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Where the Self Lives

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Over the years, you build an awareness of self: who you are, what you like and dislike, how you feel about things. This is the mind of da’at—a place of consciousness, of knowing and feeling “I exist.” It is the most visceral of minds, closely linked to the emotions.

Consciousness is not evil. The problem is the way a human enters into his consciousness and identifies with it. What is actually only an awareness of self becomes your actual self. This is the act of self-imprisonment, as you become trapped in a tight cell of self-definition.

The path of inner Torah leads you to reach beyond this conscious state to an essential self that is one with the Infinite. This is the act of liberation from a personal Egypt, which Torah makes possible on a daily basis.

Based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson
From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory; words and condensation by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. To order Rabbi Freeman’s book, Bringing Heaven Down to Earth, click here.
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Discussion (4)
April 6, 2012
Da'at
Finding your Da'at is what we are all about. Our moral compass and code of conduct through it. Torah study is very important in this regard, and as equally important is gaining experience and wisdom as you live life and love.

It's always nice to be reminded about the Torah study part. Most probably don't need a reminder. I do.

Thank you. Chug Sameach.
Anonymous
April 6, 2012
Wisdom
To know the differences of good and evil.
Eugina Herrera
New York, New York
April 1, 2012
On the "essential self"
One's "self", as it exists in this physical world, consists of a body, a mind, and a soul. One who gets tattoos, plastic surgery, extensive piercings and the like are "changing" their actual self. Unfortunately, these people come to identify themselves as the "self" with the tattoo, or the "self" who got plastic surgery. This is, indeed, and act of self-imprisonment. After all, Hashem created us with a body. The body is an essential part of the self. We are created by Hashem with certain physical, intellectual and spiritual attributes. So, I say, people should learn to love and accept themselves the way Hashem ordained them to be. I certainly do!
Justin Roth
Staten Island, NY
July 27, 2008
Where The Self Lives
Ah Rabbi Tzvi once again the wisdom of the sages is so honest so true.

For so many years i lived in my created personal Egypt. Locked into a mind that I felt I would never be able to free myself. The more I tried the more the web became entangled.

This lasted for at least from the ages of 15-57!

Once I learned how to free myself through the study of Torah and other books but most importantly listening to G-d, by quieting my scrabbled mind I was able to free myself from bondage.

Thank you dearly for my daily postings, they help create a wonderful day for me.
Paula Bonnie Golladay
Falls Church, VA
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