B"H
Supernatural Powers
The subject of supernatural powers is a very serious one. Anyone who
devotes a reasonable amount of time and effort to spiritual pursuits
can expect to be tempted with the acquisition of 'supernatural'
powers at some point. The wise politely refuse this dubious "gift",
feeling embarrassed at the prospect of being privy to the recesses of
other people's minds and/or being able to conjure up that which they
will. It is one of the temptations put in the way of all those who
seek God. Those who are self-aggrandizing accept the 'supernatural'
powers. Their spiritual progress is arrested at that point. They
have received their reward. Those who love God will not be tempted
with baubles and trinkets. They love God and serve God without any
wish for recompense at all. These are the ones before whom all of the
treasure troves are opened, although they have nothing at all.
My Teacher Rabbi Avraham Abulafia, of blessed memory, Peace be upon
him writes: "I did not, to be sure, experience the corporeal (magic)
effects (of such practices) and even granting the possibility of such
a form of experience I for my part want none of it, for it is an
inferior form, especially when measured by the perfection which the
Soul can attain spiritually. Indeed, it seems to me that he who
attempts to secure these (magic) efects desecrates God's Name."
Rabbi Abulafia was so elevated a Soul that the guardians of Heaven
did not even tempt him with the acquisition of magical abilities,
they knew it was a complete waste of their efforts to even try. Rabbi
Abulafia's mind and heart were set on their Goal, and nothing would
dissuade him. Let no one imagine that he was not a genius, he was one
of the greatest minds the Jewish People produced, but he nullified
his mind before the Divine Mind and so was assumed wholly into It.
More than the beautiful are attached to the ego of beauty, the
intelligent are attached to the ego of intelligence. It takes great
fortitude to overcome this ego and nullify our minds before the Mind
of God.
May we merit such elevation too!
Doreen
