March/April 2003 Editor's Viewpoint
From the Editor

The Secret

Miriam Knight
I received a small book to review called The Secret by Michael Berg, that offers the reader a key to "the source of joy and fulfillment" from the Kabbalah, the ancient body of spiritual wisdom at the core of Jewish mysticism. Berg, the son of an eminent Kabbalist scholar and the best-selling author of The Way, edited a 22 volume translation from Aramaic of the Zohar, the principle Kabbalistic text. In the course of years of poring over the writings, particularly of sages like Rav Ashlag, Berg gradually distilled the essence of the most powerful teaching of the Kabbalah into one brief sentence. The rest of the slim volume is filled with stories illustrating the principle.

I was reminded of the story of Rabbi Hillel who was approached by a heathen who mockingly said that if Hillel could teach him the whole of the five books of Moses while he was standing on one leg, he would convert to Judaism. Hillel replied, "Do not unto others that which you would not have done unto you. That is the essence; the rest is commentary—go and learn." Better known in its positive form as the Golden Rule, if we were actually to live by it there would be no more wars or violence in human society.

While objective of the Golden Rule was to govern relations among people, the "Secret" of the Kabbalah that Berg reveals goes beyond the avoidance of conflict. The Kabbalah is the mystical path to ascension; it is the key to unlocking the ultimate source of joy and fulfillment. Like the Golden Rule, the "Secret" is simple: "The only way to achieve true joy and fulfillment is by becoming a being of sharing."

If we take time to reflect on the meaning behind the words, the implications are incredibly profound. As Berg points out, "The Secret does not mention specific acts of sharing or instances of kindness. The Secret speaks of a process of change, an experience of becoming, a fundamental transformation from one kind of being to another."

What kind of being would this be? It would be one filled with compassion; one who can feel when another was hurting or in need. This compassion would extend to all creation, for there would be no sense of separation. Not only would this being willingly share his or her possessions, but also forgo things that were harmful to another or to the earth. A being of sharing would resonate, not only to the pain of others, but to their happiness as well, and take joy in the pleasures of laughter and friendship. Imagine a world filled with those who create and laugh and share, rather than destroy, and fear and envy. The goodness of the universe would be drawn to them as to a magnet. There is truly no limit to what such beings could become—and think of the world they would create! Why not start today…?

The Secret by Michael Berg, Kabbalah Publishing, $12.95; www.kabbalah.com

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New contributors: I’d like to welcome two exciting new contributors to the pages of New Connexion. Stephen Simon shares his perspectives on the growing body of mystical movies. Stephen directed the movie "Field of Dreams" and is author of a newly released book, The Force is With You, the jacket art of which is from Field of Dreams and also graces this issue’s cover. Movie buffs will want to sign up for Stephen’s e-mail newsletter at: www.mysticalmovies.com. Singer/songwriter Alan Peterson, has taken on the role of music critic for us. Alan’s first CD is titled "World In Love". He is a member of a delightful band called Harmonic Convergence, so if you want a great night out in the greater Portland area, check out his website for a list of upcoming gigs: www.alanpeterson.net.

Attention advertisers: The current global unease has made it more challenging to attract clients, so having an ad that really communicates is even more vital. As a service to you, New Connexion is sponsoring an Ad Clinic on April 2nd with Hannah Martine, a top marketing consultant. The clinic is free to Connexion advertisers, and open to others at a small charge. Call or email New Connexion to reserve your place.