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Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #36 – Chapter 6 – Zeal! [Enthusiasm in Fulfilling Mitzvot]

We begin Chapter 6 of Mesilat Yesharim today! It’s all about energy and enthusiasm! Having concluded our learning about the trait of watchfulness, we move on to its counterpart – zeal!

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #35 – Chapter 5 – Watchfulness [Dangers of Keeping Bad Company]

We conclude Chapter 5 in today’s lesson. It’s taken a few lessons – but understanding the trait of Watchfulness has become clear!

We’ve learnt that there are three factors that detract from our being able to get on with the task at hand (life and growth in this world!) These include:

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #34 – Chapter 5 – Watchfulness [Dangerous Distractions]

The Ramchal tells us that the reason why the evil inclination can con us into following an immoral negative path in life and convince us of its “righteousness” is because it has the ability to distract us. Before long, we don’t realise the path we are on and we are in the clutches of its wiles and following it totally out of control.

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #32 – Chapter 5 – Watchfulness [The Cure For The Evil Inclination]

Those wishing to ascend the ladder of holiness must begin their journey with the study of Torah. It is the Torah that tells us what we should be watchful about. How do we know what to refrain from and what is bad for us? The Torah teaches us.

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #31 – Chapter 5 – Watchfulness [Distractions of Worldly Activities]

We begin Chapter 5 of the Mesillat Yesharim – the Path of the Just. After having discussed the factors that relate to the trait of watchfulness and how to acquire it, we move on to factors that detract from allowing us to acquire the trait of Watchfulness.

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #30 – Chapter 4 – Watchfulness [Do Not Rely Upon Mercy]

We conclude Chapter 4 in our lesson today. The Ramchal takes us to our final destination in the trait of Watchfulness.

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #29 – Chapter 4 – Watchfulness [Good & Bad Are Weighed Exactly]

The Ramchal is teaching us about the importance of being careful about what we do. We are responsible for everything we do in life. We’re here for a task – to better this world and to better ourselves. To the degree we detract from that, to that detract we will also be liable.

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #28 – Chapter 4 – Watchfulness [Errors in Judgment]

As we move to the core of the fourth chapter, the Ramchal takes us into a journey of some of the great people in the Tanach who themselves stumbled in various decisions they made.

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #27 – Chap 4 – Watchfulness [Everything is Taken Into Account]

Those who choose to follow the “lazy” path in life – believing that life is about the physical pleasures of this world and that there isn’t really much to consider for their future when they leave this world, will find themselves at a loss when they pass on.

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just #26 – Chapter 4 – Watchfulness [A World of Illusions]

In this world, people have a hard time when they see the success of others in comparison to where they are at. We are not willing to settle for anything less than at least what others have too.