If Rabi Heschel is right and sin is caused by callousness of the heart then the idea of "steeling" the will as the means of avoiding sin is altogether backwards.
The most direct route to not only compassion, but self control and right action, might be softening the will along with the heart and mind.
It can be said that vulnerability like this leaves one feeling needy and exposed and that this can lead to numbing self indulgences. I've experienced this movement. But on closer examination, there is a part of me that is hard and callous and that this is the source of my willfulness, not vulnerability that seems to need protection.
?Is there a relationship between callousness and the willfulness that leads to self indulgence?
The most direct route to not only compassion, but self control and right action, might be softening the will along with the heart and mind.
It can be said that vulnerability like this leaves one feeling needy and exposed and that this can lead to numbing self indulgences. I've experienced this movement. But on closer examination, there is a part of me that is hard and callous and that this is the source of my willfulness, not vulnerability that seems to need protection.
?Is there a relationship between callousness and the willfulness that leads to self indulgence?
