We need to balance out the following two points: On the one hand, the actual mitzvos we do and words of Torah we say are what have infinite value, since they are the Essential Will of Hashem. The goal of life is not to get reward in Gan Eden, rather it is to make a “dwelling place” for Hashem through Mitzvos. At the same time, Hashem wants that we should do the mitzvos in a way that we should be able to feel the Elokus shining in them. He wants us to develop a love and awareness of Him in Davening, so that we will feel the connection to Him created by mitzvos.
Even the “reward” in Gan Eden is really just another detail in “dirah batachtonim”: This is because perceiving Hashem’s Light in Gan Eden is a preparation to perceive the Essence of Hashem in the time after Moshiach is revealed, in the time of the Techiyas Hameisim.
The idea of “dirah batachtonim” has two elements: 1- That Hashem’s Essence is drawn down into this physical world, which is accomplished through Mitzvos. 2- That we will end up actually seeing and perceiving Hashem’s Essence in this world in the future.
Perceiving Hashem’s Light is actually a part of the “dirah batachtonim” plan of Hashem, since this is the preparation for the perception of His Essence in this physical world, which will be the ultimate “dirah batachtonim.”
By working hard nowadays to try to perceive Hashem in Davening, to try to awaken a love for Hashem and elevate our Mitzvos, we prepare ourselves and the whole world for the true perception and revelation of Hashem that will happen when Moshiach comes.
Based on the explanation given in Pelach HaRimon referenced at the beginning of the maamar.
