Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 13:1

Hook

The air hangs heavy, a tender ache in the chest, a longing for something just beyond reach. It is the quiet hum of existence, a subtle dissonance that whispers of the internal tug-of-war. This is the mood of the benoni, the intermediate soul, navigating the intricate landscape of the human heart. Today, we turn to the profound teachings of the Tanya, specifically Likkutei Amarim, chapter 13, to find a spiritual resonance, a musical key that unlocks understanding. We are not seeking a simple answer, but a pathway, a melody that can hold the complexity of our inner lives. This ancient wisdom, through the lens of song, offers us a profound tool for emotional regulation, a way to attune ourselves to the subtle currents within. We will explore how music, in its purest form, can become a sacred space for processing these internal dialogues, for finding solace and strength amidst the ongoing conversation between our higher and lower selves. Prepare to listen, not just with your ears, but with your whole being, as we discover how a sacred melody can become a balm, a guide, and an affirmation of our inherent capacity for connection and growth. This journey is about embracing the full spectrum of our experience, acknowledging the shadows as well as the light, and finding a rhythm that can sustain us.

Text Snapshot

"intermediate people are judged by both," for it is written, “When He stands at the right of the destitute to deliver him from the judges of his soul.” Note that they did not say “ruled” by both, G–d forbid, because where the evil nature gains any control and dominion over the “small city,” even though but temporarily, one is at such times deemed “wicked." The evil nature [in the benoni], however, is no more than, for example, a magistrate or judge who gives his opinion on a point of law, yet it is not necessarily a final decision to be implemented in deed, for there is another magistrate or judge who is contesting this opinion.

The imagery here is potent, painting a vivid internal landscape. We see the "small city" – our very being – as a place of contention, where "judges" of the soul engage in a spirited debate. The "evil nature" is personified as a magistrate, offering its legalistic pronouncements, its arguments for worldly pleasures. But this is met by a "second judge," the "divine soul," residing in the brain, extending its influence to the heart. The conflict is framed not as an absolute surrender, but as a contested opinion, a legal brief that can be challenged. This dynamic is echoed in the sound of the words themselves: "judges" (plural), suggesting a court of internal deliberation; "control and dominion," implying a struggle for authority; "opinion," a voice that can be heard but not necessarily obeyed. The contrast between the temporary "control and dominion" of the evil nature and the enduring presence of the divine soul is a sonic and semantic tension that resonates deeply. The very notion of being "ruled" versus offering an "opinion" is crucial, suggesting that the power lies not in the pronouncement, but in the ultimate decision, the arbitration. This is where the divine light, the "glow radiated by the Divine light," enters, illuminating the divine soul, allowing it to gain the "upper hand and mastery." The sounds of this passage evoke a sense of internal debate, of competing voices vying for influence, and the eventual hope of illumination and mastery.

Close Reading

Insight 1: The Contested Courtroom of the Heart

The Tanya presents a powerful metaphor for the internal life of the benoni, the intermediate soul, likening it to a courtroom where two opposing forces, the divine soul and the animal soul, constantly vie for dominance. This imagery is not merely descriptive; it is a profound tool for emotional regulation. By conceptualizing our inner struggles as a legal debate rather than an inherent flaw, we create a crucial distance between ourselves and our impulses. When the "evil nature" (the animal soul) offers its "opinion on a point of law" – be it the desire for immediate gratification, the urge to succumb to anger, or the whisper of self-doubt – it is not presented as an unassailable truth or a definitive ruling. Instead, it is framed as an argument, a perspective that can be challenged and debated. This reframing is vital. It acknowledges the presence and power of these impulses without equating them with our core identity. We are not inherently "evil" simply because these thoughts and desires arise. The text explicitly states, "they did not say 'ruled' by both, G–d forbid." This distinction is critical. It means that even when the animal soul gains temporary "control and dominion," leading to actions that might be considered "wicked," the individual is not irrevocably defined by those moments.

