One Minute Mitzvahs

In the Haggadah of Passover (the Scripture of Passover), mention is made of the four sons. The Wise Son, the Wicked Son, the Simple Son, and the One Who Cannot  Even Ask A Question. All of these sons are part of us and yet the one who  most do not recognize or understand the power of is THE SIMPLE SON.  Who is he/she? Why is their point of view and contribution not only to the Seder, but to our lives so important?  Of course everyone wants to be the Wise one... But The Simple Son is asking us what true wisdom is and how to attain it?  How to look not only at the Seder, but at the world and difficulties that confront of every day. In the first of a series of podcasts we will meet the SIMPLE SON and see how  he can and will  not only touch the heart of Judaism, but enhance your life.

How in the world can we live without gossip? What would our relationships be? If we watch closely, most of our conversations are telling tales about others, and listening to gossip about them as well. There seems to be no end to it. When a group of students received a one week task of not gossiping or listening to gossip, they said they amazed. It was impossible to go to lunch, or join in most conversations. Naturally gossip (and slander) seems ordinary, harmless enough. But they are not. They weave a web of resentment, pain and cruelty. This web harms others and oneself in so many ways. One of our great One Minute Mitzvahs and acts of kindness is simply not to gossip. Or listen to the gossip of others.  As we stop tearing others apart, we then can use that energy to find ways to build up the world. What a wonderful mitzvah, and koan. Try even for a few days and see.

This wonderful, one minute mitzvah, is incredibly powerful. It asks us to stop and take note of the ways in which we create stumbling blocks and obstacles for others and ourselves unconsciously, all the time. Mitzvahs are not only here to protect and care for others, they are wake up calls. They ask us to become aware, to recognize what's going on, and to take a moment to stop and change our action, thoughts or words. And what a moment it is. Although we may not realize it, these are atomic, powerful, unfailing directions. They guide us through confusion and fog to bring light and clarity into the day. They heal our confusion. Doing this particular mitzvah asks that we become aware of what is a stumbling block and how we actually create them. As we recognize that,  it's easy to stop. And to protect and to heal all lives. 

This wonderful mitzvah asks us to be Mindful of what just seems to be lying around. Is it an object that has been lost and belongs to someone? It takes only a minute to stop, pick the object up, care for it and return it to the owner. Return it to its Source. The mitzvah may take you on a journey that takes more than a minute...but your own awareness is opened in a minute. You stop racing, focusing only upon yourself, and see that a loss has taken place, and you may be the one to heal it.  According to the teachings, each object includes part of its owner. By returning the object you are making things whole once again. This mitzvah applies not only to objects, but to people who are lost as well. Help them return to their owners, to their Source, to their true home.

As the lights grow stronger each night of Hannukah,   we can accompany the candle lighting process by discovering and performing another mitzvah, day by day. Remember it only takes on minute to do. And this minute can expand  to days, as the Hannukah lights do. A spark of light which starts small on one night, grows and grows naturally. Most do not realize that it is actually a Mitzvah to be happy. In other words happiness creates a channel for the light to come to us, in many forms, of warm, clarity, love, guidance, and certainly as protection from confusion and harm.  As we learn about this Mitzvah, we also discover that happiness is not just a feeling that can come and go, but an inevitable outcome of a certain way of seeing and perceiving our life. There are many ways of being happy and also giving happiness to others. And, as we do so, a sense of deep well being, and fulfillment arises. Our happiness becomes a foundation from which joy arises and loving kindness to all. What a beautiful Mitzvah to fulfill, during the journey of light we are on.

Each Mitzvah that comes to us to do has enormous effects that we have no idea of. These mitzvahs are not necessarily Good Deeds, they are forms through which we channel the divine light and love into our lives and into the world. Without this  light we could not exist, and it needs to be grounded into our daily actions, thoughts, words and encounters. All present an opportunity to perform a mitzvah, and it takes only One Minute, to stop, remember that, turn in the direction of the Light and do what is needed.On this season of Hannukah, where we light one light after another each night, let us also remember to become the light itself, to open up and share it with others. Even lighting up one heart has enormous, unseen, effects. 

