The Purpose of the Association
Man is born with a drive to receive called self-love. Wherever he cannot see a benefit for himself, he has not fuel enough for the slightest movement. Yet without nullifying this self-love it is impossible to achieve the emulation of G-d, i.e. identifying in His form.
This is in direct opposition to our nature; thus the need for an association. Together, as a great power, we can work to nullify the will to receive, which is itself the evil, in as much as it interferes with the attainment of the purpose for which man was created.
Therefore the association must be made up of individuals, all of whom are of the same worldview, that is, that the will to receive must be subdued. Then, the association of such individuals will establish a great power that will be able to overcome its collective self-love. This is by reason of the inclusion of the general in the particular: each is included in all, and conversely, all in each. Therefore each individual can tap into the great collective power of the whole association to achieve the goal.
In order to achieve this “inter-inclusion” of one individual with another, each person must nullify himself before the other. This is accomplished when each sees the other’s good points and disregards his failings. He who considers himself even a little above his fellows, will not be able to fully join them or assimilate with them.
Similarly, at the time of this self-nullification, they must be serious. Otherwise they will not be in tune with the overall goal. Once for the sake of “walking modestly” it was the custom to act not serious externally, while in truth, in their heart, there was a burning flame.
Small-minded people, however, must be very careful not to be drawn into words and actions which do not contribute to the purpose for which they were assembled, namely intimacy with G-d. (For more on the subject of intimacy with G-d, see Matan Torah p. 138)
Only when not among colleagues is it better to conceal the intention in their heart and to be, externally, like everyone else, in accordance with the verse “Go modestly with G-d your Lord.” Even though there are loftier interpretations of this verse, the simple meaning is still great.
Therefore it is essential that when colleagues come together that they should be egalitarian with each other in order to be able to nullify themselves to each other.
This association must take care not to be encroached upon by lightheadedness, which would destroy everything. (But this is a personal internal matter.) On the other hand, when one is not with a colleague of the association, one must show no seriousness, but to be just like the person with whom he now is. He should not talk about serious things, but about things of interest to the one he is with now, who is termed “the uninvited guest.”