becoming a conduit for that Divine goodness to flow to them. In this state of selflessness, we recognize that we are not isolated beings seeking personal fulfillment, but integral parts of a greater whole. By allowing the Divine love and abundance to flow through them and touch the lives of others, they experience a deep sense of interconnectedness and oneness with all of humanity.
As we share and bestow goodness upon others without expecting anything in return, we witness the transformative power of our actions. We become aware that acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity create a ripple effect that transcends individual boundaries and uplifts the collective consciousness of humanity. And in the other we see ourselves. This interconnectedness fosters a sense of belonging and community, where each person’s well-being is intimately linked to the well-being of others. In this profound connection, people experience a unique sense of purpose and fulfillment.
The experience of connection deepens the sense of love and gratitude towards God, as we recognize that the Divine has blessed us with the opportunity to be channels of Divine blessings to others.
Embracing this creates a shift in consciousness, elevating use to a higher level of spiritual awareness and interconnectedness. It opens their hearts to the boundless love and goodness of the Divine, while also fostering a deep and meaningful connection to all of humanity. In that state, people realize that they are interconnected parts of the whole. In this state of unity, the individual barriers of separation fade away. A profound sense of love and empathy emerges, transcending personal interests and embracing the well-being of others. It is a love that flows freely, without expecting anything in return, fostering a deep sense of fulfillment and spiritual elevation. As a result,
Kabbalah teaches that the Desire to Receive for the Sake of Sharing is the embodiment of the Divine plan for creation. It is through this transformative desire that individuals fulfill their spiritual potential and become a vessel for the light.
Similarities with Christianity and Buddhism
This concept from Kabbalah resonates deeply with the core teachings of various spiritual traditions, including the two most important commandments in Christianity. In Christianity, Jesus emphasized the greatest commandments: to love God with all our strength, heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Embracing the Desire to Receive for Others aligns with these commandments, as it fosters a selfless and compassionate orientation towards others. When individuals cultivate the Desire to Receive for the Sake of Sharing, they embody the love and kindness that Christianity encourages, as they seek to bestow goodness upon others just as they would for themselves. This transformation of the Desire to Receive leads to a life driven by empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to care for others, mirroring the teachings of Christ and seeing beyond the veil and illusion of separateness, ego, and the trouble it creates.
Similarly, the concept of the Desire to Receive for Others resonates with the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum,” which holds deep significance in Buddhist traditions. The mantra translates to “the Jewel is in the Lotus,” and it encapsulates the teaching of compassion and wisdom. The lotus represents the awakening of compassion and enlightenment, while the jewel symbolizes the innate Buddha nature present in every being. And us recognizing that divine essence in others. Embracing the Desire to Receive for Others aligns with the essence of this mantra, as it reflects the understanding that within each individual lies a precious gem of compassion and goodness that can be shared with others.
Love and Compassion above all
The desire to Receive for Others, prevalent in Kabbalah, bears profound similarities with the core teachings of various spiritual traditions. Embracing this selfless orientation aligns with the greatest commandments in Christianity, emphasizing love for God and love for neighbors as oneself. It also resonates with the essence of the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum,” reflecting the understanding of compassion and wisdom within each being. By cultivating the Desire to Receive for the Sake of Sharing, individuals become channels of Divine blessings, fostering unity, empathy, and interconnectedness with all of creation. This transformative shift leads to a world where greed, aggression, and selfishness diminish, replaced by compassion, kindness, and healing for oneself and others. Through the Desire to Receive for Others, individuals embrace their inherent capacity to share goodness and love, becoming co-creators of a more harmonious and compassionate existence.