The holiday of Shavuous is almost here, the time of the giving and receiving of the Torah, the Eternal Truth.  Not only is truth and light being freely given, but we must also be ready to receive it, open and available. A huge part of receiving truth is the ability and willingness to Listen. To listen truly we enter silence and absorb what is being said to us. We don't listen to the mad mind which contradicts itself constantly, but to the larger voice of the Divine, which is waiting to guide us. And then as we Listen, we take the directions, and Live them. A great teaching in this respect is "Do and You Will See." Not only do we Listen, but we make the teachings real in our lives. Then Blessings for all follow relentlessly.

During the Passover Seder four children are discussed, The Wise Son, The Rebellious Son, The Simple Son and The One Who Does Not Even Know How To Ask A Question. Usually we all want to be the wise one. This is the one who knows so much, studies, listens, follows directions. But is this all needed for true wisdom? The four children mentioned in the Seder are parts of all of us. We all contain each one, and all must be integrated. The Simple Son, and The One Who Do Not Know How To Ask A Question, bring another form of beauty and wisdom to the Seder and our lives. They do not rely on the intellect and rational mind. The One Who Cannot Ask a Question,  may not need to. He or she lives instead, in faith, joy and trust. They accept life, are available, and certainly free from arrogance. Not better than any other child. The Seder depicts the inner journey we all must go through to freedom and oneness, knowing and honoring all parts of ourselves.

The Mitzvahs have many beautiful functions, and one is to rescue us from Time! They prevent us from lapsing into doubt, fear and hesitation, wondering which way to go next.  As we do that, the moment i lost, and part of our precious life is gone. This Mitzvah explores the way to break through the miasma of confusion and doubt and take complete action without  hesitation,  right now! 

This talk explores the nature of constriction and our slavery to time. Based upon Passover and the splitting of the red sea, we see what it is that has brought plagues into our lives, and what is truly needed to go from freedom to liberation.

Believe it or not, this is one of the most important and central mitzvahs. Your entire world and the world of others revolve around it. The mitzvah is guiding us to look for and focus on only that which is favorable, beneficial, uplifting in others. Of course we all contain many aspects, but what we perceive in others we bring out in them. Not only that, what we perceive in others, we also see in ourselves. The mind constantly looks for what is wrong, bad or difficult. But, perception is a matter of choice. We look for that which we want to find. Look for that which is good, pleasing, worthwhile. Not only will your own life flower, but all those you interact with will find that which is best and beautiful in themselves.

Most of us have no idea the power of Happiness in our lives. We would also never imagine that the Mitzvahs are The Path of Joy. Mitzvahs lift us above circumstances, good or bad, and offer a constructive way to respond to whatever is going on. Rather than react blindly, we learn how to respond fully. We also learn to celebrate, be joyful, and find all we have to thank. Our focus changes. This not only changes our personal lives, but brings harmony and well being to all. The more we take the Path of Mitzvahs the stronger we become and the less power stray circumstances have over us. Our response to circumstances, based on the Mitzvahs, is in our hands. And the Mitzvahs affect the well being of the world as well.

The Mitzvah today is from the Wisdom of the Fathers, which gives three precious steps to stop us from falling into confusion, destruction and pain. As soon as we stop and contemplate these questions our choices and actions change. The mitzvah lifts us out of our temporary circumstances and causes us to see how we are spending our precious time. It also reminds us that whatever we do and do not do, brings consequences. These consequences may not be apparent now, but inevitably one day, we will face them completely. Life is not random and meaningless. We are responsible and not only that we are able to choose the best for all.

it's easy to stay close to others when things are going well. We enjoy happy times together, wonderful companionship, parties, beautiful days.. But when that person falls into need, perhaps psychologically, financially, or socially, most so called friends disappear. It's painful to accompany the person through distress, to watch their fall or to not join in with others who might be now finding fault with them. This mitzvah brings loyalty, courage, and the true experience of what it means to be a friend. It also shows how to live, truly, without seeking a personal reward. The power brought into the world by this mitzvah is beyond imagination.. The great art of standing by another, accompanying them is the source of never ending wisdom and strength.

We often confuse wisdom and information, or knowledge of all kinds. Knowledge can be acquired, skills developed, and we gain the ability to acquire many things in this world. But that does not necessarily create fulfillment or meaning in our chaotic world. While knowledge is important, it never takes the place of wisdom. And it is easy to confuse the two.Wisdom is different, it is the very essence of who we are. True wisdom is a food that nourishes us deeply, creates the ability to be clear and joyous and live a blessed life. And to our surprise, wisdom is readily available, it is waiting for us from every person we meet. To find it, we must understand the true nature of our encounters and approach them in a different way.Come listen to the podcast to explore.(This quote is from The Wisdom of the Fathers).

In the endlessly compulsive racing of our minds, and lives, no matter how much we do, and who we meet, deep down we feel it's not enough and that ultimately, we are alone. There is never time to do enough, or meet those we want to see. The sense that we are missing something haunts us endlessly. But what is it that is missing? Be Still and find out. This simple, direct, one minute mitzvah guides our lives in a new direction. It also shows us what it means to truly "know" something and how to directly realize that we are never alone.

All day long we receive gifts, encounter others, move from action to action. Mostly, though, the days seem ordinary, just part of our routine. However, when we are able to take on this mitzvah, we no longer can go on automatic. We must pause to truly see who is before us, what they need and are asking of us, and give thanks for the opportunity of this meeting. Everything we meet is sacred and precious, and as we learn to encounter it truly, deep thanks arises naturally from the bottom of our heart. Then, the gate of divine energy is opened and floods both others and ourselves.

We take many actions we think are helpful or to prove that we are good people. However, many of these actions do not bear fruit or leave us distressed. That is because we are being helpful mostly to ourselves. Sincere Service is different. This podcast explores what it mean to be sincere. Sincerity itself is a mitzvah, when our deeds, thoughts, actions and heart are aligned. When we do not look for the outcome of our actions, but offer ourselves to it whole heartedly. Again and again.

How do we spends our days and years and lives? Who are we serving, where does our attention, energy and devotion go? For many we serve our small selves, the one who is always demanding, complaining, upset and unsatisfied.. This mitzvah asks that we turn that around and Serve the Divine. See God in each person and situation that appears and turn around and serve That. Listen for the voice within that brings Light and Love to all.

This powerful mitzvah is the basis of our entire life, and especially the theme of the upcoming holidays. It asks that we Turn Around. Only takes a minute to take the first step. Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, stop and turn around in a new direction, towards the spirit that is waiting for you. Just as one mitzvah brings another, one step brings the next. Even one step in a new direction is a powerful message to yourself that you are ready and willing to life a life of true meaning.

It seems as though we are accosted with endless challenges all day long. Confusion develops along with a sense of helplessness. But the mitzvahs come to correct this instantly. They return us to true strength and understanding on how to proceed . This beautiful mitzvah shows us how to stay free of the forces of confusion by turning our attention and action to the divine.

As we prepare for the great journey of Passover from bondage to freedom this great mitzvah tells us to clean our house! Eliminate all the yeast! Whatever puffs us up and makes us proud. The journey to freedom comes as we let go of arrogance and hardening if the heart. Both our external and internal homes must be prepared.

It's very easy to find many things to complain about. The mind naturally looks for what's wrong, how we can fight it, who is to blame! But this beautiful mitzvah asks us to do something different. It asks us to find something good about whatever happens and offer thanks. Sincere thanks. Our thanks includes everything. So much that we receive is taken for granted, a smile from a neighbor, a simple breakfast. Beyond that, stretch further and give thanks for what may seem like a painful event as well. See what you are learning from it, and the ultimate good it may bring into your life.

Surprisingly, it is an extremely important Mitzvah to pay your worker, (or for a service) on time. We are not aware of the need of another or how badly they may be hungering. They have earned their wages, given to you, and it is crucial not to leave them worrying, chasing you for what is theirs, the payment, feeling humiliated, losing faith. We are seldom aware of the needs of others and this mitzvah comes to wake us up, to protect the self respect and pride of others, to make sure their faith is not abused. As we keep our word impeccably, the world becomes a living temple.

We have no idea why love leaves our relationships, things take a downwards turn, or why we get ill? But the power of our words is overwhelming. When we engage in gossip and slander, either by speaking or listening, we are tearing down the entire world. There are three who suffer greatly when gossip and slander go on, the one who speaks, the one who is spoken about and the one who listens.Give up gossip and slander for one week and watch what happens!

"If you notice the animal of someone you dislike lying under its load, you must make every effort to help him." Usually we pass by those who have buckled (including their animals), especially if we dislike them.. Focused only on our own burdens, we are blind to the needs of others. This wonderful instruction asks us strongly to do the opposite. Stop in your tracks, extend yourself to them, and unload their burden. Don't place any extra burden on them either. Be there with open hands and heart. The power of this mitzvah, this incredible instruction, extends not only to others and yourself but can remedy the entire world.

Most of our actions and thoughts are directed to being happy, getting what we wants, Serving ourselves. When life doesn't go our way, anger and despair erupts quickly. But this mitzvah turns that all around. Each day, each action and interaction is dedicated to Serving the Divine, the One Who Sent Us. Whatever we encounter then, is a potential mitzvah. All we have to do is turn things around and ask How May I Serve You? With a sincere heart.

We think of life as sad, depressing, and spiritual practice as difficult as well. Some feel they are forced to reject large aspects of what hey really like and who they are are. This mitzvah says otherwise. It is a great practice to be happy and rejoice, especially during difficult situations. We not only lift ourselves then, but all we engage with. We become able to see the beauty in all that is happening, and not get caught in the web of pain that keeps us frozen. What strength it takes to celebrate life, to dance and sing, to allow healing to stream in.

When we've been hurt or blind sighted, it's so easy to start doubting others, thinking the worst. All kinds of stories roll around in our mind about how awful this people are. We then tell the stories to others, intensifying the upset, creating chaos everywhere.But as soon as we stop, and make the choice to Give That Person The Benefit of the Doubt, everything turns around. If need be we can even make up stories about what happened that put the other in a good light. We often make up stories to do the opposite, so whatever we do to turn this around, is wonderful. Not only does our own anger dissolve, but we invite the best to come forth in the other. We are looking at them through the eyes of love.

We all want to be regarded highly, feel valued and worthwhile. Yet, looking for this, the danger of pride and arrogance arises. But honor is different. Honor goes beyond the personality into the very heart of our being. It is about living an honorable life, uniting with the divine. This mitzvah teaches that to live our lives honorably, to bring light to all, we must honor others. We must see beyond their difficulties into who they true are, a branch of the divine.

It is such an important mitzvah to return a lost object to its owner. This requires us firstly to be aware of what's around us, what is lost. Then to stop, pick it up and Intend to return it to its owner. That only takes One Minute. There are more mitzvahs embedded in this one, to find the owner, and return what he or she has lost. Not only objects need to be returned, what about people who are lost? Do not pass them by, help them return to their Owner, to reclaim the parts of themselves that have disappeared. The mitzvah also contains the huge question, Who Is The True Owner? Where do we ultimately have to return to?

As the year ends and the days grow darker, holidays come to bring light and love into the world. We do all we can to light candles, give gifts, decorate the world with . We crave the warmth and glow of light. And yet, the deepest light we all search for, the light that sustains us through all our lives, is who we basically are. Let us taste, shine and share the light of our being and truly light up the world.

Judging others favorably is one of the most important mitzvahs and can be done in only One Minute. The moment you notice yourself looking at anyone with a jaundiced eye, seeing the worst about them, turn it around on the spot. See that person favorably. Find their beauty, value and strength. See how it effects that person, and yourself as well. The way we see others not only brings that quality out in them, it bring it out in us as well.