The Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei_Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei Zohar, a later expansion on the core teachings of the Zohar, offers a powerful, almost visceral, image. It uses fragrant spices and, well, let's just say dogs, to illustrate the profound impact of our intentions.
Let’s dive in.
The passage begins with a verse from the Song of Songs: "A bundle of myrrh is my beloved to me…” (Song. 1:13). The Tikkunei Zohar sees this myrrh as representing Netzach, often translated as "victory" or "endurance." In the Kabbalistic Sefirot, the ten attributes through which God manifests, Netzach sits on the right-hand side of the Tree of Life. The text explains that Netzach is elevated for the Shekhinah, the Divine Presence, and connects this to another verse: "…pleasantness in your right hand forever” (Ps. 16:11). It's all about offering something beautiful and enduring.
Then comes frankincense. Ah, the sweet smell of spiritual striving! According to the Tikkunei Zohar, the verse "…and frankincense…” (Song. 3:6) corresponds to Hod. Hod, meaning "splendor" or "majesty," sits opposite Netzach on the left-hand side. The text says that it is elevated for Her, the Shekhinah, in Gevurah, which is Divine Strength or Judgment. So we have Netzach and Hod, right and left, two pillars supporting… what?
The Righteous One! The text continues: "...over all the powder of the perfumer – this is the Righteous-One, which he elevates for Her in the Middle Pillar." This “Righteous One” is Tzaddik, often understood as the foundation of the world, and is elevated for the Shekhinah in the Middle Pillar of the Tree of Life. Think of it as the perfect balance, the culmination of all our efforts rising to meet the Divine.
So, spices, elevation, harmony… Sounds lovely, right? But here’s where it gets real. And a little bit scary.
What happens if we don't elevate the Shekhinah with our prayer? What if our intentions are off, our focus is scattered, our hearts are… absent? The Tikkunei Zohar doesn't mince words: "And if he does not elevate the Shekhinah with his prayer, as an ‘offering’ to the blessed Holy One, then a dog descends to eat his offering. Woe to him!"
A dog! Not exactly the image we want associated with our spiritual endeavors, is it? What does it mean?
In Jewish tradition, dogs can symbolize forces that are impure or uncontrolled. Here, the "dog" represents negative energies or influences that can consume our prayers if they aren't offered with the right intention. The text is saying that if our prayers aren't a genuine offering, a true elevation of the Divine Presence, they become vulnerable to these destructive forces.
The consequences, according to the Tikkunei Zohar, are severe: "Woe to him! It were better had he not been created in the world, and about him it is stated: (Prov. 19:2) Also without knowledge, a soul is not good…" Strong words, indeed! It emphasizes the critical importance of da'at, knowledge or understanding, and intention in our spiritual practice. It’s not enough to just go through the motions. We need to be present, aware, and genuinely engaged.
It's a stark reminder that prayer isn't just about reciting words. It's about intention, elevation, and a sincere desire to connect with the Divine. Otherwise, we risk feeding… well, you know.
So, the next time you pray, remember the fragrant spices, the elevation of the Shekhinah, and the alternative. Let your intentions be pure, your heart be open, and your offering be worthy. After all, what could be more important?