Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 13:11

Welcome

Welcome, curious and respectful friends, to a glimpse into a profound Jewish text. This particular passage offers a deep dive into the human condition, resonating with anyone who strives to live a life of intention and integrity. For many Jews, these ancient words offer timeless wisdom on navigating our inner world and our path towards personal growth, providing a roadmap for understanding our internal landscape and how to cultivate a more meaningful existence. It’s a text that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human, grappling with the complexities of our own desires and aspirations.

Context

This text comes from a foundational work of Jewish mystical thought, designed to make complex spiritual concepts accessible to a wider audience. It represents a unique blend of philosophy, psychology, and ethics, rooted in ancient traditions but presented in a way that feels remarkably relevant to modern inner challenges.

Who Wrote It?

The author is Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, a towering figure in Jewish spirituality who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Eastern Europe. He was not just a scholar but a profound spiritual leader, known for his wisdom and compassion. He founded a particular branch of Jewish mysticism, known as Chabad, which emphasizes intellect and understanding as pathways to a deeper connection with the Divine. Unlike earlier mystical traditions that were often esoteric and hidden, Rabbi Shneur Zalman sought to make these profound truths understandable and applicable to everyone, transforming abstract ideas into practical guidance. His aim was to provide a systematic, rational guide for spiritual growth, distilling profound Kabbalistic (Jewish mystical) ideas into a usable framework for everyday life, enabling individuals to not just feel but truly understand their spiritual journey. His teachings continue to inspire millions globally, offering clarity and encouragement on the path of self-refinement.

What is "Tanya"?

The book this passage is from is called Tanya. It's not a storybook or a collection of laws, but rather a spiritual handbook—think of it as a detailed instruction manual for understanding your soul and living a more purposeful, G-d-centered life. It's considered a classic for its systematic approach to human psychology and ethics from a Jewish perspective, offering deep insights into the internal workings of the human being and how to navigate the challenges of self-improvement. The book is structured like a conversation, guiding the reader through an exploration of the soul's different faculties, its internal struggles, and how to cultivate a consistent connection with one's higher self and the Divine. It’s a text that countless individuals study regularly, seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their spiritual journey, and finding practical advice for transforming their character and actions.

What is a "Benoni"?

In this text, a key term is "Benoni" (pronounced beh-NOH-nee), which means "intermediate person." This isn't a judgment of someone's worth, but a precise description of a specific spiritual state, a benchmark on the spiritual path. A Benoni is someone who, at all times, has control over their actions, speech, and thoughts, ensuring they align with good and ethical intentions. They consistently choose to do what is right and don't succumb to negative impulses, even when those impulses are very present. However, and this is crucial, the internal struggle is still very much alive within them; they feel the pull of self-serving desires, laziness, anger, or other inclinations that might lead them astray. The Benoni is someone who actively and consistently overcomes these internal challenges, making conscious choices for good, even while the inclination towards less noble choices persists internally. It's a state of constant, active choice and vigilance, distinct from someone who has completely transformed or eradicated their negative inclinations to the point where they no longer feel them at all. The Benoni's greatness lies in this continuous, conscious battle and victory in the realm of action, thought, and speech.

Text Snapshot

This passage from Tanya delves into the internal world of the "intermediate person," describing the constant, conscious battle between our higher aspirations and our self-serving impulses. It likens this inner conflict to two "judges" in the heart—one for good, one for self-interest—with the ultimate victory achieved through consistent effort and, crucially, a spiritual strength that comes from beyond ourselves. It emphasizes that true spiritual growth is an ongoing journey of humility and constant striving.

Values Lens

This profound text from Tanya offers a window into universal human experiences, focusing on the internal landscape that shapes our lives. It doesn’t just describe a Jewish spiritual path; it illuminates principles that resonate across cultures and beliefs, speaking to anyone who has ever wrestled with their own inner world. Let's explore three core values this passage elevates: the universal inner dialogue, the journey of constant striving, and finding strength beyond oneself.

The Universal Inner Dialogue: Navigating Our Inner Voices

At the heart of this text is the vivid portrayal of an internal conversation, a constant dialogue within each of us. The text describes this as two "judges" within the "small city" of our being, one representing our higher, more altruistic inclinations (what it calls the "divine soul" or "good nature"), and the other representing our more self-serving, immediate desires (the "evil nature" or "animal soul"). This isn't unique to any one religion; it's a fundamental aspect of the human condition.

