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You have probably thought about what your purpose in life might be. You have identified less-than-admirable traits that you want to work on (for me, one is being judgmental). But have you ever thought that maybe you have your very own curriculum of qualities within that you are challenged to address?
I have just recently begun studying Mussar, a centuries-old Jewish spiritual tradition aimed at helping us overcome obstacles so we can strive to become the fullest version of the unique soul we already are. Mussar addresses 48 “soul characteristics” through which we can view our own behavior (cultivating humility, joy, awe, goodheartedness, closeness with friends, judging others favorably, etc.) and draws on teachings from the Torah and oral wisdom. It teaches that each of us has our own personal spiritual curriculum that we are to work on in our lifetime. The fruit of working through each quality or method is a refined soul (holiness) and a strong and open heart (wholeness).
Drawing from an online course I’m currently taking and from what I’m learning in my reading, I want to share with you the compelling notion that life is a curriculum:
“The core teaching of Mussar is that our deepest essence is inherently pure and holy, but this inner radiance is obscured by extremes of emotion, desire, and bad habits which veil that inner light. Our task is to transform the ‘veils’ and so uncover the brilliant light of the soul.”
“The Mussar masters taught that… you have already been given your assignment and you have already encountered it… Your curriculum shows up most clearly in issues that repeatedly challenge you… a string of soured or broken relationships, unfulfilled dreams, etc. Embedded within this personal history there is a curriculum, and the sooner you become familiar with your curriculum and get to work on it, the faster you’ll get free of these habitual patters. Then you will suffer less and cause less suffering for others. Then you will make the contribution to the world that is your unique and highest potential.”
We do have a choice in the matter. Do we let this curriculum happen any way it will in our life or will we aim to discover pathways for living and growing that prior generations have helped illuminate? Certainly, the circumstances of our daily lives differ from those of a millenium ago or before (Abraham and Sarah didn’t text each other or watch YouTube), but the essential nature of being human does not.
And so begins the journey inward. The goal of Mussar is to encourage us to examine specific traits and observe our own behavior. It involves learning about each trait and assessing how each plays out in our own lives. Each of us will have certain traits in too high or too low a measure, thus setting our own personal spiritual curriculum. It is a Mussar principle that it is practice (more than thought) that brings about personal change.
“Done in a systematic and thorough way, this practice provides clear knowledge of the forces and contours of your own inner landscape. That interior world of personality, thought, values, wisdom and emotions, along with its eternal essence, is what we know as ‘soul,’ and a rigorous process of soul-accounting delivers up penetrating insight and, ultimately, change.”
The main gift that the Mussar tradition provides us is a very accurate map of our inner life, along with practices to help us develop in the direction of our ideals.
Cool, right?!?! Though the path of study involves Torah study and learning from the writings of Jewish sages, the goal is universal – to become a good human being, cultivating personal growth in the midst of day-to-day life. What I think is especially awesome is that it doesn’t really matter how far you get; what matters is that you start moving in the right direction.
Next week I’ll share with you one startling realization I’ve come to already that has caused me to seriously examine my own behavior and thought patterns.
Share anything you like in the comments below… I’d love to hear your thoughts about this!
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What intrigues me, Naomi, about this method is that it is systematic. I often feel like I am going willy-nilly through life’s lessons. I totally get what this Mussar method is trying to do. I agree completely that our lives are lessons in those patterns that we have come here to work through and that we would best serve our lives and those we love by focusing our energy on the lessons that we have each come here to learn. Life can be distracting but it is important to work on our lessons.
I hear you about going randomly about life’s lessons. This does help focus matters! Thanks for commenting, Amy!
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(Ha ha, I just noticed that many of us are using the word “fascinating.” Must be true!)
😉
This looks absolutely fascinating and right up my alley. Thanks, as always, for sharing your experiences. I look forward to learning more!
Heather Koshiol recently posted…Explore: Approaching Reminders with Mindfulness
Naomi, What a rich process you have immersed yourself in, good for you! I look forward to hearing more. Love your photos, too.
Janet recently posted…Everyday Beauty
This sounds fascinating and is totally new to me. I’m looking forward to hearing about your discovery.
Michele Bergh recently posted…Expressing the Inexpressible
I find this really fascinating. I’d never before heard of Mussar, but it feels familiar from other practices I’ve either encountered or experienced. I’m looking forward to hearing more from you about this as you deepen your journey. Thank you for sharing something both old and new today.