E Mussar - Sabedoria para o Crescimento Pessoal: SF

sexta-feira, 23 de abril de 2021

SF - Rabbi Akiva's Principle

"'Love your friend like you love yourself." The essence of spirituality rests on the precious attribute of loving our fellow man in feeling, thought, and deed. In this light, Rabbi Akiva said that the great principle of the Torah is to "'Love your friend like you love yourself." This teaching of Rabbi Akiva, reveals the secret of attaining the golden virtue of love. HaShem plants a wellspring of love in our hearts. We sense this inherent love in our care for ourselves, as well as our affection for our family and friends. The Torah advises us to awaken our hearts to love other people "naturally" the same way that we naturally "love ourselves."

Our hearts are a powerful resource of love. The instinctual feeling of affection that is alive in our hearts holds the potential to inspire us to love each and every fellow man.

Envision the love that Avraham Avinu has for all mankind. Imagine being in his presence and experiencing his warmth, care, and love. As you speak to your friend, consciously awaken the love in your heart for him. Open and expand your heart and feel love, warmth, and compassion for all of your family, friends, and every person.

(Based on the writings of the Saba Kaddisha of Kelm)