Even if a person consistently stumbles, damaging his righteousness and ethical behavior, this does not damage his fundamental perfection. A person’s fundamental perfection is found in his longing and desire to achieve wholeness, a desire which is the foundation of teshuvah, and which continually governs his path in life. (5:5)
Rav Kook urges us not to focus on our accomplishments, nor on how much more climbing remains to be done, but on the inner urge we feel to make that ascent. Foster that urge, and we are sure to reap the benefits of teshuvah.
(Translations of Rav Kook by Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner)
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This article originally appeared in the August issue of Yashar, the newsletter of The Mussar Institute. It is reprinted with permission.
To learn more about Mussar, please visit The Mussar Institute's website. You may also want to register for the upcoming Taste of Mussar class at the Alpert JCC.
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[THROUGH A MUSSAR LENS | Alan Morinis ]