The Adventure of Experiencing Ourselves

The Adventure of Experiencing Ourselves Once we have explored the uncharted areas within to find our undiscovered powers which await our discovering. Afterwards we can begin the adventure of experiencing other aspects of ourselves. Being honest and open to recognize our faults and shortcomings. We do this, though, in order to improve ourselves, not to berate and come down on ourselves. How can we Properly Probe into Ourselves? How can we approach ourselves in this manner is the question? We live in a world which has taught us to look critically at everyone, and many of us do it most of all to ourselves. What is the proper attitude when approaching our “other half” that still has to be improved upon? The Talmud relates a story that can give us insight to this most important of subjects. First we must give a short preface. Preface- What is a Nazir? A person, for a number of reasons, in the time of the Temple may take a special vow to become what is known as a “nazir”. Under this vow he is forbidden to drink wine, cut his hair, come in contact with a dead body or enter a cemetery. The most famous of nazirs was mighty Samson from the book of Judges, who was a nazir his whole life. Most people who became a nazir did it for a short prescribed time. After that time period was over he would bring a sacrifice to the Temple and shave off all of his hair. The Talmud relates how a good looking young man entered the temple to bring his sacrifice and shave off his hair after he completed his vow of being a nazir. Shimon the Righteous, who officiated at the time as the High Priest, upon noting this young man’s beautiful curly locks of hair asked in amazement why he took upon himself this vow requiring to shave off such exquisite hair. The young man’s answer will change our perspective towards ourselves. “As I was pasturing the flock of my father I went to fill up water from the spring. Upon seeing my reflection I noticed the splendor of my countenance, and then a rush of internal desire poured forth. It was from the evil inclination wanting to cause me to sin and drive me from this world. I told the evil inclination within, “you wicked one, why are you conceited over a world which is not yours, I will shave you in G-d’s honor”.

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