One question I am often asked is how one can strengthen their relationship with God, particularly during periods of doubt or when one is feeling disconnected from God. As a Mormon Kabbalist, I generally endorse Kabbalistic principles. Kabbalah is the mystical arm of Judaism. Like Mormonism, it seeks to understand the truth of God and the universe. It incorporates a variety of spiritual practices, including prayers, meditation, and scripture. The idea is that anyone can achieve greater spiritual awareness and connection with the divine. Like Mormonism, Kabbalah places a strong emphasis on personal revelation and direct communication with God.
The Truth About Kabbalah
One common misconception is that Kabbalah is only for the Jewish people, or that it is a secret tradition. In reality, Kabbalah is open to anyone who is interested in studying and practicing. The key teachings of Kabbalah are centered on spiritual growth and accessing a deeper understanding of the universe and our place within it. While there are mystical practices associated with Kabbalah, like Mormon temple rituals, they are often part of a broader framework of ethical and moral teachings.
There are a variety of Kabbalistic practices that can help one deepen their spiritual connection and understanding of the divine. These include engage the Lord through prayer and meditation, studying the scriptures, visualization exercises, acts of kindness and charity, and attend religious services, rituals, or retreats. Talking with fellow Saints and/or trusted spiritual advisors can also be helpful, as it is a form of fellowship. What is truly important is finding what works best for you and meets your individual needs.
Everyone’s spiritual journey is unique, what works for one person may not always work for another. It may take some time and experimentation to find out what works best for you. It’s important to listen to your intuition and let your heart guide you in your spiritual journey. Keeping a journal to look back on can also be very helpful in tracking progress and reflecting on what helps you feel more connected to God.
Mormonism and Kabbalah
Mormon Kabbalah teaches that acts of kindness and charity are essential components of spiritual growth. Giving to those in need and showing generosity and kindness cultivates a deeper connection with the divine. Helping others will help individuals develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion. In other words, the more we serve others the better we understand God as by serving others we only serve the Lord. This is because we will attain a deeper understanding of the interdependence and interconnectedness of all things.
Kabbalistic teachings are all about unity, love, and harmony. And as those that spend their lives helping others will tell you, practicing acts of kindness and charity not only helps individuals build positive relationships, but also creates a more fulfilling sense of purpose in their lives. By developing qualities like empathy and compassion we will find greater spiritual growth. Mormon Kabbalah teaches that through acts of kindness and compassion towards others, individuals can overcome negative qualities such as pride, selfishness, and egoism. As we overcome these negative traits we will develop a more expansive and altruistic perspective on life.
Recognizing that Divine Spark
As we develop empathy and compassion we cannot help but recognize the divine spark within ourselves and others. This cultivates a sense of unity with all of creation. As we grow in Christ’s Grace through the teachings of Kabbalah, we will let go of egoism, that huma perspective of self-serving motivation. We will instead begin to focus on the well-being of others. Practicing acts of kindness and charity can also help to develop empathy and compassion. These actions foster a deeper understanding of the needs and struggles of others.
Recognizing the divine spark within ourselves and others means acknowledging that we all have intrinsic value and worth, simply by virtue of being alive. This recognition can lead to greater empathy and compassion. This is because it helps us to see others as fellow human beings who are also deserving of love, respect, and kindness. When we view others in this way, we can be more be patient, tolerant, and understanding.
The more we practice Kabbalah the easier this will be, even in difficult or challenging situations. We become more likely to extend a helping hand when someone is struggling when we truly see others. This helps us offer real support and encouragement to those who need it. This is the goal of all Saints and all that would call themselves Saints, and thus it is the goal of Mormon Kabbalah.
