אות - צט

When you speak to a friend about fear of God this creates both Direct Light and Reflected Light. 175 This entire conversation, word for word, is found in Likutey Moharan I, 184. The information he receives from you is Direct Light. What you gain from him is Reflected Light.

Sometimes the Reflected Light precedes the Direct Light. Your friend may have a weak intellect and not be able to grasp your words. However, you are still able to gain from the conversation. Since you gain something from your friend before he obtains anything from you, the Reflected Light precedes the Direct Light.

Sometimes when you speak to a friend about fear of Godl, he may not receive from your words. Still, you can receive from him as you can be motivated by your own words. The light of your words literally bounces off your friend and are reflected back to you. [This is literally the concept of the Reflected Light, as brought in the writings. 176 Etz Chaim , Sha'ar HaAkudim 5, 6. See also Likutey Moharan I, 76. ]

A ball cannot enter a stone wall and therefore bounces back from it. Likewise, when your friend does not receive from your words, they are reflected back to you. Thus, you are influenced by your own words.

These same words may have had no effect had you spoken them to yourself. But when you speak them to your friend and he is not inspired, they are reflected back to you. Thus, you are inspired by them. [It is just like Reflected Light which comes into being when the Direct Light strikes a vessel, as brought in the writings. 177 Ibid. ]