Think about moments in your own life when you've felt this internal pull. Perhaps you're faced with a choice: to speak a kind word or a sarcastic one, to help a struggling colleague or focus solely on your own tasks, to stick to a healthy habit or indulge in an instant gratification. In these moments, it often feels like there are different voices or impulses competing for your attention. One voice might urge patience, generosity, or long-term well-being, while another might whisper of comfort, anger, or immediate pleasure.

The Tanya doesn't suggest that one of these voices is inherently "bad" in a moral sense, but rather that they represent different priorities. The "evil nature" isn't necessarily about malicious intent; it's often about the drive for personal comfort, survival, or self-preservation that, if unchecked, can lead to selfishness or short-sightedness. It's the part of us that craves "all the pleasures of this world"—food, drink, ease, recognition. The "divine soul," on the other hand, is oriented towards connection, purpose, compassion, and a broader sense of good.

What the text illuminates is that this isn't a battle of good against evil in the sense of a demon fighting an angel. Rather, it's a dynamic interplay, a kind of internal arbitration. The self-serving impulse might "state its opinion" in the heart, suggesting an action or a thought. But immediately, the higher part of the self—the "divine soul in the brain," associated with intellect and wisdom—challenges this opinion. It's like having a passionate advocate for immediate desires and a wise, rational counselor who considers the bigger picture and long-term consequences.

This internal dialogue is a sign of our capacity for choice and self-awareness. If we were simply driven by instinct, there would be no dialogue, no internal arbitration. Our ability to pause, reflect, and choose a path different from our initial impulse is what makes us truly human. The text encourages us to become intimately familiar with these internal voices, to recognize their origins and their arguments, and to understand that we are not merely passive recipients of our thoughts and feelings, but active participants in shaping our responses. By acknowledging this ongoing inner conversation, we can begin to consciously engage with it, empowering our higher faculties to guide our decisions. This self-awareness is the first step toward greater self-mastery and living a more aligned life.

The Journey of Constant Striving: Humility and Unending Growth

A core message of the Tanya in this passage is that spiritual and personal growth is not a destination, but an unending journey. This is powerfully encapsulated in the concept of the "Benoni," the intermediate person. Unlike the "Tzaddik" (a truly righteous person who has completely transformed their inner inclinations), the Benoni still experiences the full force of their self-serving desires. The key difference is that they never act on them. They maintain complete control over their thoughts, words, and actions, consistently choosing good, even while the internal "craving" persists.

This distinction is crucial for anyone seeking to improve themselves. It offers a realistic and empathetic perspective on personal growth. Often, we might feel discouraged if we still experience negative thoughts or desires, even after striving for positive change. We might think, "If I'm really growing, shouldn't these feelings just disappear?" The Tanya suggests that for most people, the internal inclinations might never fully vanish. The victory lies not in the absence of the struggle, but in the unwavering commitment to overcome it.

This understanding fosters immense humility. The text explicitly states that even if the whole world considers you righteous, you should "in your own eyes regard yourself as if you were wicked." This isn't about self-deprecation or wallowing in guilt. Instead, it's a powerful tool for maintaining vigilance and preventing complacency. If we believe we have fully conquered our inner challenges, we become vulnerable. We might let our guard down, assuming we are beyond temptation or flaw. By holding ourselves to a high standard, by recognizing that the "evil nature" is still present and potent "in its full strength and might, in the left part, as from birth," we remain humble, alert, and committed to continued effort.

Imagine an athlete who has achieved a high level of skill. If they believe they've mastered everything, they might stop training, leading to a decline in their performance. But if they maintain a humble perspective, always seeing room for improvement, always acknowledging potential weaknesses, they will continue to train rigorously, striving for even greater excellence. Similarly, the Benoni's approach is one of continuous practice and self-assessment. They understand that their internal strength requires constant cultivation, like a muscle that needs regular exercise.

This perspective challenges the idea that spiritual growth is about reaching a static, perfect state. Instead, it's about the dynamic process of striving, falling, getting back up, and consistently choosing the higher path. The "love of G-d" that the Benoni experiences, particularly during prayer, is described as powerful but temporary, something that needs to be "reawaken[ed] constantly." This means that even profound spiritual experiences are not permanent fixes but moments of intensified connection that must be nurtured and re-engaged with daily.

The concept of the Benoni, therefore, provides a compassionate yet demanding framework for self-improvement. It tells us it's okay if the struggle is still there, as long as we are consistently engaging in it and choosing wisely. It teaches us the profound value of humility, not as a weakness, but as a source of enduring strength and a catalyst for unending growth. It reminds us that the journey itself, with all its internal battles and victories, is precisely where true character is forged.

