| "All bitterness of the human spirit is rooted in sweetness" (Tomer Devorah, Chapter Four). This esoteric teaching requires a deep explanation. "Bitterness of spirit" is associated with negative thoughts and emotions. How can bitterness and negativity "be rooted in sweetness?" The answer is that the soul -- the very essence of every human being -- is eternally pure and holy. In contrast, the base influences of the body are external, temporal, and non-essential. Nevertheless, all the powers of the body originate in the soul. For example, man's insatiable craving for pleasure is awakened by the soul's desire to get close to HaShem, the true and ultimate pleasure. The awareness that the body misinterprets the soul's yearning to come close to HaShem, grants man great enlightenment. Instead of pursuing the futility of earthly desires, we can elevate ourselves by activating the sweet powers of our soul. Then we gain the wisdom to bypass the material yearnings and live according to our real essence, the lofty and holy soul of man. The awareness of our inner spiritual preciousness influences man to detach from the darkness of the material forces and connect with the sublime spiritual beauty of his holy soul.
Envision your soul as a precious pearl covered in mud. It appears worthless and lowly. Wash the pearl in clean water and see the dirt melt away. The shining pearl emerges, radiating with natural beauty and splendor.
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