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| Psalm 12: Circles and Straight Lines |
Why does the psalm describe the wicked as those who "walk
around"? What exactly is this exalted matter that is unappreciated
and scorned? And what is the connection between the two
parts of the verse?
Two Realms
The Kabbalists distinguished between two realms in the universe:
the realm of Circles, and the realm of Straight Lines.
The natural world is a world of Circles. The heavenly bodies
are spherical, rotating and revolving in space. In this
view of reality, there is no right or wrong; just
constant, eternal movement along the never-ending cycles and
gears of natural processes.
The purpose of the world, however, is its moral and
spiritual progress. When we recognize this inner
direction, we are perceiving the realm of Straight Lines.
When we use our free will to choose the correct path, we
gain perfection for ourselves and for the entire universe.
The realm of Straight Lines is the inner reality of linear
progression, of right and wrong, of purpose and meaning.
The Power of Prayer
The Talmud (Berachot 6b) explains that this verse is
specifically referring to prayer. Prayer is an exalted
value that many people nevertheless belittle and scorn. Why
isn't prayer properly appreciated? Because people perceive
the world through the viewpoint of Circles. They only see
the continual, amoral aspect of the universe. In a world
ruled by the laws of nature, what good is prayer? Can prayer
change God's Will? Why should praying influence the outcome
of natural processes?
That is why the psalm describes the wicked as "walking
around." They follow the cycles of the natural world,
perceiving the universe as a harsh reality of unforgiving
laws of nature and immutable fate.
But the enlightened are able to discern the realm of
Straight Lines within reality. They sense the world's inner
purpose and moral direction. They realize that we are meant
to advance the goal of universal perfection through proper
application of our powers of free choice. With this outlook on
the world, the efficacy of prayer is clear. Prayer is highly
effective in refining our desires and directing our choices.
It is an integral part of the purposeful world of Straight
Lines.
(adapted from Ein Eyah vol. I, p. 26)
Copyright © 2006 by Chanan Morrison
"ñÈáÄéá øÀùÑÈòÄéí éÄúÀäÇìÌÈëåÌï; ëÌÀøËí æËìÌåÌú ìÄáÀðÅé àÈãÈí.
(úäéìéí é"á:è)
"The wicked walk around;
and the exalted is scorned by people." (Psalm 12:9)