Finding Strength Beyond Oneself: The Power of Connection and Support

Perhaps one of the most comforting and empowering insights from this text is the recognition that we don't have to face our internal struggles entirely alone. The passage introduces the concept of an "arbitrator"—"the Holy One, blessed is He"—who "comes to the aid of the good nature." This idea is echoed in the teaching, "If the Holy One, blessed is He, did not help him, he could not overcome his evil inclination." This doesn't mean we are passive recipients of divine intervention, but rather that there's a profound, transcendent source of strength available to us, especially when we actively strive for good.

In our modern, often individualistic societies, there's a strong emphasis on self-reliance and personal achievement. We're encouraged to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, to overcome challenges through sheer willpower. While personal effort is undeniably important, the Tanya offers a complementary perspective: that there are limits to our own strength, and that acknowledging and tapping into a greater source of power can be transformative.

This "Divine light" or "help" isn't necessarily a miraculous intervention that removes all difficulties. Instead, it can be understood as an inner illumination, a heightened clarity, a surge of motivation, or a renewed sense of purpose that strengthens our "divine soul" to "gain the upper hand and mastery over the folly of the fool and evil nature." It's like a battery being recharged, or a faint light being amplified so that it can overcome the darkness. When we feel overwhelmed by our self-serving impulses or by the sheer effort of consistent striving, the belief in this external (or transcendent internal) assistance can provide the necessary push.

Think of it in practical terms:

• A sense of purpose: Believing in a higher power or a greater good can infuse our actions with profound meaning, making it easier to choose the difficult, righteous path over the easy, self-indulgent one. When our actions are connected to something larger than ourselves, our resolve strengthens.
• Inner peace and resilience: Knowing that we are not entirely alone in our struggles, that there is a benevolent force supporting our efforts, can reduce anxiety and increase our capacity to bounce back from setbacks. It fosters a sense of trust and hope.
• Humility in strength: This concept also reinforces humility. While we must exert our utmost effort, the ultimate victory is not solely due to our own might. This prevents arrogance and keeps us open to continuous learning and growth. It reminds us that our strength is not innate but often derived from something beyond us.
• Inspiration and courage: The thought of a Divine helper can inspire us to attempt feats of self-control or kindness that we might otherwise deem impossible. It provides the courage to face daunting internal battles.

This doesn't mean we just sit back and wait for help. The text explicitly talks about the "divine soul in the intellect rules over the 'small city' " and making conscious efforts. The help comes by means of the glow radiated by the Divine light, which illuminates the divine soul that it may gain the upper hand. This implies an active partnership: we engage our intellect, we strive with all our might, and in doing so, we open ourselves up to receiving that extra boost, that transcendent energy that tips the scales in favor of our higher self. It's a profound teaching that combines intense personal responsibility with an acknowledgment of spiritual grace, offering a balanced and hopeful path for anyone striving for personal excellence and moral clarity. It reminds us that while the journey is ours, we are supported by an unseen hand, making the seemingly impossible task of self-mastery truly attainable.

Everyday Bridge

The wisdom in this ancient Jewish text, particularly its insights into the "intermediate person" and the internal struggle, offers powerful, actionable perspectives that anyone, regardless of their background, can relate to and integrate into their daily life. It’s about building a bridge between profound spiritual concepts and our common human experiences, finding universal truths in a specific tradition.

One way a non-Jewish person might respectfully relate to and practice the essence of this text is through Conscious Self-Observation and Intentional Choice.

This practice involves two key components:

1. Cultivating Mindful Self-Observation: Becoming Aware of Your "Inner Judges"

The Tanya describes two internal "judges" or "natures" constantly giving their opinions within us. For a non-Jewish person, this can be understood as simply becoming more aware of the different impulses, thoughts, and desires that arise within your mind and heart throughout the day. It's about recognizing the subtle (or not-so-subtle) tug-of-war between:

• The impulse for immediate gratification vs. long-term well-being: Do I scroll endlessly on my phone, or do I engage in a meaningful activity? Do I eat something unhealthy because it feels good now, or choose a healthier option for my future self?
• Self-interest vs. generosity/empathy: When someone needs help, is my first thought about the inconvenience to myself, or about how I can genuinely assist them? When faced with a decision, do I prioritize only my own gain, or consider the impact on others?
• Comfort vs. growth: Do I avoid a challenging conversation or task because it's uncomfortable, or do I lean into the discomfort for personal growth or to resolve an issue?
• Reactivity vs. thoughtful response: When someone annoys you, is your first impulse to react impulsively with anger or criticism, or can you pause and choose a more measured, compassionate response?

