Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 12:10

Shalom, my friend, and welcome to our little learning adventure! So glad you're here.

Have you ever felt caught in the middle? Like, you're not a perfect saint floating on a cloud of goodness, but you're definitely not a villain plotting world domination either? Most of us are somewhere in between, right? We have good intentions, we try our best, but sometimes our inner impulses, those little voices in our head (or rumblings in our stomach, or urges in our heart!), steer us off course. It's a very human experience to want to be a better version of ourselves, to live up to our ideals, but to constantly feel this tug-of-war inside. You might wonder, "Am I good enough? Am I doing it right? Is there a path for people like me who aren't flawlessly righteous but are genuinely trying?"

If you've ever felt that internal struggle – the desire to be patient versus the urge to snap, the aspiration to eat healthily versus the craving for that extra slice of cake, the wish to be kind versus the whisper of a judgmental thought – then today's lesson is for you. We're going to dive into a truly revolutionary idea from Jewish wisdom that speaks directly to this very common human condition. It offers a powerful framework for understanding our inner world, our potential for growth, and how we can navigate that constant internal chatter. It's about finding strength not in the absence of temptation, but in the power to overcome it. Get ready to explore a path that acknowledges your struggles but celebrates your victories, no matter how small they seem. We're going to meet a concept that might just change how you see your own spiritual journey – and yourself!

Context

Let's set the stage a bit for our deep dive today. Imagine you're about to read a special guide, a kind of instruction manual for your soul. That's essentially what the book Tanya is for many of us.

• Who: The Tanya was written by a remarkable spiritual master named Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (lee-AH-dee), who lived in Eastern Europe in the late 1700s and early 1800s. He was a brilliant scholar, a profound mystic, and a compassionate leader, often called the "Alter Rebbe" (meaning "the Old Rebbe" or "the first Rebbe"). He founded the Chabad branch of Hasidism, a vibrant movement within Judaism that focuses on bringing a deep, mystical understanding of G-d and the soul into everyday life. Think of him as a spiritual doctor who wrote a prescription for how to live a more G-dly and fulfilling life. He saw people struggling with their inner worlds and wanted to give them practical tools.
• When: He wrote the Tanya over many years, starting in the late 18th century. This was a time of great spiritual searching and intellectual change in the Jewish world. Many people felt disconnected from the ancient wisdom, or found it too abstract. Rabbi Shneur Zalman wanted to make the profound, often hidden, teachings of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) accessible to everyone. He didn't want these powerful insights to remain locked away; he wanted them to become a part of every person's daily experience. So, he penned this book as a clear, step-by-step guide for self-discovery and spiritual growth, designed for the "average Joe" (or "average Shmuel," as it were!).
• Where: The ideas in Tanya emerged from the intellectual and spiritual ferment of Eastern European Jewish communities, but its message is truly universal. It speaks to the human condition, to our shared struggles and aspirations, regardless of our background or location. It's a text that travels with you, wherever you are in your life. It takes deep, complex ideas about the soul, G-d, and the universe, and boils them down into practical, actionable advice for living a more meaningful existence. It’s like a spiritual gym membership for your inner self, offering exercises to strengthen your soul's muscles.
• What is it? The Tanya is often called the "Written Torah of Chabad Hasidism," or even "an owner's manual for the soul." It's not just a philosophy book; it's a guide to transforming yourself from the inside out. It explains the nature of our souls – yes, we have two! – and how they interact. It delves into the constant battle between our higher, G-dly soul and our lower, animal soul. And it gives us strategies for winning that battle, or at least for staying in the game!

One of the most important concepts Tanya introduces, and the one we're focusing on today, is the Benoni. This is our key term, and it's a game-changer.

Benoni: An "intermediate person" who always struggles with bad impulses but always wins.

