Mesillat Yesharim – Page 4 – Study Torah Online: Live and Interactive Torah Learning with Rabbi Eliyahu Shear

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just – Chapter 1 – Lesson 12 – Man’s Obligation in the World

The study of Mussar is by no means quick learning. Even though we are twelve lessons into our learning – we are still on Chapter 1! We are talking about Man’s obligation in the world – his duty in the world.

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just – Chapter 1 – Lesson 11 – Man’s Obligation in the World

The Ramchal continues his introduction by telling us that this world is just a corridor before we enter into the World to Come. Here is the place where we improve and over there is where we receive our reward for the effort we put into serving God and working on ourselves in this world.

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just – Chapter 1 – Lesson 10 – Man’s Obligation in the World

If a person begins to contemplate deeper into their purpose in this world, they will realise that is fact, all things in the world are created to serve Man. Everything in creation is here singing a song as it desires to serve Man. And of course if that be the case, surely Man is here for a higher purpose too?!

Man has the serious responsibility of uplifting everything in creation to its upper higher spiritual realm. The stones sing their own song, the plants – their song, the animals – their song too. And they are all humming out loud “Use me in your service in serving God – that is what I am here for. I am here to be included in your service of serving God.” All these energies that we gain are then included in holy matters, and the whole of creation is uplifted to a much higher level!

But of course, if we don’t choose to go in that direction, we’ll just bring ourselves and everything down with us! That’s really the choice we all have. Are we going to uplift everything or are we going to bring everything down with us?!

When Yaakov (Jacob) wished to sleep on an important journey when he was outside, all the stones wished for him to put his head on them. Such is the “speech” of nature as it desires to be included in the holy.

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just – Chapter 1 – Lesson 9 – Man’s Obligation in the World

The tests in life are real! God has placed a person in this world in order to work through thousands upon thousands of tests. All this is in order to prepare for entering the World to Come.

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just – Chapter 1 – Lesson 8 – Man’s Obligation in the World

This world is nothing more than a corridor to enter the main palace – the World to Come.

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just – Chapter 1- Lesson 7 – Man’s Obligation in the World

The Ramchal began this chapter by telling us just how important it is for a person to consider his purpose in this world. Think about it – without a purpose, where exactly are we all going and what are we doing?!

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just – Introduction Part 6 – Lesson 6

We (finally) conclude the introduction of the Mesillat Yesharim. The Ramchal has taught us the path and steps required to grow as a human being. Practically speaking, he has taught us how to grow into an angel – though clothed in a physical body!

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just – Introduction Part 5 – Lesson 5

Those who can find time for studying so many things in life should surely be able to find the time to study the teachings of Mussar. In these teachings, one learns to grow as a human being. One cannot find these teachings in science and mathematics and other such similar subjects (though there is nothing wrong with learning these subjects. In fact they may well come to even aid one in one’s Torah growth too.)

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just – Introduction Part 4 – Lesson 4

The Ramchal continues to teach us that it is not just fear that is important – in other words to fear God, but rather, we must also learn what love is i.e. to love God. These are both activities that require much effort. One doesn’t come to them by simply knowing they exist. Rather, one must work on oneself, consider the importance of life and ourselves, so that we develop our character traits in a fitting manner.

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just – Introduction Part 3 – Lesson 3

There’s a lot to learn just in the introduction of the Ramchal’s classic – Messilat Yesharim. The Ramchal adds to his emphasis on the importance of studying Mussar.