To practice this, you don't need to adopt specific religious terminology. Simply observe. Throughout your day, take brief moments to check in with yourself. Notice the initial thought or feeling that arises in a given situation. Then, notice if there's a different, perhaps quieter, voice or impulse that suggests an alternative—a more patient, kind, responsible, or courageous path. This isn't about judging yourself harshly for having certain impulses, but about recognizing their presence and understanding that you have a choice in how you respond. This is the essence of the "Benoni" — the internal struggle is present, but the person maintains control over their actions.

2. Making Intentional Choices: Empowering Your Higher Self

Once you've cultivated this awareness, the next step is to consciously choose which "judge" to empower, which impulse to act upon. This is where the practice of "intentional choice" comes in. The Tanya emphasizes that even if the self-serving impulse is strong, the "divine soul in the intellect rules over the 'small city' " (our body and actions). This means our rational, higher-thinking self has the power to override initial urges.

For a non-Jewish person, this can translate into:

• Pausing before acting: Before speaking, sending an email, or making a decision, take a breath. Ask yourself: "Which voice am I listening to right now? What are the potential consequences of this action, not just for me, but for others? Does this align with the kind of person I want to be?"
• Committing to a "higher" intention: Before starting your day or entering a challenging situation, set a conscious intention. For example, "Today, I will choose patience," or "In this meeting, I will listen more than I speak," or "I will approach this problem with creativity and compassion." By setting an intention, you're proactively empowering your "good nature" to guide your actions.
• Acknowledging external support: The text speaks of "Divine help." For someone who doesn't subscribe to a specific divine concept, this can be understood as tapping into universal principles of goodness, drawing strength from a sense of interconnectedness, or simply finding inspiration in the collective wisdom of humanity. It could also mean seeking support from trusted friends, mentors, or community when facing personal challenges, recognizing that we don't always have to bear our burdens entirely alone. This acknowledgment of support, whether spiritual or communal, can provide the extra strength needed to make those intentional choices for good.

By consciously observing your inner dialogue and then intentionally choosing to act in alignment with your higher values, you are actively participating in the journey of constant striving described in the Tanya. You are acknowledging that the internal battle is real, but also that you possess the power to arbitrate and consistently choose the path of goodness, humility, and growth. This isn't about being perfect; it's about the consistent, compassionate effort to live a life of integrity, one intentional choice at a time. It's a respectful way to engage with the profound psychological and ethical insights offered by this ancient text, applying them directly to your own pursuit of a more meaningful and virtuous life.

Conversation Starter

If you have a Jewish friend who studies texts like Tanya, or who is simply open to spiritual conversations, this passage offers a wonderful entry point for a respectful and enriching dialogue. Remember to approach these questions with genuine curiosity and an open heart, ready to listen and learn from their personal perspective.

Here are two questions you might consider asking:

1. "I was reading about the idea of the 'intermediate person' (Benoni) in Jewish thought, and how it describes someone who always chooses good actions even while still feeling internal struggles. Does this concept resonate with your own experience of trying to live a good life, and how do you navigate those internal pulls?"

This question is designed to be personal and reflective, inviting your friend to share their own journey rather than simply explain a doctrine. It acknowledges the universal experience of internal conflict ("internal pulls") and connects it directly to the text's concept of the Benoni. By asking "Does this concept resonate with your own experience," you're making it about their personal engagement with the idea, rather than asking for a theological lecture. It also focuses on the effort of choosing good, which is a shared human endeavor.

2. "The text mentions that 'Divine help' is crucial for overcoming our self-serving impulses. How do you understand or experience this idea of receiving strength or guidance from a source beyond yourself in your daily life or spiritual practice?"

This question delves into the idea of transcendent support without using specific religious terms unless your friend chooses to. It's phrased in a way that allows for a broad interpretation of "Divine help," whether it's understood as a direct intervention, an inner clarity, a sense of purpose, or even the inspiration drawn from community or tradition. By asking "How do you understand or experience this," you're again inviting a personal reflection on their lived spiritual experience. This respects their beliefs while exploring a core concept from the text that has universal implications for anyone seeking to overcome challenges and grow. It acknowledges the human need for strength beyond individual willpower, a feeling many can relate to.

Takeaway

This passage from Tanya reminds us that the journey of personal growth is a continuous, conscious effort, marked by an ongoing internal dialogue. It encourages humility, vigilance, and the hopeful understanding that we are supported by a profound strength beyond our individual will, enabling us to consistently choose goodness in our thoughts, words, and actions. It's a testament to the enduring human capacity for self-improvement and connection.