Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 12:5

The Big Question

Welcome, everyone, to our exploration of Judaism 101: The Foundations. Today, we're diving into a text that, at first glance, might seem quite complex, but I promise you, it holds profound insights into the human condition and our relationship with the Divine. We're going to be looking at a passage from the Tanya, a foundational work of Chabad Hasidism, specifically Likkutei Amarim, Part I, Chapter 12, verse 5.

Before we even get to the words on the page, let's ask ourselves a big question that this passage grapples with: What does it truly mean to be a "good" person, especially in the eyes of Jewish tradition? Is it simply about never doing bad things? Or is there a deeper, more nuanced understanding of spiritual and moral development?

Many of us, when we think about being good, might picture someone who is always kind, always generous, and who never, ever breaks any rules. We might even think of this person as a saint or a paragon of virtue. But what if the path to spiritual maturity isn't a straight line of unwavering perfection? What if there are different stages, different levels of spiritual attainment, and that even amidst struggles, there is a profound and attainable path?

This is precisely the question that the Tanya, through its concept of the benoni, or "intermediate" person, seeks to illuminate. It challenges our perhaps simplistic notions of good and evil, of saint and sinner. It suggests that there is a vast territory in between, a space where the ongoing internal struggle itself is a sign of spiritual progress.

Over the next 15 minutes, we're going to unpack this idea. We'll explore the rich inner landscape the Tanya describes, the forces at play within us, and how this understanding can shape our own lives and our pursuit of a meaningful Jewish existence. We'll see that the journey isn't always about achieving an absolute state of perfection, but about the conscious effort, the daily choices, and the profound internal battles that define our spiritual path. So, let's prepare to delve into a fascinating perspective on what it means to be human, and how we can strive to live a life connected to something greater.

One Core Concept

The core concept we are exploring today is the Benoni (בֵּינוֹנִי), the "intermediate" person. This is not someone who is mediocre or average in a negative sense. Instead, the benoni represents a spiritual state where the "evil inclination" (yetzer hara) is present but never gains full control to compel one into sin. This person consistently chooses the good, guided by their "divine soul," even while acknowledging and managing the persistent urges of their "animal soul."

Breaking It Down

Let's now dive deeply into the text itself. The passage from the Tanya presents a sophisticated model of the human psyche and its spiritual journey. It introduces us to the concept of the benoni, or the "intermediate" person, and contrasts this with the "wicked" person. This distinction is crucial for understanding the text's core message.

The "Small City" Within

The text begins by describing the benoni as someone 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 "small city" is a powerful metaphor for the human being, the inner self, the totality of our being. It's a contained universe where different forces are constantly at play.

The Two Souls: Divine and Animal

The Tanya posits that within this "small city" reside two primary animating forces, or souls:

• The Divine Soul (Neshamah Elohit): This is the spark of divinity within us, our higher consciousness, our capacity for holiness, for love of God, and for fulfilling mitzvot (commandments). It originates from a holy source and is inherently drawn towards good.
• The Animal Soul (Neshamah Behehamit): This soul is rooted in our physical existence and drives our basic needs, desires, and instincts – for survival, pleasure, and self-gratification. It originates from the kelipah (shell/husks), a spiritual realm of impurity and separation from God.

The "Garments" of the Soul

The text further explains that these souls manifest themselves through "three garments": thought, speech, and act. These are the outward expressions of our inner world.

• When the Animal Soul Dominates: If the animal soul gains the upper hand, its "garments" – its thoughts, words, and actions – will be driven by the kelipah. This means the body is "clothed" in sin, leading to transgression and spiritual defilement. The text explicitly states that the kelipah's garments (thought, speech, act) do not prevail over the divine soul to the extent of "clothing themselves in the body—in the brain, in the mouth, and in the other 248 parts." This means the animal soul's impulses are not successfully translated into sinful actions.
• When the Divine Soul Dominates: In contrast, for the benoni, the "three garments of the divine soul... are implemented in the body, being the thought, speech, and act engaged in the 613 commandments of the Torah." This means their actions, words, and even their thoughts are aligned with holiness and the fulfillment of God's will.

