Great people, those whom I accept as being great—are the great kabbalists who developed the wisdom of Kabbalah. They received it from ancient Babylon, i.e. the times of the first revelation of evil in people, and they have carried it from one generation to the next over 5,000 years.
These include the author of The Book of Zohar, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who lived in the 2nd century; the founder of the modern science of Kabbalah—Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Ari), who lived in the 15th century; and the last kabbalist who developed the wisdom of Kabbalah with consideration of our time—Kabbalist Yehuda Ashlag (Baal HaSulam), who lived in the 20th century. In essence, precisely he revealed the wisdom of Kabbalah to our generation, and with his help we now advance to the understanding of reality, nature and the core problem that humanity faces.
Also, I revere my teacher, Baal HaSulam’s older son, Rav Baruch Shalom HaLevi Ashlag (Rabash), who passed this wisdom to me. He handed it over to me and obligated me to spread it to humanity—which is what I try to do with all my strength.
This is why the great kabbalists—Rashbi, the Ari, Baal HaSulam and Rabash—are the people whom I see as my examples. To me, they are the heroes of the world.
Based on a Q&A with Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman on September 9, 2006. Written/edited by students of Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman.
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