Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 13:11

Hook

Today, we gather not in the shadow of absence, but in the luminous presence of enduring connection. We are meeting this moment to honor a memory, a person, a chapter of life that, though past, continues to resonate within the tapestry of our own existence. Perhaps a birthday approaches, or an anniversary of a profound parting, or simply a quiet afternoon where the echo of a cherished voice feels particularly near. This is a space for the gentle unfolding of remembrance, for acknowledging the journey we have walked and the indelible marks left upon our hearts. We are here to explore the intricate dance of our inner lives, to understand the currents that move us, and to find meaning not just in the grand narratives, but in the subtle, ongoing dialogue within ourselves.

Text Snapshot

"intermediate people are judged by both [the good and evil natures], for it is written, ‘When He stands at the right of the destitute to deliver him from the judges of his soul.’… Thus, when the divine soul gains strength and ascendancy over the animal soul… the sitra achara in the left part is subdued. But it is not entirely abolished, in the case of the benoni; it is so only in a tzaddik, concerning whom it is said, “My heart is void within me.”… But in a benoni it is, by way of example, similar to a sleeping man, who can awaken from his sleep. So is the evil in the benoni dormant, as it were, in the left part, during the recital of the Shema and the Prayer [Amidah], when his heart is aglow with the love of G–d, but later it can wake up again."

Kavvanah

As we turn our attention to the wisdom of the Tanya, we are invited to cultivate a profound understanding of the dynamic inner landscape that shapes our experience. Our kavvanah today is to approach our memories and our present selves with the gentle discernment of the benoni, the "intermediate" soul. This is not a state of being stuck, but a profound recognition of the ongoing negotiation within us between our highest aspirations and our deepest desires. We hold the intention to acknowledge the presence of both the divine spark and the earthly inclinations, not with judgment, but with curiosity and compassion. We intend to understand that even in moments of profound connection and devotion, the echo of the "evil nature" may still reside, not as a definitive defeat, but as a force that can be understood, managed, and ultimately, guided by the illuminating presence of the Divine. Our kavvanah is to embrace this complexity, recognizing that true spiritual growth lies not in the eradication of our human struggles, but in the conscious and loving engagement with them, allowing the light of our divine soul to guide us toward a more integrated and meaningful existence, even as we remember those who have walked their own unique paths.

Practice

The Inner Dialogue: A Candle of Acknowledgment

This micro-practice invites you to explore the concept of the "intermediate person" (benoni) as described in the Tanya, and to connect it with your own inner experience of remembrance. It's a practice of gentle observation and compassionate acknowledgment, designed to be accessible within a short timeframe.

Objective: To create a tangible representation of the internal dialogue described in the Tanya, linking it to the memory you hold dear.

Materials:

• One candle (a Yahrzeit candle, a simple taper, or any candle that feels meaningful to you).
• A safe surface to place the candle.
• Optional: A quiet space where you can sit undisturbed for a few minutes.

Steps:

1. Setting the Sacred Space: Find a quiet spot. If you are comfortable doing so, dim the lights to create a more contemplative atmosphere. Place the candle on its safe surface. Take a few deep breaths, allowing yourself to arrive in this moment.

2. Lighting the Candle – Acknowledging the Divine Spark: As you light the candle, focus on the flame. Imagine this flame representing the divine soul within you, the part that yearns for connection, for meaning, for goodness. Think of the person you are remembering. How did their divine spark manifest? What qualities did they embody that mirrored this inner light? Whisper their name aloud or in your heart. You might say, "For [Name], and for the divine spark that resides within me."

3. The Left Part of the Heart – The Echo of Earthly Desires: Now, gently turn your attention to the idea of the "left part of the heart" mentioned in the Tanya. This is not about good or bad, but about the natural inclinations, the earthly desires, the whispers of the ego. Think about your own internal experience as you remember. Are there moments when your thoughts wander to practicalities, to worries, or even to less noble feelings? This is a natural part of being human. Without judgment, acknowledge these aspects of your inner world. You might say, "I acknowledge the currents of my human experience, the earthly whispers that are also a part of my journey."

4. The Arbiter and the Divine Light: The Tanya speaks of G-d standing at the right hand of the destitute, offering aid. This is the power of the Divine light to illuminate and guide. As the candle flame flickers, imagine it not just as a symbol of the divine soul, but as the Divine presence itself, shining into the "left part of your heart." This light doesn't extinguish your human experience, but it offers clarity and strength. It helps the divine soul gain mastery. As you hold this in mind, reflect on how you can bring this guiding light to your own inner dialogue. How can you, like the benoni, allow this light to inform your understanding of your own desires and inclinations as you remember?