The Defining Characteristic of the Benoni

The text offers a stark definition of the benoni: "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 significant statement. It doesn't mean the benoni has never had a sinful thought or impulse. Rather, it means that these impulses are never acted upon. The benoni has, through conscious effort, achieved a state where the evil inclination never successfully compels them to sin.

The Fluctuating Dominion of the Divine Soul

However, the passage immediately introduces a crucial nuance. The benoni's divine soul does not constantly hold "undisputed sovereignty and sway over the ‘small city.’" This is where the "intermediate" nature comes into play. There are times, particularly during prayer and the recital of the Shema, when the divine soul is in its full glory.

• Times of Spiritual Elevation: During prayer, especially the Shema and the Amidah, the benoni can achieve a state of intense connection with God. The intellect (chabad) is focused on God's greatness, and a "burning love" for God is aroused in the heart. In these moments, the "evil that is in the left part is subjected to, and nullified in, the goodness that is diffused in the right part." The divine soul's power is paramount.
• The Reawakening of the Evil Inclination: But what happens after prayer? The text explains: "after prayer, when the state of sublimity of the Intellect of the En Sof, blessed is He, departs, the evil in the left part reawakens, and he begins to feel a desire for the lusts of the world and its delights." The animal soul, the kelipah, stirs again.

The Power of Restraint

This is where the remarkable strength of the benoni lies. Even though the evil inclination reawakens, it "has not the sole authority and dominion over the ‘city.’" The benoni possesses the innate ability, stemming from the intellect's dominion over the heart, to control these desires.

• Intellect Over Emotion: The text emphasizes the inherent creation of man: "each person may, with the willpower in his brain, restrain himself and control the drive of lust that is in his heart, preventing his heart’s desires from expressing themselves in action, word, or thought." This is the core of the benoni's power – the ability of the intellect to govern the heart's impulses.
• Wisdom Surpasses Folly: This is beautifully illustrated by the quote from Ecclesiastes: "Then I saw that wisdom surpasses folly as light surpasses darkness." Just as light dispels darkness, so too does the wisdom of the divine soul drive away the "folly" of the kelipah.

Why Not a Tzaddik?

Despite this consistent avoidance of sin and the ability to control impulses, the benoni is not considered a tzaddik (righteous person) in the highest sense. The footnote clarifies this: "Though the benoni has never committed a sin in his life, he is still not deemed a tzaddik as long as his natural impulses have not been completely sublimated."

The key difference lies in the "essence and being" of the souls. For the benoni, while the kelipah's influence is managed and prevented from manifesting as sin, its "essence and being... remains entirely undislodged after prayer." The deep-seated desires and inclinations of the animal soul are still present, even if they are not acted upon. For a tzaddik, these impulses are ideally transformed or eliminated.

The Battle of Thoughts

The text further elaborates on the internal struggle, particularly concerning sinful thoughts. The benoni actively rejects and expels any wicked thoughts that arise, refusing to dwell on them. The intellect's power is so strong that it can "thrust it out with both hands." This active rejection is what distinguishes the benoni from someone who might entertain or indulge in sinful thoughts, even if they don't act them out.

Interpersonal Relationships

The principle extends to interpersonal relationships. If feelings of animosity, hatred, jealousy, or anger arise, the benoni does not allow them to take root. Instead, the intellect asserts its authority to act with kindness, love, and even to "repay the offenders with favors," embodying the highest ideals of Jewish ethical conduct.

In essence, the benoni is a person engaged in a constant, conscious internal battle, where wisdom and the divine soul's influence prevail to prevent the animal soul's desires from manifesting as sin. It is a state of active, vigilant self-mastery, even in the face of persistent inner urges.

How We Live This

Understanding the concept of the benoni isn't just an academic exercise; it offers a practical framework for how we can live our lives with greater intention and spiritual awareness. This passage from the Tanya provides us with profound insights that can guide our daily actions and our internal development.

