How does one really grasp to understand the meaning of “nothingness”? In our society when the word “nothing” is used, it leaves a feeling of emptiness. The Encarta World Dictionary defines nothingness as “the absence of life, existence, and all discernible qualities”. However an Ukranian rabbi, Dov Baer of Mezritch explains nothingness as the origin of all. A simple statement which introduces and enormous thought “The creation of heaven and earth is the unfolding of something out of nothing… they change the something back into the nothing”. Dov Baer of Mezeritch, was a disciple of Yisrael Ba'al Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidism. Hasidism means “piety” or “kindness”. Hasidism is a religion that was influenced by Judaism, and was practiced in Eastern Europe in the 18th century and in modern times has extended to parts of the United States and Israel. The Hasidic community mainly studies the Kabbalah and the Torah. While many Hasidic Jews were killed during the Holocaust, some still remain and practice Hasidism in large groups, called sects.
Hasidic Jews believe in refinement. Vast change to one’s character maybe necessary. They also believe in miracles. Their writings were often written so that everyone could share and enjoy them.
I find Dov Baer’s writing very engaging. I love the picture he paints in my mind when speaking about bringing awareness to the world around you. Dov Baer says “By means of awareness, you draw greater vitality to that object from the divine source of life, since you bind that thing to absolute nothingness”. Can you just picture intently bringing your awareness to a peanut, for example, and giving that peanut more “energy” from that vast nothingness that is all around. He also goes on to say that once you allow this energy you will be in sync with the universe, but as soon as you lose this awareness, you must begin again.
It may be challenging for you to use the word nothing to describe everything. Think of all the counter parts: emptiness and fullness, darkness and light, goodness and evil. The universe is made up of everything- it’s negative and positive; which equals nothing.
1 comment:
In general, I agree with how challenging it is for the mind, for my mind, to grasp what he says about "nothing". Even that sentance, trying to grasp nothing seems like an incorrect statement. But when I think about what profound things you said, especially that last sentance "The universe is made up of everything- it’s negative and positive; which equals nothing," the concept starts to become something I can understand. Good job; I really enjoyed what you wrote.
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