Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 2:1

Hook

We gather today, at this appointed time, to acknowledge the profound presence of those who are no longer physically with us, yet whose essence continues to shape our lives. This moment is an invitation to hold the tapestry of memory, to weave together the threads of love, laughter, wisdom, and even the unspoken, that connect us to those we hold dear. The occasion is not one of sorrow alone, but a sacred space for remembrance, a testament to the enduring legacy that lives on within us. Whether it is an anniversary, a yahrzeit, a birthday that feels bittersweet, or simply a day when their absence is keenly felt, we create this sanctuary of attention, a deliberate pause to honor the unique imprint each soul has left upon our journey. This is a time for gentle reflection, for acknowledging the contours of our grief, and for finding strength in the enduring bonds of connection. We are here to honor the path they walked, and in doing so, to illuminate our own.

Text Snapshot

"The second soul of a Jew is truly a part of G–d above, as it is written, 'He breathed into his nostrils a soul of life,' and 'You have breathed it [the soul] into me.' And it is written in the Zohar, 'He who blows, blows from within him,' that is to say, from his inwardness and his innermost, for it is something of his internal and innermost vitality that man emits through exhaling with force. So, allegorically speaking, have the souls of Jews risen in the [Divine] thought, as it is written, 'My firstborn son is Israel,' and 'You are the children of the L–rd your G–d.' That is to say, just as a child is derived from his father’s brain, so—to use an anthropomorphism—the soul of each Israelite is derived from His thought and wisdom, blessed be He. For He is wise—but not through a knowable wisdom, because He and His wisdom are one."

Kavvanah

As we embark on this contemplative practice, let us hold a specific intention, a guiding light for our exploration of memory and meaning. Our kavvanah today is to cultivate a profound awareness of divine essence as the shared source of all souls, recognizing that the love and wisdom we experienced from our departed loved ones are echoes of this infinite wellspring, and that their memory continues to nourish our own spiritual vitality. This intention is not about forgetting the pain of loss, or minimizing the void left behind. Instead, it is an invitation to shift our perspective, to look beyond the immediate experience of absence and to perceive the deeper, unifying connection that transcends physical presence.

The passage from Tanya speaks of the soul as a part of G–d, a divine breath, an emanation from His innermost being. It draws an analogy between the father-son relationship and the connection between the Divine and the Jewish soul, emphasizing that just as a child is an extension of the father's essence, so too are our souls intrinsically linked to the Divine. This connection is not superficial; it is an essential unity. The text further elaborates on the concept of "supernal wisdom" (chochmah ilaah) as the ultimate source, from which all souls, regardless of their perceived rank or spiritual stature in this world, ultimately derive. It reminds us that even the "nails of the feet" of a person are formed from the same fundamental essence as the brain, highlighting a profound interconnectedness that permeates all aspects of existence.

When we apply this understanding to our experience of grief and remembrance, it offers a powerful lens through which to view our departed loved ones. The love, wisdom, kindness, and unique spirit that they embodied were not isolated phenomena; they were expressions of this deeper, divine spark within them. When we remember them, we are not merely recalling biographical details or shared moments, though those are precious. We are, in essence, reconnecting with the divine essence that flowed through them, and which continues to flow through us. The love they showed us was a reflection of a love that is infinite, a wisdom they shared was a facet of a wisdom that is boundless.

Our kavvanah invites us to see the memory of our loved ones not as a closed chapter, but as a living testament to the enduring nature of the soul and its connection to the Divine. It encourages us to acknowledge that the qualities we cherished in them – their strength, their compassion, their joy, their unique way of seeing the world – are not lost. They are, in a sense, still present, not as separate entities, but as integrated into the fabric of existence, as emanations from that same divine source. This perspective can offer solace, not by erasing the pain of loss, but by reframing it, by understanding that the deepest connections are not severed by physical death.

This intention also calls us to be mindful of how these divine qualities might be manifesting within us, as a continuation of their legacy. When we act with kindness, when we offer wisdom, when we embrace joy, we are, in a way, honoring their memory by embodying the divine essence that they themselves expressed. It is a recognition that the love and light they brought into the world have not vanished, but have been woven into the ongoing tapestry of life, and that we, through our own connection to that same divine source, are part of that continuity.

Therefore, as we engage in the practices that follow, let us hold this intention gently in our hearts: to perceive the enduring presence of the divine essence in the memory of our loved ones, and to feel the nourishment and connection that arises from this understanding. May this kavvanah open us to a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness of all souls and the eternal nature of love and wisdom.