The concept of the animal soul as a "magistrate or judge" is particularly illuminating for emotional regulation. Magistrates are bound by legal precedent and can be overruled. Their pronouncements are subject to appeal and review. This suggests that our own internal "magistrate" of desire and impulse is not the ultimate authority. There is a higher court, a more profound judge, within us: the divine soul. This divine soul, dwelling in the "brain" and extending its influence to the "right part of the heart," acts as a counter-counsel, a voice of wisdom and higher purpose. The process described is one of internal arbitration. The animal soul presents its case, driven by the craving for "pleasures of this world." It argues for immediate satisfaction, for the pursuit of sensory delights and ego-driven desires. This argument, however, is not left unchallenged. The divine soul, empowered by contemplation of God's greatness, intervenes. It offers a counter-argument, a perspective grounded in eternal truth and spiritual aspirations. The Tanya highlights that this struggle is not about the complete annihilation of the animal soul in the benoni, but about its subjugation and redirection. The animal soul's "opinion" is heard, its arguments are considered, but they are ultimately subject to the "final verdict" that rests with the arbitrator – God, who aids the divine soul.

This internal arbitration process is the very essence of emotional regulation. When we feel overwhelmed by anger, for instance, we can recognize this as the "magistrate" of the animal soul presenting its case for retribution. Instead of immediately acting on this impulse, we can engage the "second judge," the divine soul. This might involve taking a moment to breathe, to contemplate the consequences of our actions, to remember our higher values, or to pray for clarity. The Tanya encourages us to see these impulses not as intrinsic evils that condemn us, but as arguments that need to be weighed and balanced. The "evil nature" is "no more than... a magistrate or judge who gives his opinion." This phrase is a lifeline. It implies that these opinions, while potent, are not definitive. They are subject to review, to a higher court of conscience and divine guidance. The crucial insight here is that the power of these impulses lies in our identification with them. When we see ourselves as solely defined by our desires and reactions, we are indeed "ruled" by them. But when we recognize that these are merely "opinions" within a larger internal dialogue, we reclaim our agency. We become the arbitrator, empowered by the divine light that "illuminates the divine soul, that it may gain the upper hand and mastery." This understanding fosters resilience, allowing us to navigate difficult emotions without being consumed by them, knowing that an internal process of arbitration is always at play.

Insight 2: The "Wicked" Benoni and the Embrace of Imperfection

The Tanya's assertion that a benoni, despite their efforts, might be considered "wicked" in their own eyes, and the subsequent explanation, offers a profound and liberating perspective on emotional regulation, particularly concerning self-judgment and the acceptance of imperfection. This teaching directly counters the insidious voice of perfectionism that often plagues our inner lives, fueling anxiety and self-recrimination. The text explains that the benoni is likened to a "wicked man" not because they are inherently evil, but because the "evil in the [heart's] left part... is in its innate strength, craving after all the pleasures of this world, not having been nullified in its minuteness in relation to the good, nor having been relegated from its position to any degree." This means that even when the divine soul is actively engaged and influencing our actions, the raw, unmitigated power of the animal soul's desires remains present. It is dormant, perhaps, or restrained, but not eradicated. This is the core of the benoni's ongoing struggle.

The key to understanding this apparent paradox lies in the phrase, "Even if the whole world tells you that you are righteous, in your own eyes regard yourself as if you were wicked." This is not an endorsement of self-deprecation or a call to embrace negativity. Instead, it is a directive towards radical self-awareness and humility. The world's opinion, the external validation, can be misleading. It might see our outward actions, our adherence to commandments, our moments of spiritual fervor, and declare us righteous. However, the benoni is instructed to look inward, to acknowledge the persistent presence of the animal soul in its "full strength and might." This internal confrontation with our own potential for wrongdoing is not meant to paralyze us, but to keep us grounded and vigilant. It is a safeguard against spiritual complacency. If we believe we have fully conquered our lower nature, we become vulnerable to its subtle resurgence. By regarding ourselves "as if" wicked, we maintain a healthy tension, a constant awareness of the need for vigilance and continued effort.

