Jewish tradition speaks of this very struggle. It’s not just about good versus evil in some abstract way, but about the constant balancing act we each perform within ourselves, and how that impacts the world around us.
The great Kabbalist Baal HaSulam, in his introduction to the Zohar, a foundational text of Jewish mysticism, gets right to the heart of this. He warns that we, as individuals, can actually amplify the "other nations" aspect within ourselves, raising it above the "Israel" aspect. Now, before you think this is some nationalistic claim, let's unpack this a bit.
Baal HaSulam uses the terms "other nations" and "Israel" metaphorically. "Israel," in this context, represents our inner spark of holiness, our connection to the Divine, the part of us striving for good, for connection, for meaning. The "other nations," on the other hand, symbolize the external, the ego, the self-serving desires that can pull us away from that inner light. Think of it as the yetzer hara (יצר הרע), the "evil inclination," constantly vying for our attention.
He draws on a chilling verse from Deuteronomy (28:43): "The stranger within you will rise higher and higher, and you will sink lower and lower." It paints a vivid picture, doesn’t it? The "stranger," that foreign, self-centered part of ourselves, gains power, while our true selves, the "Israel" within, diminishes.
And it’s not just a personal problem. Baal HaSulam goes on to say that our actions can actually cause the external forces in the world – the nations driven by ego and self-interest – to rise and overcome Israel, bringing them down to the ground. In other words, when we prioritize our selfish desires, we contribute to a world where those same desires reign supreme, a world that feels… well, a lot like the one we often see around us.
The Zohar, and Baal HaSulam's interpretation of it, isn't just some ancient text gathering dust. It’s a powerful reminder that we are active participants in shaping not only our own lives but the world at large. The choices we make every day – to act with kindness or selfishness, with integrity or deceit – have ripple effects that extend far beyond ourselves.
So, what can we do? How do we ensure that the "Israel" within us rises, rather than descends? It begins with awareness. Recognizing the constant struggle between our higher and lower selves. Paying attention to our motivations. And making conscious choices to align ourselves with that inner spark of holiness. It's a lifelong journey, a constant balancing act. But the stakes, as Baal HaSulam makes clear, couldn't be higher.