Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 12:7

Welcome

This passage from the Tanya, a foundational text in Chabad philosophy, offers a profound perspective on the human condition and the journey of spiritual growth. For Jewish people, it provides a framework for understanding their inner lives and striving for a deeper connection with the Divine. It speaks to the universal human experience of navigating internal struggles and seeking to live a life aligned with one's highest values.

Context

Who, When, and Where

The Tanya was written by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812) in Eastern Europe. It is considered a seminal work of Chabad Hasidism, a branch of Jewish mysticism. This particular passage, Likkutei Amarim 12:7, delves into the psychological and spiritual makeup of a particular type of individual.

Key Term: Benoni

• Benoni (pronounced ben-OH-nee): In the context of the Tanya, this term refers to an "intermediate" person. They are not yet a fully righteous individual (tzaddik), but they also are not characterized as wicked. It describes someone who is actively engaged in managing their internal struggles.

The Inner Landscape

This section of the Tanya describes the internal battleground within a person. It uses the metaphor of a "small city" to represent the human being, with different parts of the soul and body representing its inhabitants and structures. The core of the teaching is about how these internal forces interact and how a person can navigate them.

Text Snapshot

This text describes an individual, termed the benoni, who is in a constant state of internal balance. While desires for worldly pleasures may arise, the benoni's intellect and innate connection to the Divine are strong enough to prevent these desires from leading to outward actions of sin. This individual consistently chooses to align their thoughts, speech, and actions with ethical and spiritual principles, even when faced with temptations. They are characterized by a deep, though sometimes hidden, love for the Divine and a commitment to channeling their energies towards positive pursuits.

Values Lens

The Value of Self-Mastery and Conscious Choice

One of the most prominent values elevated in this text is the profound importance of self-mastery. The passage meticulously details the internal landscape of a person, portraying it as a dynamic arena where different impulses and desires contend for influence. The benoni is defined not by the absence of desires or temptations, but by their ability to manage them. This isn't about suppressing natural urges entirely, but about developing the capacity to choose how to respond to them. The text describes the "evil" in the "left part" (representing negative inclinations) and the "divine soul" in the "right part" (representing positive inclinations). The benoni is the one who, even when the "evil" reawakens after moments of spiritual elevation, possesses the inner strength to prevent it from "clothing itself in the body" and leading to sin. This implies a deep belief in human agency – the power of the will, particularly guided by intellect, to steer actions and thoughts. It suggests that true spiritual maturity lies not in an unbroken streak of perfect behavior, but in the consistent, conscious effort to align oneself with one's highest intentions, even in the face of internal conflict. This resonates with the universal human aspiration to be the master of one's own destiny, to rise above base instincts, and to make deliberate choices that reflect one's values. The emphasis on the intellect ("wisdom surpasses folly") highlights the role of thoughtful consideration and rational decision-making in this process of self-mastery. It's about engaging one's mind to understand the consequences of actions and to discern the path that leads towards greater good. This value speaks to the ongoing human effort to cultivate discipline, to resist immediate gratification for long-term well-being, and to develop the resilience to overcome momentary lapses in judgment or control. It underscores the idea that our character is built not just by what we achieve, but by how we navigate our internal struggles and the consistent choices we make in the quiet moments of our lives.

The Value of the Divine Connection and Its Expression

Another deeply embedded value is the significance of maintaining a conscious connection with the Divine, and how this connection is meant to be expressed in our lives. The text speaks of the "divine soul" and its "ten faculties" that are meant to hold sway. It highlights specific times, like prayer, when this connection is particularly heightened. During these times, the "burning love" for the Divine is meant to be aroused, leading to a desire to "cleave to Him." This cleaving isn't an abstract spiritual state; it's concretely linked to the fulfillment of the Torah and its commandments, not out of obligation, but out of love. The benoni's struggle, even after these moments of intense connection, is to prevent the reawakening of worldly desires from completely derailing this commitment. The text explains that even when the "evil" reawakens, the benoni doesn't act on sinful thoughts or desires because of the enduring, albeit sometimes hidden, influence of the Divine soul. This suggests that the Divine connection isn't just about personal feeling; it's a source of strength that informs our actions, our speech, and even our thought processes. The idea that "wisdom that is in the divine soul... desire[s] to rule alone" points to an innate longing for goodness and order that originates from a higher source. The text emphasizes that this connection is meant to permeate all aspects of life – "thought, speech, and act" – and to be directed towards the "613 commandments of the Torah." This implies that the Divine is not separate from earthly life, but is intimately involved in the practicalities of human existence. For the benoni, the challenge is to ensure that this internal Divine connection actively shapes their outward behavior, even when the immediate allure of worldly pleasures tries to pull them away. This value speaks to the human desire for meaning and purpose, for a connection to something larger than oneself. It highlights the belief that this connection is not merely an emotional experience, but a guiding force that can inspire ethical conduct, foster compassion, and imbue everyday actions with a sense of sacredness. The continuous effort to align one's life with this Divine connection, even amidst challenges, underscores its enduring importance in shaping a life of integrity and spiritual depth.

