Judaism 101: The Foundations

The "Intermediate" Soul: Navigating the Inner Struggle

The Big Question

Have you ever felt a profound inner conflict, a tug-of-war between what you know is right and the desires that pull you in another direction? Perhaps you've resolved to start a new, healthy habit, only to find yourself struggling with cravings or procrastination. Or maybe you've felt a surge of righteous anger, but then questioned if acting on it would truly be the best course. This internal struggle, this dance between aspiration and inclination, is a deeply human experience. In Judaism, particularly within the mystical tradition known as Chassidut, this inner landscape is explored with remarkable depth. We'll be delving into a foundational concept from the Tanya, a seminal work of Chassidic philosophy, to understand a specific spiritual state. This isn't about achieving instant perfection, but about understanding the journey of growth and the subtle, yet powerful, ways we navigate our spiritual lives. Today, we're going to explore the concept of the benoni, the "intermediate" person, and what their experience can teach us about our own ongoing spiritual development.

One Core Concept

The benoni (intermediate person) is defined by their inability to be overcome by their lower, animalistic impulses. While they may still experience temptations and even fleeting negative thoughts, these never lead to actual sin or define their spiritual identity. Their actions are consistently aligned with the divine soul's pursuit of Torah and Mitzvot (commandments), demonstrating a conscious and consistent effort to elevate their being.

Breaking It Down

The passage we are exploring from the Tanya presents a nuanced picture of the human spiritual condition, focusing on the concept of the benoni, or the "intermediate" person. This isn't about someone who is halfway to being good, but rather someone who has achieved a stable internal equilibrium.

The "Small City" Metaphor

To understand the benoni, we first need to grasp the Tanya's powerful metaphor: the human body as a "small city." Within this city, there are two primary inhabitants or forces: the "animal soul" and the "divine soul." The animal soul, with its desires and impulses, is associated with the kelipah (shell or husk), representing the material and ego-driven aspects of our being. The divine soul, on the other hand, is our spiritual core, yearning for connection with the Divine.

The "Garments" of the Soul

The Tanya explains that these souls manifest through "garments" of thought, speech, and action. The animal soul, originating from the kelipah, seeks to clothe itself in these garments to express its desires. The divine soul, conversely, uses these same garments to engage with the 613 commandments of the Torah.

The Defining Characteristic of the Benoni

The benoni is characterized by the fact that the animal soul's impulses never gain enough power to fully "clothe" themselves in the body's faculties – the brain (thought), mouth (speech), and limbs (action) – to the point of causing sin. This means that while the benoni may think about something inappropriate or feel a negative inclination, these never translate into actual wrongdoing. Their actions are consistently aligned with the divine soul's engagement with Torah and Mitzvot. The text emphasizes that such a person has never committed a transgression and cannot even be labeled "wicked," even momentarily.

The Fluctuating Inner State

However, the Tanya clarifies that the benoni's inner state isn't one of constant, unyielding spiritual dominance. The divine soul's "ten faculties" don't always hold undisputed sway over the "small city." There are specific, propitious times, like during prayer (reciting the Shema or Amidah), when the intellect is heightened and the connection to the Divine is strongest. During these moments, the divine soul’s faculties are fully engaged, and the negative impulses are suppressed. The text describes this as the "supernal intellect" being in a "sublime state," leading to a "burning love" for God and a deep meditation on His greatness.

The Reawakening of the Animal Soul

Crucially, after these periods of intense spiritual connection, the elevated state of consciousness can depart. The animal soul then reawakens. The benoni might begin to feel desires for worldly pleasures or experience negative emotions like anger or jealousy. However, the critical distinction is that these desires and emotions, while present, do not take over the "city." They remain as internal stirrings, but they are prevented from being actualized through deed, speech, or even persistent, dwelling thought that leads to sin.

The Power of Intellect Over Emotion

The Tanya explains that this control is rooted in the innate structure of human creation, where intellect (wisdom) is designed to rule over emotion (heart). Even when negative thoughts arise, the benoni's intellect, drawing on their inherent connection to holiness, has the power to reject them. The text uses the verse from Ecclesiastes, "wisdom surpasses folly as light surpasses darkness," to illustrate this. Just as a little light can banish a great deal of darkness, so too can the wisdom of the divine soul expel the "folly" of the kelipah.

The Distinction from the Tzaddik

It's important to note that the benoni is still not considered a tzaddik (righteous person) in the highest sense. While the benoni consistently acts righteously, the essence of the animal soul's inclinations may not be entirely eradicated or sublimated. The divine soul's superiority is primarily in its ability to control the outward expression of these inclinations and to direct thought and action towards holiness. The text states that the benoni's "burning love of God is not in a revealed state in his heart... but is only inwardly paved with hidden love." This suggests an ongoing internal struggle, albeit one where the individual consistently prevails in their actions.

Navigating Sinful Thoughts and Interpersonal Relationships

The passage further elaborates on how the benoni navigates these internal challenges. Even if sinful thoughts arise, the benoni actively pushes them away, refusing to dwell on them. The same applies to interpersonal relationships. If feelings of animosity, jealousy, or anger arise, the benoni uses their willpower to counteract these emotions and actively chooses to act with kindness, love, and even generosity towards others, drawing inspiration from figures like Joseph in the Torah.

How We Live This

Understanding the concept of the benoni isn't just an intellectual exercise; it offers practical guidance for our own spiritual journeys.

Recognizing the Inner Struggle

The first step is to acknowledge that the inner struggle is a normal part of spiritual growth. The benoni's experience shows us that even with strong positive inclinations, negative impulses can still arise. Instead of feeling discouraged by these moments, we can see them as opportunities to exercise our spiritual muscles, much like the benoni does.

The Power of Conscious Choice

The benoni is defined by their consistent choice to align their actions with their divine soul, even when their animal soul tugs them in another direction. This highlights the importance of conscious decision-making in our daily lives. When faced with temptation or a negative urge, we have the power to choose how we respond. This might involve actively redirecting our thoughts, choosing a constructive action, or refraining from a harmful one.

Cultivating the "Garments" of Holiness

Just as the animal soul seeks to manifest through thought, speech, and action, so too can we intentionally use these "garments" to express our divine soul. This means actively engaging in Torah study, practicing mindful speech, and performing Mitzvot (commandments) with intention and love. These actions build our spiritual strength and reinforce our commitment to holiness.

The Role of Prayer and Reflection

The Tanya points to prayer as a time of heightened spiritual connection. Regularly engaging in prayer and personal reflection can help us connect with our divine soul and strengthen our resolve. These moments can serve as a powerful reminder of our spiritual aspirations and provide the energy to navigate challenges in our daily lives.

Practicing Kindness and Love in Relationships

The example of the benoni in interpersonal relations is a potent reminder. Even when we experience negative emotions towards others, we can choose to respond with kindness and love. This might involve making an effort to understand another's perspective, offering forgiveness, or actively seeking to do good for them, even when it's difficult. This actively counteracts the negative impulses and builds positive spiritual momentum.

One Thing to Remember

The benoni is not defined by the absence of temptation, but by the consistent victory of their divine soul over their animalistic impulses, resulting in actions always aligned with goodness and holiness. This empowers us to recognize our own potential for consistent positive action, even amidst inner challenges.