Attaining Sagacity: Maamar Vayedaber HaShem El Moshe

The above also relates[78] to our Sages' teaching:[79]

Four entered the Pardes.[80] Ben Azzai peered in and died.... Ben Zoma peered in and became deranged.... Rabbi Akiva entered in peace and departed in peace.

As is well-known, [the Rebbeim] have focused [on this passage]. On the surface, the difference between Rabbi Akiva and the others who shared his experience was only in the departure. Therefore the Talmud should have said: "Rabbi Akiva departed in peace." Why did it also mention that he "entered in peace"?

Explanation is also necessary why it was only Rabbi Akiva who "departed in peace," while Ben Azzai "peered in and died" (and similarly, Ben Zoma [suffered unfortunate consequences]). Ben Azzai was also on a very elevated spiritual level. As the Midrash states[81] when Ben Azzai would sit and study, fire would flame around him. This points to the greatness of his Divine service and his great spiritual level. Nevertheless, he peered in and died. It was only Rabbi Akiva who was able to depart in peace.

The concept is, however, explained as follows: The difference between Rabbi Akiva and the others was reflected also in the way they entered. Rabbi Akiva entered in peace; i.e., his ratzu also contained the potential for shuv. This enabled him to depart in peace. With regard to the others, by contrast, they - including ben Azzai - did not enter in peace, for their ratzu did not contain [the potential for] shuv.

Additional insight can be gained with regard to Rabbi Akiva's "enter[ing] in peace and depart[ing] in peace" by focusing on the statement of Rabbi Akiva to his colleagues quoted by the Talmud:27 "When you reach the stones of pure marble, do not say: 'Water, water.'" With this statement, Rabbi Akiva clarified how it was possible to "enter in peace and depart in peace" as will be explained.

Notes:

(Back to text) See Sefer HaMaamarim 5649, p. 259ff.; see also Or HaTorah, Vayikra, Vol. II, p. 540; Likkutei Sichos, Vol. III, p. 988, et al.

(Back to text) Chagigah 14b; Jerusalem Talmud, Chagigah 2:1.

(Back to text) A term which literally means "orchard," but is also used to refer to the lush profusion of mystic experience possible through the Kabbalah.

(Back to text) Vayikra Rabbah 16:4.