Now, when you hear "intermediate," you might think "average" or "mediocre," like someone who's half good and half, well, not so good. But the Tanya's definition of a Benoni is radically different. A Benoni is not someone who sometimes sins and sometimes does good deeds. Quite the opposite! The Benoni is a person who never commits a sin, not even a tiny one, in thought, speech, or action. But here's the kicker: they still feel the temptation to sin. They still feel the pull of their lower, animalistic desires. The difference is, they always, always choose to resist and channel their energy towards good.

Think of it like this: Imagine a superhero who always stops the villain. The villain shows up every single day, with a new dastardly plan, but our superhero always thwarts them. The villain never goes away, but they never win. That's the Benoni. They're constantly fighting an internal battle, but they have a perfect track record of victory. They are always in control of their actions, speech, and even their willing thoughts. This concept is incredibly empowering because it shows that spiritual greatness isn't necessarily about never feeling bad urges, but about mastering them consistently. It means that the struggle itself, when met with resolute choice, is part of the path to profound spiritual achievement. It's about consistent effort and unwavering commitment to doing the right thing, even when your heart or body is urging you elsewhere.

So, when we talk about the Benoni, we're talking about someone who has learned to effectively manage their inner world, ensuring that their actions, words, and deliberate thoughts are always aligned with G-dliness, even if the internal cravings and temptations are still very much alive and kicking. It's a high bar, yes, but it’s presented as an attainable goal for every person.

Text Snapshot

Here's a little peek at the wisdom we're exploring today from the Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 12:10 (you can find the full text here: https://www.sefaria.org/Tanya%2C_Part_I%3B_Likkutei_Amarim_12%3A10):

The benoni (intermediate) is he in whom evil never attains enough power to capture the “small city,” so as to clothe itself in the body and make it sin. That is to say, the three “garments” of the animal soul, namely, thought, speech, and act... do not prevail within him over the divine soul to the extent of clothing themselves in the body... thereby causing them to sin... He has never committed, nor ever will commit, any transgression; neither can the name “wicked” be applied to him even temporarily, or even for a moment, throughout his life.

However, the essence and being of the divine soul... do not constantly hold undisputed sovereignty and sway over the “small city,” except at appropriate times, such as during the recital of the Shema or the Amidah...

However, after prayer... the evil in the left part reawakens, and he begins to feel a desire for the lusts of the world and its delights. Yet, because the evil has not the sole authority and dominion over the “city,” it is unable to carry out this desire from the potential into the actual by clothing itself in the bodily limbs, in deed, speech, and persistent thought... because the brain rules over the heart...

Close Reading

Alright, let's roll up our sleeves and really dig into this text. It's packed with profound insights, and we're going to unpack a few key takeaways that can genuinely help us in our daily lives. Think of this as getting a special lens to view your own inner world.

Insight 1: The Benoni is Defined by Action (and Deliberate Thought), Not by the Absence of Temptation

The very first lines of our text drop a bombshell: "The benoni (intermediate) is he in whom evil never attains enough power to capture the 'small city,' so as to clothe itself in the body and make it sin." This is a radical idea. It's not saying the Benoni doesn't feel temptation. Oh no, quite the opposite! The text later clarifies that "the evil in the left part reawakens, and he begins to feel a desire for the lusts of the world and its delights." The key isn't that the desire vanishes, but that it never gets to "capture the 'small city'" – meaning, our body and mind – to actually make us sin.

Let's break this down further. The Tanya introduces the concept of two souls within us: a "divine soul" (our higher, G-dly self, yearning for good) and an "animal soul" (our lower, self-centered self, driven by physical desires and impulses). These two souls are constantly vying for control of our "small city," which is our body and its faculties – our brain (for thought), our mouth (for speech), and our other limbs (for action). The text calls these "the three 'garments' of the animal soul: namely, thought, speech, and act." These are the ways our inner desires express themselves outwardly.

The Benoni is someone where the animal soul's "garments" never manage to "clothe themselves in the body" to commit an actual transgression. This means:

• Action: They never physically do something forbidden, G-d forbid.
• Speech: They never say something forbidden (like gossip, slander, or harsh words).
• Thought: And this is a subtle but critical point – they never willingly entertain a sinful or negative thought.