Embracing Imperfection and the Ongoing Struggle

One of the most liberating aspects of the benoni concept is its acknowledgment of the ongoing internal struggle. We don't have to be perfect to be on a righteous path. The benoni is not someone who has eradicated their desires or inclinations; they are someone who actively manages them. This means we can:

• Forgive Ourselves for Imperfect Moments: If we experience an impulse towards something negative, a fleeting thought of jealousy, anger, or a selfish desire, we don't have to despair. The benoni acknowledges these feelings but doesn't let them dictate actions. This understanding allows us to be less self-critical and more focused on our response.
• Recognize the Holiness in the Effort: The effort to control our impulses, to redirect our thoughts, and to choose kindness even when we don't feel like it, is precisely what the benoni embodies. This struggle itself is a form of worship and spiritual growth. Our daily efforts to align our actions with our values, even when it's difficult, are deeply meaningful.

The Power of Conscious Choice and Intentionality

The benoni is defined by their conscious choices. The text highlights the role of intellect in overriding the heart's immediate desires. This teaches us the importance of:

• Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Developing the ability to recognize when an impulse arises is crucial. This requires us to be present in our own minds and hearts, observing our thoughts and feelings without immediate judgment.
• Deliberate Thought and Redirecting Focus: When a negative thought or desire emerges, the benoni actively pushes it away. We can practice this by consciously redirecting our attention. If we find ourselves dwelling on a grievance, we can consciously shift our focus to gratitude or a positive aspiration. If a selfish desire arises, we can consciously think about how to act altruistically.
• The "Willpower in His Brain": This phrase is key. We have the capacity to use our rational minds to govern our emotional and instinctual drives. This isn't about suppressing our feelings entirely, but about guiding them. For example, if we feel anger towards someone, instead of acting out in rage, we can use our intellect to understand the situation, seek a constructive resolution, or even choose to forgive.

Practicing "Garments" of Holiness

The passage emphasizes that the divine soul's "garments" are thought, speech, and act engaged in the 613 commandments. This provides a practical roadmap for aligning our lives with holiness:

• Thought: This means actively engaging our minds in Torah study, contemplation of God's greatness, and positive self-affirmation. When negative thoughts arise, we actively work to "thrust them out with both hands" by replacing them with thoughts of holiness.
• Speech: This involves speaking words that are truthful, kind, constructive, and uplifting. It means refraining from gossip, slander, or harsh criticism. Even when provoked, the benoni strives to respond with grace.
• Act: This is about performing mitzvot, performing acts of kindness (chesed), and living ethically in all our interactions. It means translating our good intentions into tangible actions that benefit ourselves and others.

The Importance of Prayer and Spiritual Moments

The text notes that during prayer, the divine soul's sovereignty is strongest. This highlights the transformative power of dedicated spiritual practice:

• Making Prayer Meaningful: We can strive to approach our prayers with intention and focus, connecting with the ideas and emotions they are meant to evoke. The Shema and Amidah are described as times when we "bind our chabad... to G–d." This means actively engaging our minds and hearts in these sacred moments.
• Carrying the Light Forward: The challenge is to carry the spiritual elevation experienced during prayer into the rest of our day. The benoni's struggle is precisely in bridging the gap between these elevated states and the reawakening of the animal soul. We can do this by consciously recalling the feelings and intentions from our prayers throughout the day.

The Ethical Dimension: Kindness and Love

The example of how the benoni handles interpersonal relationships is particularly instructive. The text states that even when feelings of animosity arise, the benoni actively chooses kindness and love. This teaches us to:

• Actively Cultivate Positive Relationships: We should strive to respond to others with compassion and understanding, even when they have wronged us. This means consciously choosing to act kindly, to offer favors, and to avoid holding grudges.
• Learn from Exemplars: The reference to Joseph forgiving his brothers is a powerful reminder of how to embody these ideals. We can look to the examples of righteous individuals in Jewish tradition and in our own lives for inspiration.

In summary, living as a benoni means embracing the reality of our inner lives, acknowledging both the divine spark and the natural inclinations. It means committing to the ongoing work of self-mastery, using our intellect to guide our actions, and consistently choosing the path of holiness through our thoughts, words, and deeds. It is a path of active engagement, of conscious effort, and of profound spiritual growth.

One Thing to Remember

The single most important takeaway from this passage is that spiritual growth is not about the absence of struggle, but about the consistent, conscious choice to align your actions with your higher values, even when faced with internal challenges. The benoni is defined not by never feeling temptation, but by never succumbing to it, actively using their intellect to govern their impulses and direct their energies towards holiness. Your daily effort in this internal navigation is where your spiritual strength truly lies.