This perspective on self-perception is crucial for emotional regulation because it allows us to hold contradictory truths simultaneously. We can be engaged in acts of great kindness and spiritual devotion, and simultaneously acknowledge the latent potential for selfishness or anger that still resides within us. This is not hypocrisy; it is a nuanced understanding of the human condition. The benoni is not a perfected being, but a striving one. The Tanya teaches that "nothing of it has ceased or departed; on the contrary, with the passing of time it has gained strength, because the man has indulged it considerably, in eating and drinking and other mundane pursuits." This admission of potential growth in the animal soul, even for those aspiring to holiness, is incredibly freeing. It means that moments of weakness or falling short are not catastrophic failures, but rather evidence of the ongoing nature of the struggle. Instead of spiraling into shame or despair when we stumble, we can acknowledge it as a sign that the animal soul is still potent, and that our efforts to engage the divine soul must continue.

The Tanya further clarifies that this internal strength of the animal soul does not mean that our good deeds are in vain. "Even one whose whole aspiration is in G–d’s Torah... this is still no proof whatsoever that the evil has been dislodged from its place, but it may still be that its essence and substance are in their full strength and might... except that its garments—the thought, speech, and act of the animal soul—are not invested in the brain, mouth, and hands." This is a remarkable insight: the internal essence of the animal soul can remain potent, but its outward manifestation can be controlled. This is the triumph of the divine soul, which "has given the mind supremacy and dominion over the heart." This dominion is what allows for the "thought, speech, and act of the 613 commandments of the Torah." Therefore, even if the raw desire remains, the capacity to channel our actions towards holiness is paramount.

For emotional regulation, this means that we can feel a surge of desire, a flicker of envy, or a wave of frustration, and still choose to act in accordance with our higher values. The "wickedness" we perceive in ourselves is not the act itself, but the unacknowledged, unmitigated presence of the impulse. By acknowledging it, by seeing it as a dormant force that requires constant vigilance, we prevent it from gaining uncontrolled dominion. The instruction to regard oneself "as if" wicked is a practice of mindful self-observation, a constant checking-in with our internal state without succumbing to self-condemnation. It is the practice of seeing the potential for darkness without allowing it to define the light. This understanding fosters a deep sense of self-compassion, recognizing that the journey is long and requires continuous effort, and that progress is measured not by the absence of struggle, but by the persistent engagement with our divine potential. This is the true essence of the benoni's path: a constant, humble, and vigilant striving.

Melody Cue

The benoni's internal world, as described in the Tanya, is one of profound internal dialogue, a delicate balance between competing spiritual and material inclinations. Music, with its capacity to hold complexity and nuance, can serve as a powerful accompaniment to this inner experience. For the benoni, who is constantly arbitrating between their divine and animal souls, a melody that embodies this dynamic is needed – something that can simultaneously acknowledge the struggle and affirm the underlying divine spark.

For Contemplation and Arbitration

When the internal debate feels most intense, when the animal soul is presenting its strongest arguments for worldly pleasures, and the divine soul is seeking to assert its wisdom, a melody that moves with a sense of deliberation and gentle persistence is called for. Imagine a niggun in a minor key, but not one of despair. Think of a melody that begins with a hesitant, searching quality, perhaps a series of ascending phrases that reach for something higher, only to be met by a grounding, slightly melancholic descent. This would mirror the push and pull between the two souls. The niggun could feature a recurring motif, a simple, almost questioning phrase that repeats, allowing the listener to internalize the ongoing nature of the arbitration. The tempo would be slow, allowing space for each note to resonate, to represent a moment of internal reflection. The vocalization would be soft, almost whispered, reflecting the internal nature of the dialogue. This niggun would not resolve quickly, but would instead offer a sense of ongoing engagement, a musical representation of the soul’s continuous effort to choose the divine path. The musical structure might mimic the Tanya's description of the animal soul's "opinion" being challenged by the divine soul. One phrase represents the animal soul's argument, perhaps more grounded and rhythmic, followed by a more ethereal, soaring phrase from the divine soul, with a brief moment of dissonance in between, representing the tension before the arbitration. The overall feeling would be one of earnest seeking, a gentle but firm insistence on the spiritual dimension.