The text is explicit: "He has never committed, nor ever will commit, any transgression; neither can the name 'wicked' be applied to him even temporarily, or even for a moment, throughout his life." This is a very high standard! It means the Benoni might feel a surge of anger, but they won't yell. They might crave something unhealthy, but they won't eat it if it's forbidden or excessive. They might have a fleeting negative thought about someone, but they immediately "thrusts it out with both hands and averts his mind from it the instant he reminds himself that it is an evil thought, refusing to accept it willingly."

Think of it like this: You might be driving, and someone cuts you off, and for a split second, a fiery thought of anger or a harsh word flashes through your mind. For the Benoni, that flash happens, but it's immediately identified and dismissed. It doesn't get to settle down and become a "willing thought," and certainly not a spoken word or an aggressive action. It's like a pop-up ad on your mental screen – you see it, but you immediately click "X" and close it without engaging. The struggle is real, but the victory is consistent. The Benoni constantly wins the internal battle, even if the enemy (the animal soul) keeps showing up.

This insight offers immense encouragement. It tells us that spiritual growth isn't about eradicating negative impulses (which might be the work of a Tzaddik, a truly righteous person, a level beyond the Benoni). Instead, it's about developing the unwavering strength to control those impulses, to ensure they never translate into actual negative expression. It means that the mere presence of a temptation or a fleeting bad thought doesn't make you "bad"; it's what you do with it that counts. This is a path open to everyone who is willing to put in the effort. It shifts the focus from "I shouldn't feel this" to "I can choose what to do with this feeling." It validates the internal struggle while empowering us to emerge victorious.

Insight 2: The Brain Rules the Heart – The Power of Intellect Over Emotion

This is perhaps one of the most foundational and empowering teachings of Tanya, deeply embedded in our text: "because the brain rules over the heart... by virtue of its innately created nature. For this is how man is created from birth, that each person may, with the willpower in his brain, restrain himself and control the drive of lust that is in his heart..." This idea, that our intellect can inherently guide and even subdue our emotions, is a cornerstone of the Benoni's ability to consistently choose good.

Let's unpack this "brain rules the heart" concept. The "brain" here refers to our intellectual faculties – our wisdom, understanding, and knowledge (in Hebrew, these are Chochmah, Binah, Da'at, often abbreviated as ChaBaD, the very name of the Hasidic movement). The "heart" represents our emotional faculties – our love, hate, fear, desire, anger, etc. Many philosophies might suggest that emotions are primary, or that we are often slaves to our passions. But the Tanya asserts a radical truth: we are designed with the capacity for our intellect to be the master, and our emotions to be the servants.

Consider this: you might feel a strong urge to do something impulsive or unhealthy. But your brain (your intellect) knows the long-term consequences, understands the moral implications, or recalls a deeper truth. According to Tanya, your brain has the inherent power to say "no" to that urge, to divert your attention, and to choose a different path. It's not just about suppressing the emotion; it's about actively engaging your higher faculties to gain control. The text even quotes Ecclesiastes: "Then I saw that wisdom surpasses folly as light surpasses darkness." Just as a small candle can banish a lot of darkness, a little bit of clear, G-dly wisdom in your brain can dispel a lot of emotional "folly" or negative impulses arising from the animal soul.

The text beautifully illustrates this with the example of prayer: "However, the essence and being of the divine soul... do not constantly hold undisputed sovereignty and sway over the 'small city,' except at appropriate times, such as during the recital of the Shema or the Amidah..." These are intense moments of spiritual connection during Jewish prayer. The Shema (sh'MAH) is a declaration of G-d's unity, a core Jewish prayer. The Amidah (ah-mee-DAH) is the central silent standing prayer. During these times, we consciously bind our intellectual faculties (Chabad) "to G-d, to meditate deeply on the greatness of the En Sof, blessed is He." En Sof (Ein SOF) simply means "Endless One," referring to G-d's infinite nature. By focusing our minds on G-d's infinite greatness and arousing "burning love" for Him, we temporarily subjugate our animal soul. The evil in our "left part" (where the animal soul often resides) is "subjected to, and nullified in, the goodness that is diffused in the right part."

