“With our very first breath, we receive the seed of our whole life. But doesn’t that mean our whole existence is predetermined? If the seed of our life is all there in our first breath, why not just lie there like a fish and let “whatever” happen to us? Kabbalah would answer, “Because a seed is just a seed. It’s a possible tree. It is up to us to choose from all the different possible paths presented to us by that first breath.” Given the right care, the right food, the right Light, the seed grows into the best tree it can be. But if we don’t do the necessary work on ourselves—if we don’t consciously seek to transform our Desire to Receive into a Desire to Receive for the Sake of Sharing, if we don’t use our tikkun to keep ourselves on course—we will remain at the mercy of the planets. The positions of the planets at the moment of our birth do not determine our whole life; they merely influence it. They are the seeds, not the whole tree.”
― Rav Berg, Kabbalistic Astrology: And The Meaning of Our Lives
Come to find, it is actually the moments of discomfort or challenges in life that can serve as pivotal turning points, offering us the opportunity to alter our life’s course. These moments may arise during times of crisis, whenever we face adversity, or when we experience inner turmoil. It is during these periods of upheaval that the potential for transformation is most potent, as we are forced to confront our limitations and reassess our values and beliefs. The stretching of our spiritual muscles is a necessary part of growth.
Of our life’s development, we have two concepts – predestination and then the concept of “carpe diem” (seize the day). We find seemingly opposing views on the nature of life. Predestination suggests that our lives are governed by a predetermined fate, whereas carpe diem emphasizes the importance of embracing the present moment and taking charge of our lives.
While these ideas may appear contradictory, they can also coexist in a complementary manner. Predestination may describe the overarching framework of our existence, whereas carpe diem serves as a reminder to engage actively with life and make conscious choices within that framework. By combining these perspectives, we can embrace the notion that while certain aspects of our lives may be preordained, we still possess the ability to shape our experiences through our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
In the context of humanity approaching the Final Redemption, these contrasting perspectives offer us two distinct possibilities. On the one hand, we can collectively embrace the Clarion Call to learn the secrets of the universe, and actively foster transformative learning and unity on a global scale. By sharing knowledge and resources, we can cultivate a world of peace and prosperity, working together to build sustainable systems that support the well-being of all life on Earth.
On the other hand, we may choose to neglect the call for humanity to elevate itself to its rightful place within the universe. In doing so, we risk perpetuating the destructive patterns that have led to environmental degradation, social inequality, and widespread suffering. This path will ultimately confine us to a less harmonious and prosperous future. We will have failed to fully embrace our greater potential as honored stewards of the Earth and guardians of one another.
In conclusion, the interplay between predestination and the imperative to carpe diem suggests that while our lives may be guided by a larger cosmic plan, we are ultimately the architects of our own experiences. By our choosing to embrace the call for transformation, we play an active role in shaping a future that aligns with the highest aspirations and hopes for humanity and the planet.
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