For Moments of Divine Connection and Strength

There are also moments, particularly during prayer and spiritual contemplation, when the divine soul gains ascendancy. For these instances, a melody that conveys a sense of radiant warmth and inner strength is appropriate. This could be a niggun in a major key, with a flowing, lyrical quality. Think of a melody that begins with a simple, heartfelt expression of devotion, then gradually builds in intensity, with wider melodic leaps and a more robust rhythmic pulse. This ascent would represent the divine soul gaining mastery, its love for God manifesting in a "flaming love." The vocalization here would be clearer and more sustained, filled with a sense of awe and gratitude. The melody could incorporate moments of ecstatic expression, perhaps a series of rapid, joyful arpeggios, followed by a return to a more grounded, steady rhythm, symbolizing the integration of this spiritual experience into daily life. This niggun would aim to capture the feeling of "G–d stands at the right of the destitute," a sense of divine aid and empowerment. It would be a melody that, once learned, can be readily recalled during challenging times, a musical reminder of the soul's inherent connection to the Divine and its capacity for strength.

For Embracing the "Wicked" Self with Compassion

Finally, for the practice of regarding oneself "as if" wicked, with humility and self-awareness, a melody that is both grounding and slightly mournful, yet ultimately hopeful, is required. This might be a niggun with a more somber harmonic progression, perhaps incorporating suspensions that resolve gently. The melody could be characterized by a steady, almost march-like rhythm, reflecting the ongoing, deliberate nature of self-examination. Yet, within this solemnity, there would be moments of unexpected sweetness, like a passing chord that hints at redemption. The vocalization might begin with a sigh-like quality, acknowledging the weight of the internal struggle, but then transition into a more resolute, though still quiet, tone. This niggun would serve as a musical companion for the practice of self-acceptance, acknowledging the full spectrum of our inner being, the light and the shadow, without judgment. It would be a melody that allows for the honest recognition of our limitations while simultaneously affirming our inherent worth and the continuous possibility of growth. The overall impression would be one of profound empathy for the human condition, a musical embrace of our complex and evolving selves.

Practice

The Inner Courtroom Ritual: A 60-Second Sing/Read Practice

This practice is designed to be a brief, yet potent, ritual to engage with the internal arbitration described in the Tanya. You can do this at home, during your commute, or any moment you need to center yourself. The goal is to recognize the competing voices within and to consciously invite the divine light to guide your inner court.

Phase 1: The Opening Statement (15 seconds)

• Action: Close your eyes gently. Take a deep, cleansing breath. As you exhale, begin to hum a simple, single note. This note represents your core essence, the divine spark within. Let it be a steady, grounding sound.
• Internal Dialogue: Silently acknowledge the presence of both your divine soul and your animal soul. You are the arbitrator.

Phase 2: The Magistrate's Opinion (20 seconds)

• Action: While maintaining the humming note, or letting it fade slightly, gently bring to mind a current internal conflict or a desire that is pulling you. This is the "magistrate's opinion." Do not judge it, simply acknowledge it. If a specific thought or feeling arises – an impulse, a worry, a craving – allow it to be present.
• Musical Cue: If you are comfortable, you can very softly introduce a slightly more complex, perhaps a bit more insistent, melodic fragment that represents this impulse. It could be a short, repeating phrase. For example, if it's a desire for distraction, the phrase might be quick and restless. If it's a feeling of frustration, it might be more angular.
• Internal Dialogue: "I hear the opinion of the desire for [mention the desire/impulse]. I acknowledge its presence and its argument for [mention what it argues for]."

