— Nefesh
Self
“There is the one who sings the song of their own soul in themselves they find everything, their full spiritual satisfaction.”
Rav Kook explains that each of us is rooted in our individual subjective identity. He describes the importance of each individual’s physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual experience. We are each a microcosm of the whole. Therefore a healthy integration of all aspects of our personal identity is the basis of our national, universal and cosmic significance in the wondrous miracle of existence.
This understanding is relevant to all humankind. Rav Kook’s insights will be of interest to all human beings interested in self-development and growth.
— Song of Self
There is one who sings the song of his own life, and in himself he finds everything, his full spiritual satisfaction.
Every person must know that they are called to serve according to their unique understanding and feeling, according to the prompting of their own soul. In that world which embraces endless other worlds, they will find the treasure of their own soul.
Let them not be confused by suggestions streaming to them from alien worlds, which they cannot properly comprehend. These worlds will find their perfection, in their own place, among those especially suited to establish and perfect them. But they must concentrate on their own inner worlds which are full of everything and embrace everything for them. A person must say “For my sake was the world created.” (Mishna Sanhedrin 4:5)
This humility will bring happiness to a person and bring them to a higher perfection which stands waiting for them. By stepping in this sure way of life, in the path of the righteous especially meant for them, they will fill themselves with the strength of life and spiritual joy. And the light of God will reveal itself to them. From their unique letter of the Torah will go forth their strength and light. (Notebook 4:6)
Content that is coming to you from the outside world that you cannot absorb properly, that you cannot integrate into your bundle of life. These will find their repair with those who are able to build and perfect them. But you must concentrate on your own experience, on your own inner worlds. They will fill you completely and encompass everything. ‘A person must say that the world was created for me’ (Mishna Sanhedrin 4:5)
This great humility enriches the person. It brings them to their highest completion that is awaiting.

OUR FREEDOM AND THE BURNING OF CHAMETZ
“Intrinsic freedom is that exalted spirit by which a person- as well as the nation as a whole- is inspired to remain faithful to their inner essence, to the spiritual attribute of the Divine image within. It is that attribute which enables one to feel that their life has purpose and value.” – Rav Kook
RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT VAYAKHEL: WE MUST BUILD A TEMPLE OF GENEROSITY AND KINDNESS
“The holy temple must be built in our inner spirit every day through thoughts and acts of kindness and compassion. We need to know that when the longing to be good to all is intensified in us an illumination from the higher realm has reached us.” -Rav Kook ZT’L
RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT TRUMA: HOW TO LIVE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE DIVINE SHECHINA
“Ascend towards the heights, ascend. You are of mighty prowess, you have wings to soar with, wings of mighty eagles. Do not fail them, lest they fail you; seek for them and they will be immediately ready for you.” -Rav Kook
RAV KOOK’S ILLUMINATED GUIDE TO ENLIGHTENMENT: Step 2-BECOME A UNIVERSALIST
“We must raise our thought and will and basic preoccupations towards universality, to the inclusion of all, to the whole world, to the collective of Israel, to all existence.” -Rav Kook
RAV KOOK’S ILLUMINATED GUIDE TO ENLIGHTENMENT: Step 1- A CALL TO HIGHER CONTEMPLATION
“Ascend toward the heights, because you are of mighty prowess, you have wings to soar with, wings of mighty eagles.” -Rav Kook
The Inner Spark
The inner essence of the soul, which reflects, which lives the true spiritual life, must have absolute inner freedom. It experiences its freedom, which is life, through its originality in thought, which is its inner spark that can be fanned to a flame through study and concentration.
Know Yourself
From his own inner tendencies,
a person must come to know what he content he must actualize [in the world].
And let him always be happy with his portion in life, and embrace it energetically.
Returning to Your True Self
When we forget our personal soul,
when we distract our mind away from looking into the inner life of the unique self,
everything becomes blurry and uncertain.