Reading about Adam in the Garden of Eden, I came across an argument regarding whether the evil inclination in the Garden of Eden was internal or external for Adam. Could you please explain what that means and what your opinion is on this matter?
Thank you for your time,
Yosef
Dear Yosef,
The vilna gaon, rabbi Eliyahu Kramer of Vilna, 1720-1797, one of the most influential Rabbinic figures since the Middle Ages, wrote on this topic in Even Shelaima. In commenting about how it was possible for Adam and Eve to sin if the evil inclination hadn't fully be incorporated within humankind, he insists that indeed they did have an evil inclination. However, since they were fashioned from the "Hand of God," their God-consciousness was so strong that it was axiomatic they would do the correct thing. As long as their inner-voice and spiritual essence radiated, it subdued any outside influences that may challenge this level of connection.
The primordial snake turned out to be just the agent to stimulate the notion of rebellion, ignite a spark of doubt in the divine command to refrain from eating of the Tree of Knowledge, and from the moment they imbibed in that forbidden fruit, their "eyes were opened." From now on the possibility for allowing external stimuli to penetrate their inner-core of the soul's sanctity and disturb their cleaving to God was activated. Humankind is constantly being tested with how much light their souls (inner essence) can muster to dispel the darkness associated with the myriad temptations of the world, which every moment attempts to suppress the sublime luster of that soul.
Hope this is of some help to understand this fascinating episode embedded in out holy Torah.
Dear Rav Parry,
Dear Yosef, 