Phase 3: The Divine Counsel and Arbitration (25 seconds)

• Action: Now, consciously shift your focus. Bring to mind the presence of your divine soul. If it helps, recall a moment of peace, clarity, or love. Begin to sing or gently chant a simple, ascending phrase. This phrase is your appeal to the higher wisdom within. It is the "second judge" speaking.
• Musical Cue: This phrase should be distinct from the previous one. Imagine it as a gentle, upward movement. It could be a simple three or four-note pattern that rises. For instance, a simple "Ah-eh-ee" or "Ooh-aah-ooh." The intention is to create a sense of reaching upwards, towards light and truth.
• Internal Dialogue: Silently, or with very soft spoken words, say: "And I invite the wisdom of my divine soul to illuminate this moment. I ask for clarity and strength to choose the path of truth."
• The Arbitration: As you hold this ascending phrase, allow it to naturally resolve back into your initial grounding hum, or a gentle, sustained note of peace. This is the arbitration – the integration of the divine counsel into your present reality. The tension between the two "opinions" resolves into a quiet understanding, a choice made from a place of higher awareness.

Phase 4: The Closing Affirmation (10 seconds)

• Action: Take one last deep breath. As you exhale, feel a sense of calm acceptance. Open your eyes gently.
• Internal Dialogue: "The court is adjourned. The divine light guides my actions."

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Expanded Ritual: The Music of the Inner Court

This extended ritual invites a deeper engagement with the Tanya's teachings, transforming a brief moment into a more immersive experience of inner harmony. This can be done in a quiet space for approximately 10-15 minutes.

Part 1: Attuning to the Ground Note (3 minutes)

• Setting the Sacred Space: Find a comfortable position, seated or standing, where you can remain undisturbed. Close your eyes and take several deep, slow breaths. With each exhale, consciously release any tension you are holding in your body. Imagine your breath as a gentle wave washing over you, clearing the mental and emotional landscape.
• The Divine Spark: Begin to hum a single, resonant note. This note is your connection to the divine spark within, the unchanging essence of your soul. Let it be a sound that feels natural and grounding to you. Hold this note for as long as you comfortably can. As you sustain it, feel its vibration within your chest and throughout your being. This is the foundation upon which all other internal dialogues will take place.
• Internal Witness: Silently acknowledge yourself as the observer, the witness to the unfolding internal drama. You are not just one of the voices; you are the space in which they both exist and are heard.

Part 2: Hearing the Magistrate's Case (4 minutes)

• Inviting the Impulse: Gently bring to mind a current internal challenge or a recurring impulse. This could be a temptation, a fear, a frustration, or a desire that feels particularly strong. Do not judge it; simply allow it to surface. Imagine it as a distinct voice, a magistrate presenting its case in the internal courtroom.
• Musical Representation: If you have a melody in mind for this impulse (perhaps the hesitant, questioning niggun described earlier, or a fragment that feels representative), gently hum or sing it. If no specific melody comes, simply focus on the feeling of the impulse. What is its texture? Is it sharp and insistent? Is it smooth and seductive? Is it heavy and oppressive?
• Articulating the Argument: Silently or softly vocalize the essence of the "magistrate's" argument. What is it asking for? What is its justification? For example, if it's an impulse towards procrastination, the argument might be: "You're tired. You deserve a break. It's not urgent. You can do it later." If it's an impulse towards anger, it might be: "They wronged you. You have every right to be furious. They need to be put in their place."
• Acknowledging the Dominion: As you give voice to this impulse, allow yourself to feel its pull. Notice where you feel it in your body. This is the temporary "control and dominion" the Tanya speaks of. Acknowledge its power without succumbing to it.

