The fall always feels like a reflective time, with trees changing colors, and the weather cooling…
Autumn is also a time of powerful celebrations across the globe. From Durga Puja in India, to the autumnal equinox, to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, two of the holiest celebrations in Judaism.
Which makes me think of a Jewish teaching known as Tikkun olam, that we humans are here to help make the world a better place. Or, in another sense, to leave the world better than we found it.
Is this an idea the resonates with you? That you are here to serve, help, illuminate or spread love and harmony in the world?
Tikkun olam is similar to the Buddhist/Hindu idea of Bodhisattva, that we have incarnated to liberate ourselves as well as everyone else, and we do that through the practice of loving kindness.
In truth, the resonance of Tikkun olam is also found in the metaphysical Christian teaching of A Course in Miracles as well, to be the embodiment of love. “Teach only love, for that is what you are.”
So perhaps the idea behind Tikkun olam is a universal concept emphasized in every spiritual path!
The only difference that I’ve observed is that Tikkun olam is an actual directive, overtly and clearly stated.
Here’s a quote from Chabad.org defining this practice:
“Tikkun olam: In Jewish teachings, any activity that improves the world, bringing it closer to the harmonious state for which it was created.
Tikkun olam implies that while the world is innately good, its Creator purposely left room for us to improve upon His work.
All human activities are opportunities to fulfill this mission, and every human being can be involved in tikkun olam - child or adult, student or entrepreneur, industrialist or artist, caregiver or salesperson, political activist or environmentalist, or just another one of us struggling to keep afloat.”
If you’re interested in this idea, you can learn more here:
Autumn offers us an opportunity to explore this idea. Why not see what comes up for you, and how you might like to better your world?
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Image by EvgeniT on Pixabay