The Value of Inner Dialogue and the Mind-Heart Connection

A third crucial value illuminated is the power of inner dialogue and the relationship between the mind and the heart. The passage repeatedly refers to the "brain" (intellect) and the "heart" (emotions and desires) as distinct but interconnected centers of experience. The benoni's strength lies in the intellect's ability to exert control over the heart's impulses. The text explicitly states that "the brain rules over the heart" by virtue of its "innately created nature." This isn't a simplistic view of suppressing emotions, but a sophisticated understanding of how to channel them constructively. When negative emotions like animosity or anger rise in the heart, the benoni is described as actively preventing them from entering the mind and influencing decisions. Instead, the mind exercises its authority to "do the very opposite" – to cultivate kindness and love towards one's neighbor. This demonstrates a profound belief in the mind's capacity to shape emotional responses and guide behavior, rather than being passively ruled by them. The phrase "he thrusts it out with both hands and averts his mind from it the instant he reminds himself that it is an evil thought" vividly illustrates this active engagement. It's a process of self-awareness and conscious redirection. The contrast with the "wicked fool" who "willfully indulges in such thoughts" highlights the critical distinction: the benoni does not willingly entertain or dwell on negative thoughts. This internal conversation, this constant vigilance and redirection, is presented as a fundamental aspect of spiritual discipline. It suggests that our inner world is not static, but is constantly being shaped by the dialogue we have with ourselves. This value speaks to the universal human experience of wrestling with our thoughts and feelings, and the desire to cultivate a more positive and constructive inner life. It resonates with the understanding that our internal mental and emotional states have a direct impact on our actions and our relationships. The emphasis on the mind's ability to temper and guide emotions offers a hopeful perspective on human potential, suggesting that we can, through conscious effort and introspection, cultivate greater emotional regulation, empathy, and ethical behavior. It underscores the idea that our inner dialogue is a powerful tool for personal growth and for building more harmonious relationships with others.

Everyday Bridge

Cultivating Mindful Responses to Impulses

The concept of the benoni can be understood through the lens of cultivating mindful responses to our impulses. Imagine a moment when you feel a surge of frustration or a sudden craving for something unhealthy. The benoni's approach isn't to deny the feeling or the craving, but to recognize it without immediately acting on it. This might involve pausing for a moment, taking a deep breath, and acknowledging the impulse without judgment. Instead of automatically reacting, you can then consciously choose a different path. This could mean consciously redirecting your thoughts towards something positive, like thinking about how to approach a challenging situation constructively, or choosing a healthier alternative to the craving. It's about creating a small space between the impulse and the action, and using that space to make a deliberate, value-aligned choice. For instance, if you feel a pang of jealousy towards a friend's success, instead of letting that feeling fester and lead to resentment, you can acknowledge it internally and then consciously choose to focus on celebrating their achievement and wishing them well. This practice of mindful observation and conscious redirection, even in small everyday moments, mirrors the internal discipline described in the Tanya.

Conversation Starter

Asking About Internal Balance

If you have a Jewish friend with whom you feel comfortable discussing these topics, you might consider asking them about their personal journey with these ideas. Here are a couple of kindly phrased questions:

• "I was reading about this concept of an 'intermediate' person, the benoni, who constantly works to balance inner desires with their values. Does that idea resonate with you at all in terms of your own spiritual or personal growth journey?"
• "The text talks about the mind having power over the heart's impulses. I'm curious, how do you personally navigate those moments when you feel a strong urge that might not align with your deeper intentions?"

Takeaway

The Tanya's exploration of the benoni offers a profound insight into the ongoing human endeavor of self-mastery and spiritual growth. It teaches that true progress lies not in the absence of internal conflict, but in the conscious, deliberate effort to align our thoughts, speech, and actions with our highest values, even when faced with temptation. This journey is fueled by a connection to something greater than ourselves, a connection that guides us towards wisdom, kindness, and a life of purpose.