Introduction
The wisdom of Kabbalah teaches us how to live in the reality that is spread before us. It is a systematic method that has evolved over thousands of years, taught by a handful of unique individuals in every generation. Their task has been to ensure that the truths of Kabbalah would be given to those ready to receive them.
During all that time, Kabbalah was concealed from the public (which was not yet ready to receive it), until the current generation; it was this generation for which this method was specifically developed. That is why the Zohar, the Ari and Baal HaSulam (Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag, the author of the Sulam (Ladder), a commentary on the Zohar) reveal that from this time forward, the Kabbalah will become a simple and genuine way of life, open to all, with no restrictions. This approach originated in 1995, and we are currently in the midst of this process to expand the reach of Kabbalah.
Why our generation? Because the souls that descend to this world and dress in our bodies evolve from generation to generation. Ultimately, they will arrive at a point of questioning the meaning of their very existence.
The question will form: “What is the meaning of my life?” or “What am I living for?” It will arise not only if we are in constantly intensifying pain, but also if we are filled with peace, fulfillment and pleasure. When the pain of this question suddenly surfaces, it knocks us flat, before we find the solution in drifting in the currents of everyday life.
Indeed, if we contemplate reality, as described in the books of Kabbalists, that speak of “the end of days” -which we now face- we become profoundly fearful that, without the wisdom of the Kabbalah, we will not be able to secure safe passage through the challenging times to come.
The wisdom of the Kabbalah allows us to come to know the “Upper World” – the very system that monitors and leads reality. That includes the reality of this world, the whole of humanity and each and every one of us at any given moment. With the help of Kabbalah, we can control the system of the worlds and determine how to conduct our daily lives, which makes this wisdom necessary for everyone.
Until the year 1995, I was busy opening many Kabbalah classes throughout Israel and around the world. As a result, I was presented with an ever-growing number of questions, until I could no longer answer them by ordinary correspondence. Therefore, I decided to set up an Internet site and supply the answers to those requesting them, along with more general knowledge of man and his existence in the world.
The web site quickly developed and expanded, and today over a million people from all corners of the world visit it every month. They download information about the method of Kabbalah and the way to conduct their lives, in addition to submitting numerous questions through email and online discussion forums. They come with private questions and general questions alike.
Still, I often meet new people – in lectures or in more informal discussions – who have not discovered this valuable method, even though the question “What is the meaning of my life?” burns in the heart of every one of them.
All of them seek a clear and scientific answer they can comprehend. Therefore, I have decided to gather all the postings that have accumulated on the forum and publish them. From the multitude of material before me, I have chosen those questions and answers, by which anyone can make their first steps in Kabbalah.
People like you, whose point in the heart (the point that makes us wonder about the meaning of life) has awakened, sent me these questions. This book will give you insights into the path they followed, from the urgent question, “What is the meaning of my life?” “How do I control my destiny?” and “What should I expect of every single act in my daily life?” to the concise answers they received.
These answers are based on a clear and independent vision that evolved in all of them after studying the Upper Forces through the wisdom of Kabbalah. The path each of them took is a personal one, suiting none but them. But through the answers that I provided, based on thousands of years of research and development of the wisdom of Kabbalah, you, too, can discover your personal path.
Be aware that the deeper you go, the more questions will arise, which are answered directly from the Source. That is ultimately what will advance you. Remember, success depends on you alone.
I am with you all the way.
Rabbi Michael Laitman