Mysticism and Spirituality

Descent for the Sake of Ascent - the Transformative Power of Mistakes

Difficult times can be the most metamorphic. Not in the moment, but with time, we can come to know that through these we emerged better, and stronger. Learn how the Kabbalah offers wisdom and guidance to help us navigate the hardships of life.

The Hidden Orchard

15 Feb 2024 — 4 min read

Who doesn't love a great comeback story? They give us hope and add meaning to our failures and hardships. In fact, without setbacks - successes lose some of their significance.

In an interview, Michael Jordan once said:

"I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games... I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

One of the unique features of the Biblical narrative is the inclusion of the many missteps and errors of the great figures.

Through this, we recognize that the winding story of Joseph's trials and injustices were all part of the Divine plan. We see this theme echoed through King David's mistakes, providing him the opportunity to model humility and repentance.

Though these lessons are multi-faceted, one major takeaway is that one's greatness lies not in their wins but in their ability to get back up after a fall.

Useful Mistakes

Through these examples, it is revealed that our mistakes might also be part of a larger program in some profound way - that the Creator's will is somehow woven through them.

After some analysis, we may come to recognize the transformative potential of these lessons could not have been attained otherwise.

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This idea corresponds to the idea of the Klippah and Tzimtzum¹.

Of course, this does not warrant intentional sins, and, if we could go back, we would rather not have fallen in the first place. Nevertheless, wisdom tells us that these experiences are never wasted in G_D's economy.

Descent for Ascent

Difficult times can be the most metamorphic. Not in the moment, but with time, we can come to know that through these we emerged better, and stronger.

For example, the alcoholic who struggles to quit may find the motivation after hitting rock bottom. Only through the experience of that deep and dark descent will they find the motivation and escape velocity to truly change for good.

If the net sum is a life-changing tikkun (repair), we might ask, does the means, to some degree, justify the end?

Maybe so! In Kabbalah, this is known as Descent for the Sake of Ascent. We've discussed the dynamics of atonement¹, and how hardships often serve many positive purposes in our spiritual development.

(This is a very deep idea that we'll introduce here, for now.)

One positive outcome is through the atoning power of trials. We see this in the stories of the nation of Israel.

Exile and Messiah

It is known that throughout history, the Jewish people suffered various exiles for their errors.

Although flag-bearers of Replacement Theology² may leverage these stories as proof-texts for G_D's divorce of Israel³; instead, these lessons beautifully display the mercy and patience of G_D.

Isaiah tells us that even exile is a form of atonement⁴. Once the desired effect has been achieved, the in-gathering begins. There is no longer a need for discipline because the student has learned the lesson.

On the global scale, the present exile is the darkest, and most occluded. In the end, we will know that everything endured will be for a purpose. On this, the Lubavitcher Rebbe once wrote:

This is a descent for the purpose of ascent. Indeed, the ascent to be achieved through the Messianic redemption will be great enough to make the time we spend in exile worthwhile.

There is no other means for us to reach this high rung. Were we able to make this ascent without going through the pains of exile, G_D surely would not have exposed us to them.

This works on a personal scale too, proving that:
1) G_D is always working with us to help us reach our potential;
2) that we are not defined by our failures;
3) This process is how change is made possible and lasting.

If we can hold onto these truths, we can weather any hardship in life.

Meditation

Take a moment today and look back on your life; Recognize and think about a time you had a descension. Ponder how your life was positively impacted through this experience (over time).

When you able to, forgive yourself for your mistakes. Next, thank the Creator, and move into a place of gratitude and peace with the past.

When one reaches this level of understanding and genuine life change⁵, the Sages tell us that their sins will become merits!⁶