Changing the Intent

Q: You write about the deletion of surplus desires, but on the other hand, you say that there are no surplus desires, that no desire should be eradicated, but that man’s egoistic nature should be mended to match that of the Creator (altruistic).

A: The term “deletion” refers to the change of the intent from Lo Lishma (not for Her name) to Lishma (for Her name). Through the change of the intent, the will to receive acquires a completely different outer shape. If, for example, a person wants to kill, that desire could be used positively, such as by working in a slaughterhouse.

Q: I can’t ascribe spiritual intents to several of my aspirations. Is it right to delete a corporeal desire that cannot be joined with a spiritual intent, the aim “for the Creator?”

A: You should never dig into your uncorrected desires. “One is where one’s thoughts are.” Think of the Creator, of His Thought, and His Greatness. Only the surrounding Light, which comes through your study, can change you; you cannot do so by yourself. Therefore, don’t even try; it is not the right approach.

Unfortunately, not all people know about Kabbalah and therefore think that bad thoughts and desires can be deleted. Kabbalah teaches that only prayer to the Creator and the response from Him will give you the strength to rid yourself of all the deficits.