Let’s dive into some deep mystical waters today, folks. We’re talking about Noach, Comment 120—a fascinating discussion that combines Kabbalah, daily prayer, and the wild world of foreign thoughts. If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry, we’re going to break it down in a way that’s both enlightening and relatable.
So, first things first: the great Kabbalist, the Ari, teaches that the prayer you offer today isn’t the same as the prayer you’ll offer tomorrow. They’re as different as, say, your Monday mood compared to your Friday vibe. This might sound a bit mind-bending, but stick with me. The idea is that each day brings a unique spiritual opportunity, a specific set of challenges and energies that we’re meant to work with in our prayers.
Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, but what about those random, distracting thoughts that pop into my head when I’m trying to focus during prayer?” Good question. The Ari says these thoughts—what we might call “foreign thoughts”—are actually part of the spiritual work we’re here to do. They’re not just annoying distractions; they’re sparks of divine energy that got a little lost and need our help to be elevated back to their source. Pretty cool, right?
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. According to the Ari, these foreign thoughts aren’t random at all. They’re tailored to the specific day and the specific person. What distracts you today might be totally different from what sidetracks you tomorrow. And that’s because each day, you’re dealing with a new set of spiritual sparks that need your attention. It’s like a cosmic game of whack-a-mole, but with a much deeper purpose.
The Ari’s teaching is rooted in the Kabbalistic concept of the breaking of the vessels, an event in which divine light was too intense to be contained, resulting in a cosmic shattering that scattered holy sparks throughout the world. Our job, through prayer and mitzvot, is to gather these sparks and return them to their divine source. So, when a foreign thought barges into your mind during prayer, it’s like a spark waving a flag, saying, “Hey, help me out here!”
But how do we actually “elevate” these thoughts? The Ari offers some guidance on this, too. If your distraction is a thought about something inappropriate, like a lustful thought, the trick is to recognize that this thought has a root in the spiritual quality of hesed (loving-kindness). You can mentally redirect the thought back to its source, transforming it into something positive. It’s like turning lemons into lemonade, but on a spiritual level.
And what if your distraction is something like a moment of doubt or idolatrous thought? The Ari says this is connected to a flaw in tiferet (beauty or harmony). By acknowledging this and mentally realigning your thoughts, you’re actually repairing that flaw. It’s like being your own spiritual chiropractor, adjusting your internal alignment so everything flows smoothly again.
Now, this might all sound pretty abstract, but it’s really about mindfulness and intention. Every time you notice a distracting thought, you have a choice: you can let it derail you, or you can use it as a tool for spiritual growth. The Ari’s teachings encourage us to see these moments not as failures but as opportunities to engage more deeply with our prayers and our spiritual journey.
Think of it this way: prayer isn’t just about reading words from a book; it’s about actively participating in the ongoing creation and repair of the world. Each thought, each distraction, is a chance to do some of that holy work. It’s like getting a pop quiz every day, but instead of stressing out, you realize that each question is an opportunity to ace the test.
So next time you’re in the middle of a prayer and suddenly find yourself thinking about something totally unrelated—like what you’re going to have for dinner, or that embarrassing thing you said three years ago—take a moment. Instead of pushing the thought away, ask yourself, “What can I do with this? How can I transform this into something holy?”
In the end, the Ari’s teachings remind us that every day, every prayer, every thought is unique. Each moment is an opportunity to connect with the divine in a new way. And even those pesky distractions? They’re just sparks waiting for you to notice them and help them find their way home.
So embrace the foreign thoughts, elevate them, and remember that the spiritual journey is full of twists, turns, and unexpected detours—all of which are there to help you grow.
This article is in the zechut of Larisa bat minna for excellent health as well as Klal Israel.
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