Welcome back!
Today’s blog focuses on the fascinating hierarchy of spiritual development centered on the transformation of the desires of giving and receiving. I was first introduced to this idea in Spiritual Principles by Avraham Lowenthal, which is based on the writings of Rav Avraham Mordechai Gottlieb.
The change progression makes complete sense, as you will see, and you can find the roots for each stage in Chazal. There is nothing new here; it’s just structured and presented in a relatable story format of Meir running for mayor. Each stage consists of the Action and then the Motivation.
Level 1 : Receiving to Receive
Meir wants to be elected mayor because of all the wealth, glory, and honor he will receive. At this level, he is not at all concerned for the residents. His motivation is to receive the perks of being the mayor. Period.
This is the bottom level, and where all humanity starts.
Level 2 : Giving to Receive
Here, Meir’s heart has opened up and now has an enthusiasm for giving; however, the motivation remains the same: to receive. He gives charity, his time, and has concerns for others, but it’s motivated by money, honor, and olam haba.
Meir’s motto is “What’s in it for me?”
We, like Meir, are motivated by compensation; this level of life is common to most people. Fulfilling mitzvot with this mindset is known as lo lishma. We do the spiritual work, but our motivation is for compensation in this world or the next.
It is important to be giving, even if for a reward, because it leads to the next level.
Level 3 : Giving to Give
At this level, Meir has transcended all selfish interests in receiving and wants only to give. From morning till night, Meir’s motivation is to give to others. Meir gives his time, energy, attention, resources — you name it.
This is a very high-level, and mitzvah fulfilment at this level is known as lishma.
Obviously, not many people live like this. This level of giving is required for the next level of receiving to give.
Level 4 : Receiving to Give
The highest level of “receiving to give” is the reason Meir is running for mayor.
As a regular citizen, Meir can only give so much; however, as the mayor of his city, he can give much, much more! He wants to “receive” the job of mayor only because he desires to “give” to the residents. He is pursuing the mayorship so he can give more.
Technically, this is not done, but I wanted to publish it today. Check back next week for the rest.
Yitzhak Sasson 