Jewish mysticism has a lot to say about that feeling.
Specifically, it delves into the nature of the guf, the body. But not just the physical shell we inhabit. In the teachings of Baal HaSulam, particularly in his "Introduction to Zohar," the body represents something far more profound. He sees it as the very embodiment of our selfish desire to receive.
Think about that for a moment. Everything we crave, everything we acquire, is filtered through this lens of wanting. And according to Baal HaSulam, this desire, this ratzon l'kabel, is inherently flawed. It's like a leaky bucket – no matter how much you pour in, it never truly fills.
Why is that? Because, he suggests, this desire wasn't meant to last. It was created, initially, only to be eventually destroyed. To be eliminated. Harsh, right? But hold on...there's a purpose to this apparent demolition.
It's all part of a process, a journey toward a "perfect third stage," the Gmar Tikun, or end of the repair. That's where things get interesting. The idea is that by recognizing the limitations of our selfish desires, we can transcend them. We can move beyond the fleeting pleasures of the physical world and connect with something deeper, something more lasting.
And that's why, Baal HaSulam argues, the body – along with everything it amasses – is ultimately "lowly, mortal, and temporary, like a passing shadow." It's not meant to be our ultimate focus. It's a vehicle, a stepping stone.
So, the next time you find yourself caught in the cycle of wanting and acquiring, remember the teachings of Baal HaSulam. Remember the guf, the body, and its inherent limitations. Maybe, just maybe, recognizing that emptiness is the first step toward finding true fulfillment.