I was sitting in the beis medrash the other day at the new yeshiva I am attending (Bircas Hatorah) and was studying an amazing book called "Path of the Just" (http://www.shechem.org/torah/mesyesh/) with one of the members of the yeshiva. The book was written by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto and was the start of the mussar movement (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mussar_Movement) in Judaism.
The first chapter discusses mans duty in this world. One would think a a book written ~300 years ago by a great Rabbi wound not start off discussing how we are suppose to maximize our pleasure in this world. However in the first page, there it is, "man was created for the sole purpose of rejoicing in God and deriving pleasure from the splendor of His Presence; for this is true joy and the greatest pleasure that can be found."
The "splendor of his presence" simply means the world in which we live. So...how are we to rationalize this? Torah tells a Jewish person to derive maximum pleasure! Fantastic! Of course this all comes down to how pleasure is defined. Going out and partying all night and getting very sick from drinking too much or spending time with someone you love/your family/friends and having a meaningful conversation? Simple examples that is riddled with holes but you get the idea. So...What does pleasure mean and how are we suppose to understand what pleasure really means, the base meaning?
Being away for almost a month, away from TV, away from work, and other distractions, has really given me a good perspective for understanding the effects of our westernized culture on people, well at least me. So before everyone reading this gets in a tizzy that I am about to lock myself in a closet here or when I get home, don't worry, I still love my MTV! From my perspective, we are (to be fair, I'll use I for now on), so I always felt that we live in a spending into debt culture. Get the new car and your happy. Go out and drink and basically do whatever you want. Heck no one should tell me what to do, I am an intelligent man who earns a living and have the "right" to do what ever I please! Yes, all of this is cliche but in my opinion very true.
I realize some of my logic in this post is flawed but I am sitting outside in the cold right now so need to get down to the point (feel free to post a comment and will do my best to explain further)...What is pleasure?! It's simply understanding that everything we see, everything we touch, everyone one we interact with is holy (including ourselves) when one looks at everything and see's holiness, you have to then hold everything around you to a higher standard. When you hold everything on this new plane of holiness, true pleasure can be derived. Why? Instead of getting upset (like me!) at the person pushing you on the MBTA, you see a truly unique person and derive pleasure from their uniqueness in this world. Before eating a fantastic piece of porter house steak, take a moment before you eat to recognize the fantastic food you are about to eat and then be thankful afterwards for this unique food that you had the opportunity to enjoy. Before getting upset at someone in the office, work hard to understand their position and why it is unique and should be treasured, not simply trashed because you think they are wrong. In other words, be humble enough to know you are right but still understand that someone else can have a completely opposite opinion because we are all unique in how we are raised, our cultures, and our outlook at this world.
Take a step back, look at the glass half full, and just smile...Pleasure, it's a beautiful word who's true meaning can be discovered by simply appreciating the uniqueness in everything you interact with at every moment...
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6 comments:
good for you, I'm impressed...keep up the good work, you are really getting somewhere!!
Much better attitude than last post, but why Judaism to realize the greatness of all things?
Bravo Marc!!!!!!
I have always said in my job as a teacher . That every child is unique in his/her on way and that you must fine something positive in them!!!
Also I do take time to stop and take pleasure from my world around me. Whether it is a beautiful day that gives me pleasure or just being happy with me!!!!
One last note to add is that Pleasure to me is reading this getting so much Nachas from my son!
To anonymous on why Judaism:
There really is not enough space to answer that question. My assumption is that you believe in a higher being, something that is a creator of all. If this is the case, you have to ask yourself, what kind of system/manual would be left for humans to follow? One that can be proven, is logical, and encompasses all aspects of life? With Judaism, unlike any other religion, there is one simple fact that stands out, for me, as one major piece of the logical proof, national revelation. Torah specifically states that G-d revealed himself to ~2million men, women, and children. So this happened, but how does the logic follow from here? The Torah states everyone saw and heard G-d speak, and saw Moses ascend Mt. Sinai to receive the Torah. If the event did not happen, when Moses came down with the Torah, everyone there would know he was lying, no? Tradition would not be followed and Judaism would not be around. But the opposite happened, millions of people have strictly adhered to Torah for thousands of years and passed on the same traditions and truth from generation to generation. Again, while this idea of national revelation is major, there is allot more that can be said but needs to be investigated with the appropriate Rabbi further. Once you start to see hard facts and learning the truth of Torah, you can then, for yourself, understand why Judaism is truth.
What you are describing is also known as cognitive behavioral therapy. It has been proven in numerous studies that recognizing a stimuli and having the awareness to identify your reaction can alter neuronal pathways. The text you are reading just calls that recognition holiness. These types of emmotional or behavioral techniques work well in normally functioning brains. That is, those who wish to alter their previously standard behavioral reaction to a given stimuli. And it works fairly well for people with mild issues so to speak. However, holiness will not work that great for someone with severe depression or schizophrenia. Your new perspective is excellent, and wil most likely produce results if you are so inclined. The brain is such an amazing organ. I'd be interested in discussing with you the many reasons why one experiences pleasure, whether it be learned or genetic. No doubt there is a complex interplay between the two. You may be interested in learning more about neurobiology and how it relates to our responses to environmental and social stimuli. I highly recommend reading up on specific neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepi and serotonin. It think it will help you gain perspective if you were to learn some basics about our brain. Plus it is interesting to tie in early religious psychology and philosophy with todays scientific research.
http://www.neuroanatomy.wisc.edu/coursebook/neuro5(2).pdf
Dave, thanks for your interesting comment! I will definitely read the article you reference. Look forward to discussing more in depth when I am home...Chat soon.
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