But here's the crucial follow-up: "However, after prayer... the evil in the left part reawakens, and he begins to feel a desire for the lusts of the world and its delights." So, the temporary "nullification" doesn't last. The animal soul comes back to life. Yet, the Benoni still prevails! Why? Because the impression of that powerful intellectual engagement during prayer leaves a lasting mark. The "brain rules the heart" principle kicks in. Even when desires reawaken, the intellect, strengthened by its connection to G-d, maintains "dominion over the 'city.'" It prevents the desire from translating into action, speech, or persistent, willing thought.

Consider a practical example: you're having a tough day at work, and you feel a wave of frustration or anger building up. Your "heart" (emotions) might scream, "Yell at that person! Send that angry email!" But your "brain" (intellect), remembering a lesson about patience, or the importance of kindness, or simply the long-term benefit of maintaining good relationships, steps in. It reminds you of your deeper values. It asserts its authority. And even though the anger might still be felt, your brain helps you choose a different response: to breathe, to pause, to speak gently, or to address the situation calmly. The wisdom of your intellect, strengthened by your spiritual practices, gives you the power to override the raw emotional surge. It's not about being emotionless; it's about being emotionally intelligent and spiritually directed.

Insight 3: The Ongoing Struggle and the Redirection of Energy

Our text makes it abundantly clear that the Benoni's journey is one of constant struggle, not a state of effortless serenity. The animal soul doesn't disappear; it merely loses the battle. "However, the essence and being of the animal soul from the kelipah in the left part remains entirely undislodged after prayer." Kelipah (k'LEE-pah) means "shell" or "husk," and it refers to the spiritual forces that conceal G-dliness and give rise to evil and negativity. So, the "shell" is still there, tempting and prodding.

This perspective is incredibly liberating because it validates our own experiences. If we still feel temptations, it doesn't mean we're failing. It means we're human, and we're engaged in the spiritual work of a Benoni. The goal isn't to never feel the pull of negativity; it's to ensure that pull never leads to negative action, speech, or willing thought.

The text provides a beautiful and challenging example in interpersonal relationships: "as soon as there rises from his heart to his mind some animosity or hatred, G-d forbid, or jealousy or anger, or a grudge and suchlike, he gives them no entrance into his mind and will." Again, notice the initial rise of the negative emotion. It's acknowledged. But the Benoni doesn't let it in. What does he do instead? "On the contrary, his mind exercises its authority and power over the spirit in his heart to do the very opposite and to conduct himself toward his neighbor with the quality of kindness and a display of abundant love, to the extent of suffering from him to the extreme limits without becoming provoked into anger, G-d forbid, or to revenge in kind, G-d forbid; but rather to repay the offenders with favors, as taught in the Zohar... that one should learn from the example of Joseph toward his brothers."

This is powerful. It's not just about not acting negatively; it's about actively choosing to do the opposite. When anger rises, the Benoni chooses kindness. When resentment surfaces, they choose love. This isn't easy, but it's presented as the consistent practice of the Benoni. The example of Joseph (from the Bible, Genesis chapters 37-50) is perfect: his brothers sold him into slavery, causing him immense suffering. Yet, when he later became powerful in Egypt, he not only forgave them but actively provided for them and showed them profound love and compassion. This is the ultimate act of "repaying offenders with favors."

This constant redirection of energy is key. The energy of the animal soul isn't destroyed (that's the work of a Tzaddik); it's simply prevented from expressing itself negatively and, ideally, is channeled into positive, G-dly acts. The "three garments" (thought, speech, and action) that could have been used for the animal soul's desires are instead used for "the 613 commandments of the Torah." Mitzvot (mitz-VOTE) are divine commandments or good deeds that Jews are enjoined to perform, literally "connections" to G-d. So, instead of thinking about how to get revenge, the Benoni thinks about how to do a mitzvah. Instead of speaking gossip, they speak words of Torah or encouragement. Instead of acting selfishly, they perform an act of kindness.

