Мусар к Тегилим 27:4

When you look further into the matter, you will see that true perfection lies only in clinging to G-d. This is what King David said "But as for me, closeness to G-d is my good" (Ps. 73:28) and, "one thing I asked from G-d; that I seek, that I may dwell in G-d's house all the days of my life, to gaze on the pleasantness of G-d..." (Ps. 27:4). For only this is the good, while anything besides this that people consider good is really emptiness and mistaken worthlessness.

It can also, be answered in a different way, one that is more internal: Torah is action and analysis, revealed and hidden. That which is revealed in the Torah is the practice of its commandments, which are the 248 positive commandments; and the guarding of its prohibitions, which are the 365 negative commandments. But there are [also] hidden reasons for these and those divine secrets that are all attached to His great name. About those that know them, it is stated, I will set him on high, because he has known My name (Psalms 91:14); and they are embodied by, and you who cling to the Lord, your God (Deuteronomy 4:4). So behold the order of levels is like this: A boor does not fear sin, etc.; rather he must first study the 613 commandments. Then the study will bring him to action and he will become, one who fears sin. Afterward, when he arrives at this virtue, all of his actions are a ladder to climb to analysis, which is the hidden part [of Torah] and he will merit to behold the pleasantness of the Lord [alluding to Psalms 27:4]. And this is the true wisdom — knowledge of the secrets of the commandments, which are the divine secrets. And it is for this wisdom that he needs to have it preceded by the fear of sin, as it is written, See, fear of the Lord is wisdom (Job 28:28). And then his wisdom will be preserved, and secrets of the Torah will be revealed to him, to be a sage who understands on his own. And this is a matter that we have seen and heard from many pious ones: Before their occupation with divine secrets, they would be examining [their] deeds, confessing their sins, and clothing themselves with the fear of God.

His father answered, “For three days they were feverishly preparing your bedroom. They opened windows on your behalf so that you would have illumination from all four directions. When I saw your place I rejoiced, saying, “Fortunate is your lot … Up until a moment ago the souls of twelve righteous scholars were preparing to come to you. But while they were setting out a voice went out throughout all the worlds, saying, ‘Who are these scholars standing here preparing to meet the soul of Rabbi Yitzchak and to escort it to Gan Eden? Depart and return to your places! For Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai has made a request and it was granted to him.” Not only in this was the power of Rabbi Shimon great. Because the granted to him “seventy” — for the seventy adorned places that are mentioned here are his. And each place leads to seventy worlds, and each world leads to seventy messengers (of God), and each messenger leads to seventy lofty crowns. From there, the paths lead to the obscure Ancient One, so that they could view the lofty sweetness, the One who illuminates and delights all beings. As it says, “To behold the pleasantness of Hashem, and to meditate in His Sanctuary.” What is the meaning of “to meditate in His Sanctuary”? This is what is written: “In my entire House he is trusted.”