Part 3: The Divine Counsel and the Arbitration (5 minutes)

• Inviting the Higher Wisdom: Now, consciously shift your focus. Turn your attention towards the presence of your divine soul. Recall moments of profound peace, clarity, love, or spiritual connection. If you have a melody for this (like the flowing, lyrical niggun in a major key), begin to sing it gently.
• Musical Counter-Argument: Let this melody be a gentle but firm counterpoint to the previous impulse. It doesn't negate the other voice, but offers a higher perspective. This is the divine soul presenting its case for wisdom, for love, for truth. If you don't have a melody, hum a simple, ascending phrase, as described in the 60-second practice, focusing on the feeling of aspiration and connection.
• The Articulation of Truth: Silently or softly vocalize the essence of the divine counsel. What does this higher wisdom suggest? For the procrastinator, it might be: "There is purpose in this moment. Completing this task brings a sense of accomplishment and aligns with my values." For the angry individual: "True strength lies in compassion and understanding. Reacting with anger will only create more suffering."
• The Act of Arbitration: As you hold both the awareness of the impulse and the voice of divine counsel, bring them into a space of internal arbitration. You are the one who ultimately decides. This is where you consciously choose to integrate the divine perspective. Imagine the two melodies, or the two feelings, existing side-by-side for a moment, perhaps creating a rich, complex harmony, or a moment of gentle dissonance. Then, allow the melody of the divine counsel to gently lead, guiding the impulse towards a more constructive expression. This is not about suppression, but about redirection. The "final verdict" is a conscious choice informed by higher wisdom.
• Musical Resolution: As you feel this arbitration taking place, allow the music to gently resolve. This might mean returning to your grounding hum, or singing a new, simple melody that signifies peace and integration. The resolution should feel earned, a sense of inner order being restored.

Part 4: Embracing the Fullness of Being (3 minutes)

• The "As If" Practice: Now, gently bring to mind the teaching about regarding oneself "as if" wicked, not as actually wicked. This is an invitation to self-compassion and radical honesty. Acknowledge the persistent presence of the animal soul's desires, not as condemnation, but as a testament to the ongoing journey of growth.
• Melody of Compassionate Witness: If you have the niggun for embracing imperfection, sing it now. If not, hum a melody that feels grounding and accepting, perhaps one that has a slightly mournful but ultimately hopeful quality. This melody acknowledges the struggle without judgment. It embraces the complexity of your inner world.
• Internal Affirmation: Silently or softly affirm: "I acknowledge the presence of all parts of myself, the light and the shadow. I choose to walk with awareness and compassion, guided by the divine light within."
• Integration: Take a few more deep breaths, feeling the integration of these different aspects of yourself. Know that this internal court is always in session, and you have the capacity to be a wise and compassionate arbitrator.

Part 5: Opening the Eyes (1 minute)

• Returning to the World: Gently begin to wiggle your fingers and toes. Feel the contact of your body with the surface beneath you. When you are ready, slowly open your eyes. Carry this sense of inner attunement and wisdom into your day.

Takeaway

The Tanya, through the lens of music, offers us a profound insight into the human condition: we are not defined by the transient stirrings of our desires, but by our capacity to engage in a constant, sacred arbitration. The "intermediate person" is not one who has eliminated struggle, but one who has learned to navigate it with awareness, inviting the divine light to illuminate the inner courtroom. Music becomes our ally in this endeavor, providing a sonic landscape where these internal dialogues can unfold, where discord can find harmony, and where the persistent pull of the material world can be met with the unwavering strength of the spirit. The takeaway is this: in every moment of internal conflict, we have the power to pause, to listen to the competing voices, and to consciously choose to invite divine wisdom to guide our actions. This is not a destination, but a practice – a continuous song of self-awareness, compassion, and spiritual striving. The melody of our lives is written in this ongoing dance between acknowledging the impulse and embracing the divine counsel, a testament to the beautiful, resilient, and ever-evolving nature of the soul.