Can You Measure Spirituality?

We can measure spirituality by the importance we attribute to it. In the material world, we gauge everything by physical measurements like volume, distance, and weight, but in the spiritual world, these parameters are nonexistent. Instead, everything is measured by the emotional and perceptual significance we assign to it. This means that the weight or magnitude of a spiritual object is determined solely by the importance we place upon it.

A person who attains spirituality, a Kabbalist, does not enjoy the gifts they receive but rather the significance of the one who bestows them. The experience of spirituality does not lie in the object or pleasure itself but in the recognition of its source. For example, if someone receives a simple cup of coffee, its value is not in the coffee itself but in who prepared it and the intention behind it. If a great person gives it, the coffee suddenly carries immense meaning. The same applies to the Creator, when we realize that everything we receive comes from the Creator, the upper force of love, bestowal, and connection, then our experience shifts from focusing on the object to the importance of the giver, the Creator.

That is why spirituality begins with developing the sense of the giver’s importance. The more we attribute value to the Creator, the more we rise above material perception and enter a new dimension of existence. When we begin to shift to value the significance of our life’s source, we transition from the material world into the spiritual world. In spirituality, instead of measuring experiences in material terms, we build our inner world upon the greatness of the giver.

But there must be an initial spark, some minimal pleasure, a so-called “gram of light,” which enters our perception. This is the foundation upon which we build our awareness of the Creator’s importance. In our world, everything we experience—whether it is a moment of joy, love, success, or even a simple act of kindness—is but a tiny fragment of light from the source. Our task is to determine where it originates and shift our attention from the pleasure itself to the one who provided it.

The method for growing this awareness exists within a structured framework, the Kabbalistic group, or as we call it, the “ten.” When people come together with the intention of searching for their life’s source, they help each other develop the perception necessary to reveal the Creator’s presence, i.e., the presence of the upper force of love, bestowal, and connection. Just as a pregnant woman suddenly starts noticing baby carriages everywhere, or someone looking to buy a particular car starts seeing it more often, our perception is guided by our desires. If we desire to know and feel the Creator, we begin noticing His presence in every aspect of our lives.

The reason most people do not perceive the Creator is because they do not value Him. They only value what directly benefits them. This is why, throughout history, people have worshipped material gain, seeking blessings for wealth, health, and success. However, spirituality does not involve praying to receive something. Instead, it involves developing the quality of love and bestowal. If we cultivate love and bestowal upon others, we will gradually begin to sense the Creator, as He is the ultimate embodiment of these qualities.

The Creator did not place Himself directly before us but rather surrounded us with other people, giving us a “playground” by which we can develop our capacity for love and connection. By treating others with care and respect, we train ourselves to relate to the Creator in the same way. This is why the wisdom of Kabbalah teaches that love for the Creator begins with love for one’s fellow human beings.

However, this shift is not easy. It requires a fundamental reorientation from valuing material possessions to valuing relationships and intentions. Imagine a grand wedding filled with esteemed figures, yet the children running around remain oblivious to their importance. Similarly, we pass by countless people every day without recognizing their value. Spiritual development demands that we develop the ability to appreciate not material things but the relationships between people, and, ultimately, our relationship with the Creator.

Based on the video “The Importance of Spirituality – Spiritual States with Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman.” Written/edited by students of Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman.

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