General Discussion Suffering

[Treeroot]

In Jewish philosophy and Kabbalah, the theory of the "Four Worlds" (Arba Olamot) is an understanding of the levels of divine creation. These four worlds are:

• Atzilut: The world closest to G-d, representing "emanation" or "outflowing," close to the Infinite Light (Ein Sof).
  
• Beri'ah: The world of Creation, the manifestation of the divine will.
  
• Yetzirah: The world of Formation, representing the realm of angels and the realm of thought.
  
• Asiyah: The world of Action, the realm where matter and action reside.
  

In each world, a person's spiritual life is different, and the laws governing them are also different. Life is a process of gradually awakening from the material plane (Asiyah) and approaching divinity. I believe that each life transition or awakening involves suffering, so suffering is not necessarily entirely a punishment or curse, as people think; it may be a necessary blessing in life.
For example, the transition from Yetzirah to Beri'ah:

• Content of Awakening: From the awakening of emotions and thoughts to the awakening of spiritual creation.
  
• Conditions:
  • Purification of Thought: Controlling emotions, cultivating calmness, focus, and trust in G-d (referencing Isaiah 26:3).
    
  • Sublimation of Emotions: Through prayer and meditation, guiding personal emotions towards love and reverence for G-d (referencing Proverbs 9:10).
    
  • Self-Insight: Recognizing the potential for spiritual creation, that is, realizing that oneself is a manifestation of G-d's creative power.
    
  
  
• Comparison Before and After Awakening:
  • Before: Easily influenced by emotions and interpersonal relationships, lacking control over one's thoughts and feelings.
    
  • After: Having a deep insight into spirituality; emotions are no longer limited to the personal but expand to selfless love for G-d and others.
    
  
  

From the Hebrew Bible, every prophet and leader experienced awakening and advancement in their spiritual life. Each of them experienced much great suffering, such as Job, Moses, and David. It can be said that their history of growth is a history of hardship, ultimately becoming people pleasing to G-d and used by Him.