Between Two Authorities

There could be a condition where a person remains within agroup physically, comes to lessons, participates in all kinds of activities and events, but in fact has already left the path and his heart is found in another place… .

Question: How is it possible to be careful and guard against this?

Answer: Only through humility and bowing the head. The ego burns in everyone, and therefore, my first action is nullification to the teacher, the lessons, and the group. First of all, I am not at all the wisest person among the students; rather the opposite, I want them to determine my way of life. For if I determine this myself, I will be carrying out the will of my ego exactly. And then I am no longer in the group. The moment that I get off the “train,” I am immediately found under the dominance of self-love.

In general, you have only two “authorities”: the group, which includes the Rav, the friends, the books, and the Creator, which comprises a complete unit; I and the world.

Question: I can “submit” myself externally. But how does one submit internally? What do I do with my thoughts and emotions? Can the person subdue them in a group?

Answer: There are two “scales”: On the one hand, the group that attracts the Ohr Makif (Surrounding Light), and on the other hand, the ego and the external world. So what is more important to me?

Certainly I cannot  guarantee my tomorrow for myself, but if all the possibilities that are found in my authority are used, then I can tip the balance to the right side. There is no other way.

Question: If I see that my group doesn’t sufficiently match the spirit of Bnei Baruch, how can I submit myself to the friends?

Answer: Try to “submit yourself to them” except in what you must add to them.

Parents subjugate themselves regarding their children, not because they are beginning to listen to their opinions. Rather, their submission is from concern and caring for them. A mother serves her small child with what he needs and not with what he wants. He can scream: “Give me!” but she won’t give it to him, and in this way, from her side, she is serving him faithfully.
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From the 4^th part of the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 12/10/13, Writings of Baal HaSulam