Judaism 101: The Foundations

The Two Impulses: Navigating the Inner Landscape of the Benoni

The Big Question

Imagine your inner world as a bustling city. Within this city, there are two main factions, two powerful forces constantly vying for influence. One is the benevolent city council, representing wisdom, compassion, and a deep connection to something greater than yourself. The other is a more primal, self-serving group, driven by immediate desires and worldly comforts. Most days, these factions are in a constant state of negotiation, a dynamic tension that shapes every decision, every action.

This internal dynamic is not just a philosophical concept; it's a cornerstone of Jewish thought, particularly as articulated in the mystical and ethical teachings of Chassidism. The text we're exploring today, a passage from the Tanya, delves into this very struggle, focusing on a specific type of person: the benoni, often translated as "intermediate" or "average" person.

The benoni isn't a saint who has eradicated all negative inclinations, nor are they someone completely consumed by their baser desires. Instead, they represent the vast majority of us, navigating the complexities of life with a constant internal dialogue. The big question we're grappling with today is: How does the benoni manage the inherent tension between their good and evil inclinations, and what does this internal negotiation tell us about the human condition and our relationship with the Divine? This passage offers a profound, and perhaps surprisingly practical, framework for understanding this lifelong journey of spiritual self-management. It challenges us to look deeply into our own inner cities and understand the ongoing negotiations that define our spiritual lives.

One Core Concept

The central concept presented here is the dual nature of the human soul, comprised of both a Divine soul and an animal soul, and the ongoing internal struggle between them. The benoni is defined not by the absence of the evil inclination, but by the management of it, where the Divine soul, with G-d's help, maintains control over the animal soul's impulses. This internal arbitration is the hallmark of the benoni's spiritual life.

Breaking It Down

This passage from the Tanya offers a detailed, almost anatomical, description of the inner workings of the benoni, the "intermediate person." It's a complex but ultimately illuminating exploration of how we, as individuals, engage with our inherent good and evil inclinations. Let's unpack the key components of this intricate internal landscape.

The Two Judges: Divine and Animal Souls

The core metaphor here is that of a courtroom. We have two opposing "judges" within us: the divine soul and the animal soul. The text explains that our Sages referred to the two impulses as "judges" in the plural, indicating a constant deliberation.

• The Animal Soul (Evil Inclination): This is the primal, instinctual part of us. It resides in the "left part of the heart" and is driven by the craving for worldly pleasures. It's not inherently "evil" in a simplistic sense, but rather a force seeking gratification and self-preservation. The text emphasizes that in the benoni, this inclination is not eradicated. It remains in its "innate strength," craving desires. It's like a magistrate who offers a legal opinion based on its particular perspective.

• The Divine Soul (Good Inclination): This soul is our higher, spiritual essence, a spark of the Divine. It resides in the "brain" and extends its influence into the "right part of the heart," which is the seat of good feelings. This soul strives for connection with G-d, for holiness, and for ethical conduct. It acts as the second judge, contesting the opinion of the animal soul.

The "Small City" and the Brain as the Arbiter

The text introduces the concept of the "small city" to represent the human body. Within this city, the brain plays a crucial role as the central processing unit, the place where thoughts are contemplated and decisions are formed.

• The Process: When the animal soul expresses its desire (its "opinion" in the left heart), this thought ascends to the brain for contemplation. However, it is immediately challenged by the divine soul, which is also present in the brain and influences the right side of the heart.

• The Arbiter: The brain, therefore, becomes the arena where these two impulses clash. The final verdict isn't dictated solely by either impulse. Instead, the text posits that G-d Himself acts as the ultimate arbitrator. This is a crucial point: our capacity to overcome negative inclinations is not solely an act of human will, but a partnership with the Divine.

G-d's Help: The Divine Light

How does G-d intervene? The text explains that G-d's help comes through the "glow radiated by the Divine light." This light illuminates the divine soul, empowering it to gain the "upper hand and mastery" over the animal soul.

• Light vs. Darkness: This is likened to the superiority of light over darkness. When the divine soul is illuminated, it can effectively counter the "folly of the fool and evil nature." This illumination allows the divine soul to assert control over the body's actions.

• The Result: The divine soul, empowered by this light, can then direct the body's "limbs" – our actions, speech, and thoughts – towards G-dly pursuits, aligning them with the "613 commandments of the Torah."

The Benoni's Unique Position: Not Ruled, But Judged

The text meticulously distinguishes the benoni from the "wicked" person. While a wicked person might be "ruled" by their evil nature, the benoni is not.

• Temporary Control: The evil inclination in the benoni may gain temporary "control and dominion" over the "small city." During these moments, the person might be considered "wicked" in that specific instance, but it's not their permanent state. The evil inclination's influence is like a magistrate giving an opinion that can be challenged.

• No Final Authority: The key difference is that the evil inclination in the benoni does not have the "authority and power to diffuse itself throughout the limbs of the body" in a permanent way. It can suggest, it can tempt, but it cannot dictate action without the divine soul's eventual, G-d-assisted, resistance.

