Today’s crisis is unique not only in its universality, but in its versatility, which makes it much more comprehensive and difficult to handle. The crisis is happening in just about every field of human engagement—personal, social, international, in science, medicine, and the climate.
An ancient Chinese proverb says that when you want to curse someone, say, “May you live in interesting times.” Our time is indeed very interesting; but it is not a curse. It is as The Book of Zohar promised—the darkness before the dawn. Now, let’s see if there’s a solution.
A thirsty man, holding in his hand a broken glass, must first repair the glass before he can fill it up and drink from it. He who feels the detachment from spirituality must first mend his bond with the Creator before he can receive the offered goods.
There is a root in the spiritual world for all that exists – a root that initiates and motivates our behavior, our thoughts, our emotions, and the various events we experience. Everything that we can possibly imagine.
The way our desires evolve both defines and designs the entire history of humanity. As humankind’s desires developed, they urged people to study their environment so they could fulfill their wishes. Unlike minerals, plants, and animals, people constantly evolve. For every generation, and for each person, desires grow stronger and stronger.
People began to want to change nature and use it for themselves. Instead of wanting to adapt themselves to nature, they began wanting to change nature to fit their needs. They grew detached from nature, separated and alienated from it and from each other. Today, many, many centuries later, we are discovering that this was not a good idea. It simply doesn’t work.
There is a connection between all that exists on the planet. All of the people are dependent on each other, and all the plants and animals depend on them. They are all a part of one organism. There are “energy threads” of love and kindness that allow everybody to live in happiness and joy. If people were to break these threads of love by using hate, hostility, deceitfulness and greed, then they would bring suffering and sorrow upon themselves. By hurting even one person, they can cause destruction and misfortune to many people.