Insights into the Ramchal’s Classic Work, Mesilas Yesharim: Chapter 16, Part 6 – When You Truly Love Hashem, It Shows in Your Mitzvah Quality
Summary: We are currently discussing the trait of Tahara (purity), which the Ramchal has defined as the rectification of the mind, as opposed to Prishus (abstinence) which is the rectification of actions. It is not enough to be refined in our behaviors; the intentions behind our actions need to be pure.
The Ramchal continues: "He who is truly a servant of Hashem will not be satisfied with serving Him minimally. He will not be content to take silver mixed with dross and lead, that is, Divine service mixed with impure motivations, but rather only with the clean and pure as is befitting. Then he will be called ‘one who does a Mitzvah as it is stated’, of which Chazal said (Shabbos 63a): ‘whoever does a Mitzvah as it is stated, will receive no evil tidings’ Likewise they said: ‘do [good] deeds for the sake of their Maker, and speak of them for their own sake’ (Nedarim 62a).” (Mesilas Yesharim, Ch.16)
"Dross" refers to impurities found in precious metals. Left alone, these compromise the strength and beauty of the material. It is interesting to point out that dross is removed by heating (whatever does not burn up separates from the melted silver and can be scooped away).
Similarly, there must be an intense process of burning our selfish motivations and ego until we get to the real purpose of our Mitzvah performance – for the sake of Hashem. This is often a multi-step process that takes a very long time, but as long as one is trending in the right direction, that is all Hashem wants.
The Ramchal continues: “This is what is chosen by those who serve G-d with a whole heart. For he who does not cleave to G-d with a true love will find the purification of this service to be very tedious and burdensome. He will say: ‘who can possibly withstand this? We are physical creatures, born of woman. It is impossible to attain such great refinement and purification. But those who love G-d, who desire in His service, will rejoice in demonstrating their faithfulness of love before Him, blessed be He, and in strengthening themselves in refining and purifying it. This is what David himself concluded saying, ‘[Your Word is very pure;] therefore Your servant loves it’ (Tehillim 119:140).” (ibid. Chapter 16)
If someone truly loves Hashem will not be deterred by the challenge ahead of them and will realize that life is about the struggle. Furthermore, the more we invest in the relationship, the more the other party appreciates it. Rabbi Yaakov Hillel, Shlita, (in Ascending the Path) makes a strong comparison to someone who wants to give a gift to a person he loves greatly.
We want the receiver to like and enjoy the gift, as well as recognizing the positive thoughts that went into the gift. This is the level that Dovid Hamelech aspired to and reached – he directed himself to Hashem fully, lovingly, and with all his heart – with no other considerations.
To be continued next week, B’Ezras Hashem.