5. The Story of the Benoni and Remembrance: The text describes the benoni as having an evil inclination that is "dormant, as it were," especially during moments of spiritual fervor, but capable of awakening. This is a profound insight for remembrance. When you remember the person you lost, do you experience moments of pure, elevated connection, followed by moments where the mundane or even challenging aspects of life resurface? This is the rhythm of the benoni. The Tanya teaches that even in these moments, the divine soul has the capacity to reawaken the love and connection. Consider a specific memory of the person you are honoring. Was there a time when their earthly struggles were evident, yet their spirit shone through? Or perhaps a time when you yourself felt the pull of earthly concerns while trying to connect with their memory? Acknowledge this duality. You might say, "Just as the benoni navigates these currents, so do I. And within this navigation, there is the potential for enduring light."

6. The "As If Wicked" Reflection: The teaching that "Even if the whole world tells you that you are righteous, in your own eyes regard yourself as if you were wicked" offers a powerful lens for remembrance. This is not about self-condemnation, but about humility and continued striving. When you reflect on your capacity to love and remember, do you ever feel a sense of complacency? The benoni is encouraged to see their inner struggles not as vanquished foes, but as ever-present realities that require ongoing vigilance and reliance on Divine assistance. As you gaze at the candle, consider how this perspective can deepen your practice of remembrance. It’s about being honest about the ongoing work of the heart, even in the face of love. You might offer a silent affirmation: "I approach my remembrance with honesty, recognizing the ongoing journey of my heart."

7. Extinguishing the Candle – A Moment of Integration: When you are ready, gently extinguish the candle. As you do, imagine the light not disappearing, but being integrated within you, a reminder of the divine spark, the illuminating presence, and the ongoing dance of your inner life. Take another deep breath.

Duration: Approximately 5 minutes.

Flexibility: You can adapt this practice by focusing on a single aspect of the Tanya's teaching that resonates most with you. The key is gentle, non-judgmental exploration of your inner world as it relates to your remembrance.

Community

Shared Light: A Circle of Stories

The wisdom of the benoni highlights our shared human experience – the intricate interplay of our highest aspirations and our earthly realities. While remembrance is often a deeply personal journey, it can also be a profound act of communal connection. To honor this, we invite you to consider one of the following ways to weave your remembrance into the fabric of community, or to seek support from others:

Option 1: The Whisper of Names

Practice: Gather with a small group of trusted friends, family members, or a support circle. Each person can take a turn sharing the name of a loved one they are remembering today. As each name is spoken, hold the intention of the "divine light" guiding us, as described in the Tanya. You can also offer a brief, one-sentence reflection on a quality of that person that exemplifies their inner light or a challenge they navigated with grace. The power here is in the collective act of naming, acknowledging that each name represents a universe of experience, and that by sharing, we create a resonant field of remembrance.

Intention: To bear witness to each other's love and loss, creating a shared space where individual memories are honored and amplified through collective presence.

Option 2: The Story of Struggle and Resilience

Practice: If you feel comfortable, share a brief story – no more than a minute or two – about a time you witnessed the person you are remembering navigate a challenge or struggle. This could be a personal struggle they faced, or a time when they helped you through a difficult moment. As you share, focus on how their inner strength, their resilience, or their compassion (their "divine soul") shone through, even in difficult circumstances. This practice directly engages with the Tanya's concept of the benoni's internal battle, showing how even amidst internal or external challenges, the light can prevail.

Intention: To find strength and inspiration in the stories of those we remember, recognizing their own journeys of navigating complexity and finding their own "divine light" amidst life's trials. This can offer solace and a sense of shared humanity in our own struggles.

Option 3: The Offering of Support

Practice: Reach out to someone in your community who you know is also navigating grief or remembrance. It could be a simple text message, a phone call, or an offer to share a cup of tea. You don't need to have a profound conversation. Simply letting them know you are thinking of them, and perhaps mentioning that you are engaged in a practice of remembrance, can be a powerful gesture of solidarity. You might say, "I'm holding a space for remembrance today, and I wanted to reach out and let you know I'm thinking of you and [Name of their loved one]."

Intention: To extend compassion and acknowledge the ongoing nature of grief within our community, fostering a culture of mutual support and understanding. This practice reminds us that we are not alone in our journeys of memory and healing.

Takeaway

The wisdom of the benoni offers us a gentle, yet profound, framework for navigating the intricate landscape of memory and our inner lives. It teaches us that our spiritual journey is not about achieving a state of perfect purity, but about the ongoing, conscious engagement with the full spectrum of our humanity. As we remember those we have loved and lost, we can embrace this understanding. We can acknowledge the echoes of our earthly desires without judgment, knowing that the Divine light is ever-present, ready to illuminate our path. Our remembrance can be a practice of honest self-reflection, a testament to the enduring power of love, and a source of strength derived from both our inner resilience and the supportive embrace of our community. In this ongoing dance, we find not denial, but a deep and abiding hope, woven into the very fabric of our being.