This insight teaches us that spiritual life is an active, dynamic process. It's like having a garden: you'll always have weeds (negative impulses) trying to sprout. The Benoni is the gardener who consistently pulls those weeds the moment they appear and diligently plants beautiful flowers (good deeds, kind thoughts) in their place. It's a never-ending job, but it's one that leads to a consistently beautiful and productive garden. The struggle is not a sign of failure, but a testament to your ongoing commitment and your active engagement with your spiritual self. By continually choosing G-dly thought, speech, and action, even in the face of temptation, we strengthen our divine soul and fulfill our purpose.

Apply It

Alright, my friend, this is where the rubber meets the road! We've learned some deep concepts about the Benoni and the power of our intellect. Now, how do we bring this into our real, messy, wonderful lives? Let's try a simple, powerful practice for the coming week. We're going to call it "The 60-Second Benoni Brain-Over-Heart Check-In." This is a tiny, doable exercise that you can sprinkle throughout your day, and it builds directly on the Tanya's wisdom that your brain can rule your heart.

The goal isn't to be perfect, but to start building that spiritual muscle, to practice noticing your impulses and consciously engaging your higher self. Remember, the Benoni doesn't stop feeling the urges; they just always win the battle. We're going to practice winning those little battles.

Here’s the step-by-step for your 60-second practice:

Step 1: Acknowledge the Impulse (10-15 seconds)

This is the very first, crucial step. When you feel an emotional surge, a craving, an urge, or a negative thought popping up – notice it. Don't judge it, don't immediately try to suppress it. Just acknowledge its presence. This is the "evil in the left part reawakens" moment that the Tanya describes.

• How it feels: Maybe you feel a wave of impatience when someone is talking too slowly. Or a craving for an unhealthy snack. Or a judgmental thought about a stranger. Or an urge to procrastinate on something important.
• What to do: Internally say to yourself (or even just think): "Oh, there's that feeling of impatience." Or "I'm noticing a strong craving for chocolate." Or "A critical thought just popped up about that person." The key is to detach slightly and simply observe, rather than immediately becoming identified with the impulse. You are the observer, not the impulse itself. This brief pause creates a tiny space between the impulse and your reaction. It's like seeing a notification on your phone; you don't have to immediately open the app.

Step 2: Engage Your Brain (30-35 seconds)

Now, this is where your brain steps in to rule the heart! Once you've acknowledged the impulse, pause. Take a deep breath if you like. Then, consciously ask your higher self, your divine soul, your intellect: "What would my higher self want me to do/think/say right now? What is the wise, kind, G-dly response in this situation?"

• What to do:
  • Recall a value: Think of a Jewish value, a mitzvah, or just a universal principle that resonates with your higher self. (e.g., "Kindness," "Patience," "Gratitude," "Responsibility," "Honor G-d's creation," "Love your neighbor").
  • Connect to G-d: Briefly remember that G-d is present in this moment, and that your actions, speech, and thoughts are an opportunity to connect with Him. "What would bring more G-dliness into this moment?"
  • Consider the long-term: Instead of the immediate gratification or reaction, what is the best outcome for your soul, for your relationships, for your well-being in the long run?
  • Example: If it's impatience, your brain might say: "Patience is a virtue; this person deserves my full attention." If it's a craving, your brain might remind you: "My body is a vessel for my soul; I should nourish it with healthy choices." If it's a judgmental thought, your brain might prompt: "Every person is created in G-d's image; I should look for the good in them."

This isn't about shaming yourself; it's about empowering yourself. You're consciously choosing to let your wisdom and your connection to G-d guide you, rather than being swept away by a fleeting emotion. This is the "wisdom surpasses folly" principle in action!

Step 3: Choose Your "Garment" (10-15 seconds)

Finally, having engaged your brain, make a conscious choice about your next thought, word, or action. This is about actively putting on the "garment" of the divine soul instead of the animal soul.