Practice

This practice is designed to be a gentle, grounding experience, allowing us to engage with the profound ideas presented in the Tanya passage in a tangible and personal way. We will engage in a micro-practice that draws upon the concept of shared essence and the enduring nature of the soul. This practice is not about reaching definitive answers, but about creating a space for embodied awareness and a gentle unfolding of meaning. Choose one of the following micro-practices that resonates most deeply with you at this moment. There is no right or wrong choice, only what feels most supportive for you today.

Practice Option 1: The Candle of Shared Light

This practice invites us to connect with the idea of the soul as a spark of the Divine, and how that spark can be seen as a source of shared light, even across the veil of physical separation.

Materials:

• A candle (any kind will do – a beeswax candle, a simple taper, a pillar candle)
• A safe place to light the candle, where it can burn undisturbed for the duration of your practice.
• A quiet space where you will not be interrupted.

The Practice (Approximately 15 minutes):

1. Preparation (2-3 minutes): Find a comfortable seated position. Gently close your eyes, or soften your gaze. Take a few slow, deep breaths, allowing your body to settle. As you breathe in, imagine drawing in a sense of calm. As you breathe out, release any tension you may be holding.

2. Lighting the Candle (1 minute): With intention, light the candle. As the flame flickers to life, say softly, either aloud or in your heart: "I light this flame as a symbol of the divine spark within [Name of Loved One], a spark that is eternally connected to the Divine source."

3. Connecting with the Text (5-7 minutes):

   • Bring to mind the words from the Tanya: "The second soul of a Jew is truly a part of G–d above... 'He breathed into his nostrils a soul of life,' and 'You have breathed it [the soul] into me.'"
   • As you gaze at the candle's flame, consider this "divine spark" within your loved one. Imagine it as a source of light, warmth, and vitality. This is not a finite light that has been extinguished, but a part of an eternal, inexhaustible flame.
   • Think about the analogy of the father and son, or the source and the emanation. The flame of the candle is a visible representation of that unseen, internal vitality. Your loved one’s soul, in its essence, was a manifestation of this divine breath.
   • Allow yourself to feel the inherent connection, the shared origin. Even though the form has changed, the essence, the "part of G–d," remains. The flame of the candle is not separate from the fuel that burns it; it is the energy of that fuel made visible. So too, their soul was not separate from the Divine; it was an expression of it.
   • Observe how the light of the candle illuminates the space around it. Consider how the light of your loved one’s spirit continues to illuminate your life, even in their absence. This illumination might be a memory of their kindness, a lesson they taught, a feeling of love that persists.

4. Personal Reflection and Integration (5-7 minutes):

   • Gently bring to mind a specific quality or characteristic of your loved one that you deeply cherished – perhaps their courage, their humor, their compassion, their creativity, their wisdom.
   • Consider how this quality was a manifestation of that divine spark within them. How did their courage reflect a divine strength? How did their compassion reflect divine love? How did their wisdom reflect divine understanding?
   • Now, turn this reflection inward. Where do you feel that same divine spark within yourself? Where do you see that same quality manifesting in your own life? It might be a small echo, a nascent possibility, or a fully bloomed expression.
   • The text speaks of the "root of every soul" being in "supernal wisdom." Your loved one's qualities are not unique to them, but are expressions of a universal source. And you, too, are connected to that same source.
   • As you watch the flame, silently acknowledge this shared essence. "Just as this flame is fueled by the candle's wax, so too was the divine spark within [Name of Loved One] nourished by the Infinite. And I, too, am nourished by that same Infinite."
   • Allow a sense of gentle connection to wash over you – a connection to your loved one, and to the Divine that unites you both.

5. Concluding the Practice (1 minute): When you feel ready, take another deep breath. As you exhale, gently extinguish the candle, acknowledging that the light continues to exist, even when the flame is no longer visible. You might say: "May the memory of your light continue to guide me, and may the divine spark within us both forever shine."

Practice Option 2: The Echo of Wisdom

This practice focuses on the idea that the souls of our loved ones are derived from the Divine "thought and wisdom," and how their wisdom, in its purest form, is an echo of this ultimate wisdom. We will explore how their teachings and insights continue to resonate within us.

Materials:

• A journal or notebook.
• A pen.
• A quiet space where you will not be interrupted.

The Practice (Approximately 15 minutes):

1. Preparation (2-3 minutes): Find a comfortable position, either seated or standing. Gently close your eyes, or soften your gaze. Take a few slow, deep breaths, allowing your body to settle. As you breathe in, imagine drawing in a sense of clarity. As you breathe out, release any mental clutter.