The Benoni's Self-Perception: A Humble Estimation

This leads to a profound insight about the benoni's self-awareness. Despite outward appearances or even periods of righteous behavior, the benoni is instructed to regard themselves as if they were wicked, though not actually wicked.

• The Danger of Complacency: This isn't about self-deprecation; it's about avoiding spiritual complacency. The benoni should not believe that the evil in them has been dissolved or overcome to the extent of a tzaddik (righteous person).

• The Essence Remains: The text argues that the "essence and substance" of the evil inclination can remain in its full strength in the left part of the heart. It hasn't vanished; it's simply been prevented from dominating the "limbs" of the body by the divine soul's dominion.

• Indulgence Strengthens It: The passage even suggests that with time and indulgence in "eating and drinking and other mundane pursuits," the evil inclination can actually gain strength. This highlights the constant need for vigilance.

The Role of Torah Study and Prayer

Even intense Torah study and devotion to G-d don't automatically mean the evil inclination is eradicated.

• "Garments" of the Soul: The text uses the metaphor of "garments." The evil inclination's "thoughts, speech, and act" (its "garments") might not be expressed through the brain, mouth, and hands. This is because the mind, controlled by the divine soul, has "supremacy and dominion over the heart."

• Dominion, Not Dissolution: The divine soul rules the "small city," making the body a vehicle for divine service. However, in its "essence and substance," the divine soul doesn't necessarily "preponderate" over the animal soul except at specific moments.

Moments of Ascendancy: Prayer and Love of G-d

These moments of divine soul ascendancy are often tied to intense spiritual experiences, particularly during prayer and moments of profound love for G-d.

• Love of G-d: When the love of G-d manifests intensely in the heart, generated by pondering G-d's greatness, the "left part is subdued." This love acts as a powerful force that temporarily pushes back the animal soul.

• Limited Preponderance: However, this ascendancy is often described as a "preponderance and dominion alone." It's a victory in a battle, not the end of the war. As the verse says, "one nation shall prevail over the other."

The Tzaddik vs. the Benoni: A Crucial Distinction

The passage draws a clear line between the benoni and the tzaddik.

• The Tzaddik's Void Heart: The tzaddik is one whose heart is truly "void within me" of the evil inclination. They despise and hate evil with a consummate hatred. For them, the evil inclination is either abolished or so diminished that it no longer poses a significant threat.

• The Benoni's Sleeping Evil: In contrast, the evil inclination in the benoni is like a "sleeping man, who can awaken from his sleep." It's dormant during moments of intense spiritual connection, like during prayer, but can reawaken later. This is why even someone like Rabbah, a great sage, considered himself a benoni, despite his constant devotion.

The Nature of "True Service"

The quality of love experienced by the benoni during prayer, while powerful, is differentiated from the "true service" of the tzaddik.

• Temporary vs. Eternal: The benoni's love is often transient, passing after prayer. The tzaddik's love is like "the lip of truth shall be established forever."

• Relative Truth: Yet, within the framework of the benoni's own level, this transient love is considered "truly perfect service." The divine soul has the capacity to "reawaken this kind of love constantly," day after day, through consistent effort and spiritual preparation.

The Attribute of Truth and Jacob

The passage concludes by linking the benoni's capacity for consistent spiritual effort to the attribute of "truth," which is associated with Jacob.

• Jacob as the "Middle Bolt": Jacob is described as the "middle bolt which secures [everything] from end to end." This signifies his role in bridging the highest and lowest spiritual realms, embodying a foundational truth.

• Unbounded Inheritance: The attribute of truth is described as an "unbounded inheritance." It suggests a continuous, unfolding connection to the Divine, where each level of spiritual attainment is relative, and there is always more to strive for. The "feet" of higher spiritual beings are considered superior to the "head" of lower ones, implying a constant upward trajectory.

In essence, this section reveals that being a benoni is not a state of mediocrity, but a dynamic spiritual discipline. It's about understanding the ever-present tension between our inner forces, relying on G-d's assistance, and engaging in a lifelong practice of directing our actions towards holiness, even when the primal urges remain present.

How We Live This

Understanding the benoni and the internal negotiation described in the Tanya is not just an academic exercise; it offers practical guidance for our own spiritual lives. The insights from this text can transform how we approach our daily challenges and our relationship with G-d.

Embracing the Benoni Identity: Freedom from Perfectionism

The first and perhaps most liberating aspect of this teaching is the validation of the benoni state. So often, we fall into the trap of believing that spiritual growth means achieving an unattainable state of perfect purity, where the evil inclination is completely vanquished. This passage liberates us from that pressure.

• The Goal is Management, Not Annihilation: The text clearly states that the evil inclination isn't meant to be annihilated in the benoni. Instead, the focus is on management, on ensuring that the divine soul, with G-d's help, maintains dominion. This shifts the goal from an impossible ideal to a practical, ongoing process.

