Spiritual Cleanse
I was not brought up in religious surroundings except seeing my grandma pray every night to a Christian orthodox statue of virgin Mary blinking a red light. As a child I associated our religion with ancient frescoes painted Byzantian monasteries, priests dressed in long black robes and long beards, burning of incense and rigid rules. As I grew up and started getting more familiar with many of the main religions, I found similarities between them as well as a set of dogmatic teachings that did not resonate with me.
I thought of myself as agnostic and had a much stronger link and affinity to spirituality and spiritual teachings and philosophies. During many of my travels I took special interest in the Buddhist teaching and philosophy, their meditation practices and learned to apply them in my daily life.
Some years ago I came across the wonderful image of the Flower of Life believed to be the cycle of creation (geometric symbol usually consisting of nineteen overlapping circles evenly spaced apart from one another, forming a pattern of perfectly symmetrical like flowers) that led me to the connection to the Sefirot and the philosophy and teaching of the Kabbalah. I found it profoundly interesting and enlightening and read a few books about this ancient wise teaching.
So, a few weeks ago, I embarked on a spiritual cleanse known as the Counting of the Omer or the 49 days of Omer that habitually commences on the second night of Passover. The seven weeks are represented by practicing weekly the meaning behind each of the Sefirots and implementing it into our everyday life. It is meant to cleanse us from the negative influences in all areas of our life. Many of us believe in physical cleanse, fasting etc however I believe that a spiritual cleanse is just as, if not more important.
The first week is represented by Correcting the Sefira of Chesed – representing Mercy. We should practice loving – kindness.
The second week is represented by Correcting the Sefira of Gevurah – Judgment. We should practice Discipline in a kind and loving manner.
The third week is represented by Correcting the Sefira of Tiferet – Beauty. We should practice Compassion.
The fourth week is represented by Correcting the Sefira of Netzach – Victory. We should practice Endurance.
The fifth week is represented by Correcting the Sefira of Hod – Glory. We should practice Humility.
The sixth week is represented by Correcting the Sefira of Yesod – Foundation. We should practice Bonding.
The seventh week is represented by Correcting the Sefira of Malkuth – Kingdom and Physicality. We should practice loving kindness in Nobility, manifesting our consciousness in service to others.
Whether we are religious or not, it is important to find anything beneficial that resonates with us for the purpose of our betterment. This is a very small recap of what is a more detailed practice guiding you back to the Essential in You.
Did you know?
The Flower of Life image can be found in many ancient sites around the globe:
Temple of Osiris at Abydos – Egypt
Forbidden City and other temples – China
Various temples – Japan
Temples in India
Ephesus Turkey
Italy and Mesquita Spain
Did you know?
It is said that the 10 Sefirots also refer to the Chakras, each aligned to specific energy within the human body. The tree of Life has been used in various mystical traditions dating back to Assyria 9th Century BC. The usual 10 nods are believed to correspond to the 10 Sefirots. It is also believed to be similar to that of the tree of life found in the Book of Genesis.
