Imagination is funny

“When an individual is worthy of the mystery of Attachment (Devekut), he can also be worthy of the mystery of Stoicism (Hishtavut). After he is worthy of Stoicism, he can also be worthy of Meditation (Hitbodedut). And after he is worthy of Meditation, he can be worthy of Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit, enlightenment). From there, he can reach the level of Prophecy, where he can actually predict the future.

In explaining the mystery of Stoicism, Rabbi Abner related the following account:⁷⁷

A sage once came to one of the Meditators (Mitbodedim) and asked that he be accepted into their society.

The other replied, “My son, blessed are you to G-d. You intentions are good. But tell me, have you attained stoicism or not?”

The sage said, “Master, explain your words.”

The Meditator said, “If one man is praising you and another is insulting you, are the two equal in your eyes or not?”

He replied, “No my master. I have pleasure from those who praise me, and pain from those who degrade me. But I do not take revenge or bear a grudge.”

The other said, “Go in peace my son. You have not attained stoicism. You have not reached a level where your soul does not feel the praise of one who honors you, nor the degradation of one who insults you. You are not prepared for your thoughts to bound on high, that you should come and meditate (hitboded). Go and increase the humbleness of your heart, and learn to treat everything equally until you have become stoic. Only then will you be able to meditate.”

“Show me your mind and I’ll show your future.  Your future will change when your old, conditioned thinking mind begins to change.”

-Anon I mus (Spiritually Anonymous)