Tuesday, October 4, 2011

A way of creating a better life and a better world

The Kabbalah Centre is a non-profit organization leading the way in making Kabbalah accessible to anyone who wants to learn. Founded in 1922, The Centre now spans the globe with brick-and-mortar locations in more than 40 cities as well as an extensive online presence. It is unique in its endeavor to teach Kabbalah as a practical methodology for living a fulfilled life.

The key principles are easily applied such as, Sharing, which according to the Zohar—the source of kabbalistic wisdom, is the purpose of life. When we share, we connect to the force of energy that Kabbalah calls the Light—the Infinite source of Goodness, the Divine Force, the Creator. By sharing we overcome our ego—and we grow into our higher selves. Sharing is the only way to truly receive fulfillment.

Awareness of the ego is also important. It is a voice inside all of us that directs us to be selfish, narrow-minded, limited, addicted, hurtful, irresponsible, negative, angry, and hateful.  It is the force that tells us to do things that feel good in the short term, but in the long term brings us down. The ego is the source of all of our problems because it allows, even encourages, us to believe that others are separate from us. It is the opposite of humility.


For many people life appears random, but Kabbalah helps people gain a bigger picture by explaining that there is a spiritual system of unseen laws that govern the universe. One of these is the Law of Cause and Effect: What we put out is what we get back.

We are all one is another principle. Every human being has within him- or herself a spark of the Creator that binds all of us together and as long as others are suffering none of us can enjoy complete fulfillment. We have to take action that is beneficial to the highest good of all involved.

If that means becoming uncomfortable, that’s good. Leaving our “comfort zone” for the sake of positive transformation taps us into a spiritual dimension that ultimately brings Light and positivity to our lives.

“Kabbalah to me is infinite wisdom,” says Ayse, a local student. “It gives me the tools to get the most out of my life in an incredibly challenging, yet positive sense. This consciousness has allowed me to break through blockages in my career and personal life. The serenity, energy, and optimism I now feel has allowed miracles to occur, and has given me the courage to live the best life possible.”

Kabbalists believe that things are better tested out—don’t just accept statements as truth. This philosophy has worked for hundreds of other New Zealanders now using the principles in daily life. Some students enjoy reading the books and studying via 
www.ukabbalah.com from home, while others are very involved with a study group and working on community projects that The Kabbalah Centre supports.

“Through studying Kabbalah I have learnt that we are all here to help each other,” Susie, another New Zealander, explains.  “It is our responsibility, as individuals, to take action on behalf of one another.  From this there is so much reward as the world becomes a more generous and loving place.  I know that I am responsible for causing the world I want to live in, and for making a positive difference in the lives of others.  This is enormously satisfying. While studying at The Kabbalah Centre I have learnt that when we hear of anyone going through difficulty or pain, it is because we can do something:  Either help them overcome what they are going through, or just be there as a friend.  Now I reach out to people that I hear are going through tough times.   I know that I can be responsible for helping them.”

Kurt also worked this theme of helping people, and applied it to himself! “In the Kabbalah Level One Course, we learnt that there are two ways of being:  Cause or effect. To be the cause we need to take action rather than being the effect and waiting for things to happen. This concept helped after I had surgery:  Instead of lying around, feeling sorry for myself and waiting to get better, I looked for and applied ways to aid my recovery. The result was I recovered sooner than my doctor predicted.”

People reluctant to try new things might appreciate Wendy’s sentiments, “Studying Kabbalah, I learnt that what we fear the most holds the most Light for us. So I have embraced this knowledge and tried it myself, and it works. I now look for areas in my life where I am reluctant to do something and know that when I push through and take action, miracles happen.”

Whether applied in personal situations, or globally, Kabbalah is an effective tool for personal transformation.  “Studying Kabbalah has helped me to develop certainty beyond logic, and now I always know that, no matter what, I can make any situation in my life a success,” said Rachel.

Supporting students is of paramount importance at The Kabbalah Centre, so teachers and mentors are part of the teaching model, and there is a teacher for every student. This is because only through the help of a teacher can a student question, internalize, and apply what they’ve learned to make their lives better.

The Centre’s courses are easily accessible online through Webinars via 
www.ukabbalah.com, which offers 1000s of hours of classes, from practical kabbalah to classes on astrology, relationships, soul mates etc. (Monthly cost is $18 USD for Premium Membership and $42 USD for Premium Plus Membership—full access.) Support is offered by phone and in study groups, and books can be purchased from the Kabbalah Store at www.kabbalah.com
For more information contact newzealand@kabbalah.com