Attaining Rectified Speech - Meditation on Chodesh Nissan
Subject of Meditation-
As explained in Kaballah, each month has its own sense which we have the power to work with throughout the month which it illuminates. The idea of each month containing for us a special light is actually two fold in its application- there is the inspiration that the sense gives us and there is the work that we have to do with this sense.
The Month of Nissan, aside from being called the month of redemption, is associated with the sense of speech. Speech is ones ability to completely reveal his inner and deepest understandings and feelings. This revelation can be through speaking, playing, writing, drawings or any other form of expression of soul. When ones true inner self comes to a place of revelation, this can be compared to coming to inner redemption.
The letter which is connected to this month is the letter Hey. ה
When we analyze its written structure, we see that it is built of three lines, one horizontal, attached to one vertical leg with another detached vertical leg next to it. This structure symbolizes, as explained in Kaballah, the three garments of the soul. The upper line is thought, the line extending downward on the right symbolizes the clothing of speak and the left, (separated) leg is the garment of deeds.
An example of self expression that comes through these three levels can be seen with how we express Ahavat Yisrael. One can feel love in his heart, which is expressed in thoughts of love towards the other. He can express love through performing deeds of kindness to his beloved. But the best and most accurate form of expression which leaves no doubt to the root of his actions and thoughts, is expressing his love in words which derive from the heart. These words will surely enter into the heart of his friend.
Thus we say, that of all three forms of self expression, letters and words are the highest form of revelation. G-d chose to sustain creation through His divine words of speech. Creation is the expression of G-ds external will. We see too, that the internal will of G-d, the purpose of creating the world is also expressed to us in the form of letters, in the Holy Torah. When we desire to express our will- we too find the power to do this through the garment of speech- through letters and words. When the month of Nissan comes, it strengthens our ability to express ourselves- firstly through the power of speech and after through all three garments of expression.
This power of expression is also connected to the King of Israel, who is a descendant of Yehudah, Who is the king who rules on Chodesh Nissan. One of the reasons why Yehudah received the crown of kingship was because he was able to admit (to Tamar) that he had made a sin. We find that the power to admit and also to thank is connected to the ability to reveal ones inner world. The work of Nissan is to use the three garments, especial that of speech, to truly communicate with the people in our environment.
Holy (rectified) speech is revealed in 5 main levels, which are connected to the five emotive aspects- which are our means of expressing ourselves outwardly. (Brit Ha'nissuin- Rav Yitzchak Ginsburg)
JUDGEMENT KINDNESS
(Criticism) (Speech of love)
BEAUTY
(To give praise and encouragement)
THANKFULNESS VICTORY
(Admitting the truth) (To command)
All of these forms of speech must be used in their holy form as ways of expressing and sharing love and kindness. This is hinted to in looking at the numerical equivalence of the Hebrew word for mouth- Peh, which equals 85. This number is the union of love and kindness- Ahava(13)+Chesed(72). Thus we see that the reason we have a mouth is to use it to express love and kindness.
The first level is actually expressing love and warmth towards another through our words. It is to focus our potent power of speech to share words of love and care.
The second level, judgment, is criticizing the other. However, this criticism is very specific in its origins, and thus actually is a form of transmitting love. If used correctly, this form of love actually derives from a higher source and can permeate those people even farther from us. The intention which must motivate this criticism is not because I want something from the other or because his actions make me uncomfortable, but they must have emanated from a point where I care only for him and his good and not for myself.
The third level is to see the goodness in the other and to praise it. Even if that which we are praising is only a small point of light, our words of praise have the ability to expand this point.
The forth level is the ability to use speech in order to direct others. Just as a true leader guides the people in a way that they feel or at least understand that his orders are really their own inner will.
The fifth level, which is the balancing aspect of the previous level, is recognizing and expressing thanks for what was done for me by others. The inner intention in our thanking, is coming to the realization and admitting that what was given to us, was a gift not connected to our own merits and in truth, we don’t deserve anything.
The work of Chodesh Nissan is to use these five levels of speech to fix the connection between a person and his friends, family, and all others in his circle of influence.
Obviously, our relationship with others is a reflection of our relationship with G-d and a toll to make a true connection with our creator. True redemption of Nissan is the soul being expressed in the most inner and deep way.
Practical work:
1) Relaxation
2) Entrance Niggun- Anim Zemirot
3) Meditation-
We should meditate on a person that is close to us and with whom we have a daily connection (kids, spouse, work partner etc.) and we should, while closing our eyes, first meditate on how we will express our love to this person on all five different levels. What we will say, when we will say it, how to say it so it will be something convincing and reliable and if we should add something to our speak like laughter or a smile etc.
The meditation here is a true preparation of the mind to be able to express in words and deeds our love to the other.
We should divide the five different levels to five different meditation sessions. Since the five levels of speech correspond to the five days of the week, it is best to meditate on kindness on Sunday, Judgment on Monday etc . . . after we work out the things we want to express to the other, we should be filled with trust and happiness that Hashem will allow the other to receive our love as a ready vessel. After we are filled with comfort and trust that we will be successful to express and give over our love, we sing a joyful Niggun.
The point of this is to actually practice in the days of Nissan, that which we imaged and prepared ourselves for in the meditation and to try at least once in the day some speech truly filled with love, each day, working through a different channel.
4) Ending Niggun- Veahavta Lreacha Kmocha
It is said that Moshiach's ability to guide the people is in His ability to speak to everyone and touch everyone's heart.
Our personal as well as the whole worlds ability for redemption is dependant on our ability and readiness to give and receive love and leave behind our coldness and suspicions and truly believe in the goodness of our fellow Jew and eventually in our own innate goodness. Until we reach a point when naturally, all of our words will express only love and kindness. Originating from our hearts and then successfully entering into the heart of the other.
