Rebbe Tzvi Hirsch came for advice to his rebbe, Menachem Mendl of Rimanov, because strange things began to happen to Hirsch during prayer.
“As soon as I start praying,” he said, “fiery letters, words and whole sentences flash before my eyes.” They distract me. I can’t concentrate on prayer at all.
“What you see,” said the rebbe, “is the innermost kavvanot (the pious intentions on which the Hasid focuses during prayers and rituals) of our holy teacher, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria.” The deepest secrets hidden behind the words of prayers are revealed to you. Many are ready to give everything for such a gift, but you complain.
“But, Rabbi,” Zvi Hirsch objected, “all this is good and wonderful, and I feel nothing but love and admiration for Ari, but I would like to focus on the usual, simplest meaning of prayer.”
Rebbe Menachem Mendl closed his eyes and fell into silence for a few seconds.
“What you are striving for,” he said barely audible, “is very rare.” Only one person in every generation can achieve what you ask for. To learn the greatest secrets of prayer, to master kavvanot, and then to throw them away and pray like a child - oho-ho! - the one who can do this will know the Truth itself!
Commentary by Rami Shapiro Why is simplicity so rare? Because the ego feeds on complexity.
Spirituality is the innate ability to see what is. And nothing more. But to see clearly, you need to act simply. That's the problem. We were taught that vision is a complex activity that requires long training and strict self-discipline. But this is similar to a person shaking a jar of muddy water in the hope of examining the diamond located there. Leave the jar alone, the dregs will soon settle to the bottom, the water will become clear, and you will finally see what you are looking for. However, it always seems to a person that this is somehow very simple. If this were the case, he thinks, then why so many confusing teachings and cumbersome hierarchies of mentors? Is it really just so as not to leave the jar alone for a moment, thereby hiding the treasure?
Life is complex, but not confusing. Complexity stems from the diversity and richness of creative possibilities. And what confuses life is a person’s inability to stay in the Present and be honest, kind and fair.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru