Rabbi Aharon of Karlin: Joy in Spiritual Growth

HAPPINESS IS NOT A SIDE EFFECT OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH; IT IS THE PRIMARY OF IT.

Attribution printed on the image: Rabbi Aharon of Karlin

A reflection on the teaching

The wording on the image puts happiness at the center of spiritual growth. It asks whether our avodas Hashem is helping us become more alive to the good, or only more tense about our shortcomings. Simchah does not require pretending that hardship has disappeared. It can begin with appreciation for a mitzvah, a relationship, or the chance to begin again. A useful reflection is to notice one part of today's avodah that we can approach with gratitude. The unusual phrase “the primary of it” is preserved exactly as printed.

Source note: The attribution above is transcribed from the image. The exact source and English wording have not been independently verified.