2. Invoking the Source of Wisdom (1 minute): Bring to mind the passage: "So, allegorically speaking, have the souls of Jews risen in the [Divine] thought... just as a child is derived from his father’s brain, so—to use an anthropomorphism—the soul of each Israelite is derived from His thought and wisdom, blessed be He."

   • Silently acknowledge this profound concept: that the very essence of a soul, its capacity for thought and understanding, originates from the Divine Mind.

3. Recalling Their Wisdom (7-9 minutes):

   • Open your journal and write down the name of the person you are remembering.
   • Beneath their name, begin to write. Think about the teachings, insights, or wisdom that your loved one shared with you, either through direct words, through their actions, or through the example of their life.
   • Don't censor yourself. Write down anything that comes to mind, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Did they offer a comforting word during a difficult time? Did they share a practical piece of advice? Did they demonstrate a particular way of approaching challenges? Did they express a unique perspective on life?
   • Consider the quality of their wisdom. Was it practical and grounded? Was it philosophical and expansive? Was it infused with love and empathy? Was it courageous and challenging?
   • As you write, try to connect these personal reflections to the idea of "divine wisdom." Imagine that the wisdom they shared was not solely their own invention, but a conduit, a channel through which a higher wisdom flowed. Their unique personality and life experiences shaped how this wisdom was expressed, but the underlying essence was connected to that "supernal wisdom" mentioned in the Tanya.
   • Write phrases like:
     • "They taught me about [quality] by showing me..."
     • "When they said '[quote their words]', I understood..."
     • "Their way of handling [situation] revealed..."
     • "I remember their insight on [topic]..."
   • If it feels challenging to recall specific wisdom, focus on the feeling you associated with their guidance. Was it a feeling of reassurance? Of empowerment? Of clarity? This feeling is also a form of wisdom.

4. Connecting to the Root (3-5 minutes):

   • After you have written for a few minutes, pause and reread what you have written.
   • Now, reflect on the Tanya's statement: "the root of every nefesh, ruach, and neshamah... all derive, as it were, from the supreme mind which is chochmah ilaah (supernal wisdom)."
   • Consider how the wisdom you've recorded is not merely a personal anecdote, but a thread connecting you to this universal source of wisdom. The insight they shared, the understanding they conveyed, is ultimately a manifestation of that same wisdom that permeates all existence.
   • You might write: "The wisdom I received from [Name of Loved One] is a reflection of the infinite wisdom that flows through all of us." Or, "Their words were a pathway for me to touch a deeper understanding, a connection to that 'supernal wisdom'."
   • Think about how this shared wisdom can continue to nurture you. How can you carry their insights forward in your own life? How can you embody the principles they taught?

5. Concluding the Practice (1 minute): Close your journal. Take a moment to sit with the words you have written. Silently thank your loved one for the wisdom they shared, and for the connection to the divine source that their wisdom represents. You might say: "Thank you for sharing your light and wisdom, which are echoes of the eternal light and wisdom. May I continue to learn and grow from this connection."

Practice Option 3: The Thread of Being

This practice explores the idea that all souls, regardless of their perceived level, are fundamentally united in their origin from the Divine. We will focus on the tangible experience of this unity and how it can be felt in our connection to our departed loved ones.

Materials:

• A piece of string, yarn, or ribbon. Choose a color that has some significance for you or your loved one, or simply a color that feels grounding.
• A quiet space where you will not be interrupted.

The Practice (Approximately 15 minutes):

1. Preparation (2-3 minutes): Find a comfortable seated position. Gently close your eyes, or soften your gaze. Take a few slow, deep breaths, allowing your body to settle. As you breathe in, imagine drawing in a sense of presence. As you breathe out, release any sense of isolation.

2. Holding the Thread (1 minute): Take the piece of string or yarn in your hands. Feel its texture, its weight. As you hold it, say softly, either aloud or in your heart: "This thread represents the essential connection that binds us all, the invisible thread of being."

