And Abraham Approached, pt. 8
Genesis 1: The Navi’s Guide to Speaking the Divine Word
(For the previous installment of "And Abraham Approached," click here.)
Our study of prayer’s logic has taught us that it is the navi – the speaker of Hashem’s word – whose prayers are most powerful. This leads us to wonder: How can we learn to speak as Hashem would? In other words, how might we train ourselves to consider the world from His perspective, such that our words are representative of His ideas?
I would like to share with you a Torah exercise designed to cultivate a divine perspective on all of being.
In my understanding, the Torah guides us toward a divine viewpoint on existence through an exercise of mentally reconstructing the world “ex nihilo” – from nothing. In order to learn to view the world as Hashem does, we need to first deconstruct it, envisioning that it doesn’t exist. Only then will we be able to reconstruct it in line with the divine notion that underpins it.
To understand the logic of this exercise, consider why we find it so challenging to view the world from the divine perspective.
Being limited entities, we perceive things locally, in a specific time and place. And we feel only that which directly interacts with our bodies. Therefore, even if we contemplate, in our minds, the totality of the universe that lies far beyond our senses, we still consider to be most real that which is closer to us, since it is most tangible to our bodies.
Consequently, our “word” — our core beliefs and perceptions of reality — is disproportionately shaped by our immediate surroundings. This proximity bias narrows our worldview, constraining our understanding of the broader essence of existence.
A method of counteracting this bias is to mentally bring the universe to a state of non-existence. In this contemplative frame, no single aspect of the universe exerts more influence over us than another, allowing us to explore the universe anew, devoid of bias. Here, we can ponder fundamental questions: Why does anything exist at all? What core notion sparks the existence of the universe as we know it? What is the singular, essential quality that underlies all of existence? The answer to these inquiries – that singular quality – is the word of Hashem.
Putting aside creation ex nihilo as an article of faith, the creation narrative can be understood as a training manual for how to be a navi. Learn to speak the word that brought the world into being, and you have learnt to speak Hashem’s word, that core notion around which all existence is woven. The Torah can be seen as a guide for the aspiring navi, training man to speak the good word. Genesis 1 teaches that in order to have the word of Hashem in your mind, you should think this: “In the beginning, God created heaven and earth.”
This same idea is also implicit in Psalms 33:
For the word of Hashem is upright; and all His work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice; Hashem’s kindness fills the earth.
By the word of Hashem, the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth, all their host…
For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood.
To hold in your mind the idea of Hashem’s righteousness, justice and kindness, conceive of His upright and faithful word bringing the universe into existence. Contemplate the universe not as a collection of separate entities, but as a unified whole that materialized from a singular, divine command, or “word,” that includes within it the good principles of righteousness, justice and kindness. Understanding this concept in its entirety and comprehending the interconnectedness of all creation is key to aligning one’s thoughts with those of the divine. The individual who achieves this profound understanding, who can articulate this “word” and its implications, embodies the essence of a navi.
Let’s delve into a structured exercise that will help you fathom the word of Hashem and incorporate it into your own speech.
Step 1: Preparation and Setting Intentions
Begin by finding a quiet, comfortable space where you can sit undisturbed for a period of time. Set your intention for the practice: to clear your mind of preconceived notions and biases, and to open yourself up to the divine perspective of creation.
Step 2: Mindful Breathing
Engage in a few minutes of mindful breathing to focus yourself. As you breathe deeply, let go of your immediate concerns and distractions. With each exhale, imagine releasing your attachment to the tangible, material world.
Step 3: Envisioning Non-Existence
Close your eyes and imagine the universe slowly dissolving into nothingness. Visualize the stars, the planets, the Earth and all life as gradually fading away until there is nothing left but a void. Sit with this concept of absolute nothingness for a moment, contemplating the absence of all creation.
Step 4: Reflecting on Divine Will
In this state of mental non-existence, ponder the question: Why is there in fact something rather than nothing? Reflect on the divine will that chose to initiate creation. Consider the unfathomable love and intention behind Hashem’s decision to bring the universe into being from absolute nothingness.
Step 5: Mentally Reconstructing the World
Starting from this void, slowly begin to reconstruct the world in your mind. You could allow yourself to be guided by the narrative of Genesis. Imagine Hashem commanding light into existence, separating the waters, creating the sky, the land, the plants, animals, and finally, human beings. With each act of creation, try to grasp the divine notion that underpins it – why each element of the universe exists and what purpose it serves in the grand design.
Step 6: Contemplating the Divine Word
As you mentally reconstruct the world, focus on the concept that everything came into being through Hashem’s word. Reflect on what it means to speak Hashem’s words and how this creative power shapes reality. Contemplate how you can align your own words and actions with this divine creative force.
This prophetic exercise is designed for apprehending the Word of Hashem that underpins all of reality. By considering the act of creation, you’re invited to speak with the creativity of a navi, who weighs every word against the entirety of creation. Embrace this mindset, steeped in the divine Word, and you join the ranks of those rare individuals who grasp the concept of creation in its full, intricate splendor. Such understanding grants you the power to shape the world around you and leave a mark on creation through your prayerful words.