Mystical Musical Meditations in Jerusalem
EMULATING G-D Part One
EMULATION OF THE DIVINE
There is a verse in the Parsha 'Ki Tavo' that states "Vehalachta Bdrachav, "and you shall go in His (Hashem's) Ways....' Our Sages and Commentaries teach that this Mitzvah (Commandment or means of clinging to Hashem) directs us to study G-d's ways, and then emulate them.
There are certain limitations pointed out, such as those Divine Actions that are radically different from human actions, and there is one classic commentary of the Maharal of Prague who points out that just as our Sages in the Talmud seemed to only be concerned with the positive Divine actions, so too should we only emulate the positive Divine actions.
Nevertheless, from other more primary sources it seems that there are no real limitations on the quantity and quality of Divine emulations that we are to carry out, as long as we seek expert\Rabbinic guidance in those areas of doubt. It seems clear that one of the main reasons for emulating G-d's ways, is that since we are created in the image of G-d, we should therefore try to actualize or live up to our Divine root/source, and thereby, when we do emulate G-d's ways, we sanctify and elevate all aspects of our lives. We elevate our life outlooks, our character traits, our words and our actions, and also thereby make great strides towards clinging to Hashem and towards making the world a more Holy and G-dly place to live.
EMULATIONS OF THE DIVINE - A PARTIAL COLLECTION
As with any mitzvah, the more that you connect to it in all ways -intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, creatively, etc, the more that the mitzvah's Divine infinite impact is opened up for the benefit of yourself and the world.
Perhaps the impact of this particular mitzvah of Divine Emulation will have even greater power than others, simply because, to the best of my personal knowledge, it doesn't yet seem to be a common practice to seek out as many ways as possible to emulate Hashem.
Therefore, in the spirit of taking the initial steps into a new spiritual frontier, we will bring you some Emulation meditations and exercises to internalize. I will bring a number of different sub-categories I've come up with so far, and what I feel are the most important Emulations from each sub-category, and open them up into a meditation or exercise.
EMULATIONS
G-D'S GOODNESS some examples of emulatable traits illustrating G-d's goodness are: a. His being long suffering b. His being merciful c. He forgives sin d. He's good to all e. His modesty f. His being faithful g. He loves all nations h. He is the G-d of blessings
THE G-D IS GOOD TO ALL EMULATION MEDITATIONS AND EXERCISES
1. Know that when G-d offers something for a person's benefit, He doesn't go back on it. Emulate this trait by committing to seek out all that you can do to benefit others. Do as best as you are able to abide by your word. Start with one person at a time and work your way up to doing the same for others as well.
2. Know that all that G-d does is for the best. Emulate this trait by contemplating a specific action that you do, to see if it will ultimately result in bringing goodness to any and every person affected. The more you practice this trait, the better you will be at it.
3. Know that even those Divine actions that appear to us as not being expressions of His goodness, but rather expressions of His revenge or justice, meaning those who are deserving are rewarded and those who are not are punished or rectified, those are also expressions of Divine goodness to the one being rewarded as well as the one being corrected.
4. Emulate this trait by first committing to love everybody with all your heart, just by virtue of the fact that they are all created in the Divine Image.. Then, from that same standpoint of unconditional and universal love, seek out whatever you can find in each person that can make that person a better person. If, as is most often the case, your direct rebuke to that person would be damaging, either for your relationship or for the effectiveness of influencing that person, then don't confront that person, but rather pray for their welfare, healing and betterment. Continue in this manner with this person and with others, always coming from a space of love and having their own good and improvement in mind.
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