“Soul Progress” p: 161

AyinBase with R' Paltiel Wednesday 24 Iyar 5772  

Page 161 – at about just above middle of the page (line starts, 'de kabalot ol malchus shamayim...') For text, see link top right of the blog. Or for text right click here.

The soul leave its own ecstasy and returns to be involved with the body. If it really sought only its own interest it would not revert back to the body. It is following the essence of its own root, as opposed to any qualities.

Thus this is the meaning of the verse, 'only in the tzelem/form/essence does man walk'. This indicates the soul progress here below in its work, to increase its light and its joining with the body.  

Body and nature is all about cause and effect, yet these elements too become so dedicated to the soul that they become proper vessels for it. So the soul can be in the body in a settled manner. This is a level where the body is not forced by the soul, but even 'senses' the soul and complies with its vision.

The soul accepts its role and goes down into the body and acts in that context. It does it this way because it wants the body to be also part of the service of Him. It does this not for its own fulfillment. It is acting based on essence, not on the basis of its own will and pleasure. This is the element of be-tzalmenu (in Our image) – ie this is where the soul and Him are one.