• Permission to Be Imperfect: Recognizing ourselves as benoni allows us to be more compassionate with ourselves. It acknowledges that struggling with desires, having moments of weakness, and experiencing internal conflict are all part of the human spiritual journey. We don't need to feel like failures when these things happen.

• Action Over Idealism: Instead of despairing over our perceived imperfections, we can focus on the actionable steps: how can I strengthen my divine soul today? How can I ensure my actions align with my higher aspirations, even when tempted?

The "Judges" in Our Own Lives: Self-Awareness and Introspection

The metaphor of the two judges is a powerful tool for self-awareness. We can begin to identify the voices of our divine and animal souls in our own decision-making processes.

• Listening to the Inner Dialogue: When faced with a choice, try to recognize which inclination is speaking. Is it a desire for immediate gratification, comfort, or self-aggrandizement (animal soul)? Or is it a call towards kindness, integrity, learning, or connection with others and G-d (divine soul)?

• The Brain as the "Courtroom": Observe how your thoughts process these competing desires. Do you allow the initial impulse of the animal soul to dictate your actions, or do you pause, reflect, and allow your higher intellect, guided by your divine soul, to weigh the options?

• Identifying G-d's Intervention: The passage reminds us that G-d's help is crucial. This means actively seeking opportunities for spiritual illumination – through prayer, study, acts of kindness, or moments of reflection. When we feel a pull towards righteousness or a sudden clarity to resist temptation, we can recognize this as G-d's light at work.

The Power of Prayer and Moments of Connection

The text highlights prayer and intense love for G-d as crucial moments when the divine soul gains ascendancy. This underscores the importance of cultivating these practices.

• Prayer as a Spiritual Gym: View prayer not just as a ritual, but as a dedicated time to strengthen your divine soul and assert its dominion. Even if the feeling of love is fleeting, the act of engaging in prayer is a powerful assertion of your higher self.

• Seeking Out Spiritual "Highs": Beyond formal prayer, identify activities that evoke a sense of connection, awe, or deep meaning. These are opportunities to experience the "glow radiated by the Divine light" and empower your divine soul. This could be engaging with nature, listening to inspiring music, or having a meaningful conversation.

• Reawakening the Love: The passage suggests that the benoni can "reawaken this kind of love constantly." This means we shouldn't be discouraged if the feeling fades after prayer. We can actively work to recreate the conditions that foster that love, through preparation, intention, and consistent practice.

The Humble Self-Estimation: Vigilance and Growth

The instruction for the benoni to consider themselves "as if you were wicked" is a call to ongoing vigilance and a humble recognition of the animal soul's persistent nature.

• Guard Against Complacency: This attitude prevents spiritual pride. It keeps us from believing we've "arrived" and encourages us to remain diligent in our efforts. The animal soul is cunning; it can disguise itself or lie dormant, only to re-emerge when we let our guard down.

• Motivation for Continued Effort: Instead of being disheartening, this self-estimation can be a powerful motivator. If the essence of the evil inclination is still present, then every act of choosing righteousness is a significant victory. It highlights the preciousness of our efforts and the profound impact of even small, consistent steps.

• Focus on Action, Not Feeling: This perspective helps us focus on the action of choosing good, rather than solely on the feeling of being pure. We may not always feel righteous, but by consistently choosing to act righteously, we are embodying our divine soul.

The "Garments" of Action: Living Torah

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the divine soul's aspirations are expressed through our "garments" – our thoughts, speech, and actions.

• Translating Intention into Deed: The most crucial aspect of the benoni's spiritual life is ensuring that the divine soul's dominion translates into concrete actions that align with Torah values. This is where the spiritual struggle finds its practical application.

• Daily Choices Matter: Every daily choice – how we speak to a colleague, how we manage our finances, how we spend our free time – is an opportunity to ensure our actions are "garments" for our divine soul, rather than expressions of the animal soul.

• The "Middle Bolt" in Our Lives: We can strive to be the "middle bolt" in our own spheres of influence, connecting our spiritual aspirations to our everyday realities. This means living with integrity, compassion, and a constant awareness of our connection to something greater. It's about continuously strengthening the "attribute of truth" in our lives through consistent, deliberate choices.

By internalizing these lessons, we can move from a place of anxiety about our imperfections to a grounded, actionable understanding of spiritual growth. The benoni path is a path of continuous effort, divine partnership, and profound personal transformation, lived out one conscious choice at a time.

One Thing to Remember

The core takeaway from this passage is that the benoni, the "intermediate" person, is defined not by the absence of the evil inclination, but by the dynamic, G-d-assisted management of it. Our divine soul, with G-d's light, strives to maintain dominion over the animal soul's desires, directing our thoughts, speech, and actions towards holiness, even when the primal urges remain present. This understanding liberates us from perfectionism and empowers us to embrace a lifelong journey of conscious spiritual effort and self-awareness.