• What to do:
  • Redirect your thought: If it was a negative thought, actively shift your mental focus to something positive or productive. Think of a blessing, a prayer, or something you're grateful for. Or simply choose to stop dwelling on the negative thought.
  • Choose your words: If you were about to snap, choose to speak gently, or to not speak at all for a moment. If you were about to gossip, choose to say something positive about the person, or redirect the conversation.
  • Choose your action: If you were about to give in to a craving, choose to take a small step in the opposite direction – drink a glass of water, step away from the kitchen, engage in a different activity. If you were about to procrastinate, choose to do just one small, easy part of the task right now.

Why 60 seconds? Because it's quick! You can do this numerous times a day without it feeling like a huge burden. It's like doing a quick spiritual push-up. The more you do it, the stronger that "brain rules heart" muscle becomes.

Remember: This is a practice, not a test. You won't always succeed perfectly, and that's okay. The act of trying, of pausing, of engaging your higher self – that's the victory. Each time you engage in this 60-second check-in, you're living out the spirit of the Benoni, strengthening your divine soul, and bringing more G-dliness into your world. You're actively choosing to be the master of your "small city."

Chevruta Mini

Alright, my dear friend, now it's time for a little "chevruta" (chav-ROO-tah) session! A chevruta is a traditional Jewish learning partnership, a friendly space where we discuss ideas, ask questions, and learn from each other. There's no right or wrong answer here, just an opportunity to explore these powerful concepts together.

So, grab a friend, a family member, or even just your journal, and let's ponder these questions inspired by our lesson today.

Question 1: Taming the Inner Beast (or Just Guiding It!)

The Tanya teaches us that the Benoni still feels desires and temptations ("the evil in the left part reawakens"), but they never let these feelings translate into actual negative actions, speech, or willing thoughts. It's about consistently winning that inner battle.

• Think about a time in your life when you felt a strong, perhaps challenging, inner urge or impulse (it could be anything – anger, a craving, an urge to procrastinate, a critical thought about someone, a desire to say something you later regretted). What was that urge? And what was your experience of either giving in to it, or more importantly, managing to steer your "inner city" in a different, more positive direction? What helped you make that shift?

• Some thoughts to guide your discussion: Was it hard to resist? What did it feel like in your body or mind? Did you consciously think about a value or a consequence, or did it feel more intuitive? What was the outcome of your choice? How might understanding the Benoni (that the feeling itself isn't a failure, but the action is what matters) change how you view these kinds of inner struggles in the future? Do you think it's possible for everyone to consistently "win" these battles, even if the temptation is always there?

Question 2: The Brain as Your Inner GPS

Our text emphasizes the revolutionary idea that "the brain rules over the heart" – that our intellect has an inherent power to guide and control our emotions and impulses. It's about using our wisdom and knowledge to direct our inner world.

• How do you see your own intellect (your wisdom, understanding, and knowledge – your personal 'Chabad') empowering you to navigate emotional challenges or impulses in your daily life? Where do you feel this 'muscle' of intellectual control is strongest for you? And where might it need a bit more 'training' or conscious engagement?

• Some thoughts to guide your discussion: Can you recall specific situations where your rational mind helped you overcome an emotional reaction? For example, knowing the importance of patience helped you not snap, or understanding a situation from another's perspective helped you move past anger. What practices or habits (like learning, reflection, prayer, mindfulness, or even just pausing to think) do you find help strengthen this connection between your brain and your heart? Are there certain areas of your life where emotions tend to override your intellect more easily, and how might you apply the "brain rules the heart" principle there?

Remember, the goal of chevruta is to explore, to listen, and to share. There's so much we can learn from each other's experiences as we journey towards becoming more like that steadfast Benoni!

Takeaway

The journey of the benoni teaches us that true spiritual mastery isn't about never feeling temptation, but about consistently choosing to let our higher wisdom guide our actions, words, and thoughts toward goodness.