The mind – the sharpest tool we have, can be used for ultimate good, ultimate evil.
No limit to what the mind can explain and rationalize away. If we are so smart, why do we do such foolish things? Rabbi Ari asks. Because of our mind, we can look at a choice, a choice of action – look at it know it’s bad, destructive – but with our mind we can say, “this is why it makes sense.” We have a the power to use the mind for destructive behavior.
Human condition – we think of our mind as an ally, but the same assets can be our greatest enemy.
Overcoming Folly – Kabbala and psychology, how to catch ourselves when we are using our minds in an unhealthy way. Origins 1903 – 5th Chabad Rebbe
Entry point through Scripture “A wellspring will go forth from the House of God and shall water the valley of Shittim” (Joel 4:18). Shittim – folly, turning away from the path truth (or rational path), or doing something foolish
“One does not commit a sin, unless the spirit of folly enters him.” VERY POWERFUL
Unhealthy behavior – not entirely emotional or instinctive, but we use thoughts to make ourselves feel comfortable with the uncomfortable.
If we were thinking with our “right” minds, with our clear minds, we wouldn’t do unhealthy things. It’s our own mental gymnastics that explains why things aren’t so bad… It’s our inclination that seduces our mind.” The logic is crooked.” Rabbi Ari
We do the contortion to make the negative, obsessive, additive behavior seem okay… the mistakes we make – spirit of folly to take over, and get off the path of rational thinking. Evil inclination, get our minds on board, we tell ourselves – just this one time with foolish justifications and rationalizations… Get past barriers with our thinking…
(etymology of crooked – cunning)
Overcoming Folly explores a number of rationalizations, stories we tell ourselves…because of this, I deserve… what we tell ourselves to get into negative situations. Understanding how our mind gets us there will help us climb out of those thought patterns that lead us down a negative, destructive path.
Hebrew word sattan (yetzer hara – inside of us, inner voice that tries turn us away, pivot from the rational, healthy path to a negative path, it pivots once, then shames you — evil prosecuting angle/force on high) – means to turn away from the proper path.
We have to catch ourselves by thinking rationally (healthy), knowing the patterns of irrational (unhealthy) thoughts. Only then, can we redirect ourselves.
Key to that is knowing the patterns of the irrational thoughts – spirit of folly –
Bad behavior is not just emotional, but it includes thinking in an irrational way, but make ourselves believe it’s rational. The moment we think clear minded – with clarity, then pull back from the negative choices, mind is always leading the actions – mind is paving the way… so must think in non contorted way.
Being Holy – separate yourself even from what is permissible – making sure you are responding and not reacting, overdoing.
What should our focus be on, what pleasures should we be thinking about? Where should our head, heart, thoughts be…
Self control and discipline is a biblical value (Rabbi Ari’s grandfather’s story – only eating what he needed).
“Man’s intention is whatever he does should be “for the sake of Heaven.”
The beginning of indulgence into lower pleasure – desirable to the eye – looks to us good and attractive, the rest follows, do not be lead astray after your heart and your eyes – eyes see, heart desires, get excited by look, sound – not thinking clearly …first story, that looks good. Saw, interpreted, desired in the mind.
1st doorway into sin, or getting off the right path is going after something that is attractive, only because it looks good, seems good, looks attractive.
1st folly – it’s attractive.