3. Embodying the Unity (7-9 minutes):

   • Bring to mind the Tanya's teaching: "Nevertheless, the root of every nefesh, ruach, and neshamah... all derive, as it were, from the supreme mind which is chochmah ilaah (supernal wisdom)." And the analogy of the son whose nails are formed from the same semen as the brain.
   • Hold one end of the thread in your hand. Imagine that this end represents your own being, your soul.
   • Now, gently stretch the thread out. Imagine the other end of the thread reaching towards the Divine source, the "supernal wisdom."
   • As you extend the thread, visualize the journey of your loved one's soul. Even though they may have been of a different spiritual stature or lived a different life, their soul, like yours, originated from that same divine root.
   • Think of the thread as representing this shared origin, this fundamental unity. It’s not about sameness of experience, but about a shared, essential being.
   • Now, visualize your loved one’s soul. Imagine holding the thread and feeling their presence at the other end. Even if the thread feels stretched thin, or if the distance feels vast, the thread itself is intact. It is a continuous connection.
   • Consider the phrase: "they remain bound and united with a wonderful and essential unity with their original essence and entity." This thread is that essential unity. It is a tangible representation of the unbreakable bond that exists at the deepest level of being.
   • You might silently repeat: "We are connected by this thread of being, woven from the same divine source."

4. Integrating the Legacy (3-5 minutes):

   • Bring to mind a specific memory of your loved one where you felt a deep sense of connection or understanding. It could be a moment of shared laughter, a quiet conversation, or simply a feeling of being understood.
   • As you recall this memory, feel the thread of connection. How did this memory exemplify their being, and your shared being?
   • The Tanya states that the nurture and life of the souls of the ignorant are drawn from the souls of the saints and sages. This isn't about hierarchy, but about the flow of divine energy. Your loved one, in their own unique way, was a conduit for this divine energy.
   • Now, consider how you can continue to be a conduit for this energy, this thread of being. How can you honor their essential nature by living your own life with integrity, with love, with purpose?
   • Gently pull the thread taut, feeling the subtle tension. This tension is not a sign of strain, but of the vital connection that sustains you. It is the life force flowing through the thread.

5. Concluding the Practice (1 minute): Gently bring the two ends of the thread together in your hands, or tie a knot to represent the enduring unity. Take a deep breath. Silently thank your loved one for being a part of your life and for reminding you of this profound, essential connection. You might say: "This thread of being, woven from Divine light, connects us always. May I live in the awareness of this unity."

Community

The wisdom from the Tanya points to the interconnectedness of all souls, emphasizing that even those who may seem distant or different are rooted in the same divine source. This understanding offers a beautiful framework for how we can engage with others in our grief journey, fostering a sense of shared humanity and mutual support.

Connecting Through Shared Roots

One powerful way to include others or ask for support is to share a brief reflection on the concept of shared spiritual roots, perhaps mentioning how your loved one, like all of us, was a unique expression of a deeper divine essence, and how this understanding can foster empathy and connection even in our moments of individual sorrow.

This isn't about asking people to deeply understand the philosophical nuances of the Tanya, but rather to embrace the gentle sentiment of shared origin. You might say to a friend, a family member, or within a support group:

"Today, I've been reflecting on how [Name of Loved One], like all of us, was a part of something much larger. The teachings I've been exploring speak of how every soul, no matter where they are on their journey, is essentially a spark of the Divine, a part of G–d's own thought and wisdom. It’s a comforting thought to me, knowing that the love and essence of [Name of Loved One] are not truly gone, but are part of this enduring connection. It makes me feel that even in our individual grief, we are all connected by these deeper threads of being. If you're open to it, I'd be grateful to hear how you connect with the enduring essence of those you miss, or if this idea of a shared spiritual root resonates with you at all."

Why this works:

• It’s invitational, not prescriptive: You are sharing your own reflection and inviting others to share theirs, rather than telling them how they should feel or think.
• It offers a lens for empathy: By framing grief through the lens of shared origin, you create an opening for deeper understanding and compassion, both for yourself and for others. It acknowledges that while our experiences of loss are individual, the fundamental essence of those we love, and of ourselves, is unified.
• It opens the door for shared stories: This invitation can lead to a beautiful exchange of memories and reflections, where others might share how they feel connected to the essence of their own departed loved ones, or how they find solace in the idea of an enduring spiritual fabric.
• It validates the experience of connection: When you share this perspective, you are not denying the pain of absence, but you are adding another layer to your experience – the layer of enduring connection. This can be a powerful source of comfort for you and for those around you who may be struggling with the feeling of isolation that grief can bring.
• It connects to the text without being overly academic: You are drawing on the core idea of the Tanya – the divine origin of the soul – in a way that is accessible and relatable.

By sharing this perspective, you are not only seeking support for yourself, but you are also offering a gentle invitation for others to explore their own connections and to find comfort in the profound unity of existence, even in the face of loss. It is a way of weaving the community into the tapestry of remembrance, acknowledging that we are all part of a larger, interconnected whole.

Takeaway

As we conclude this practice, the enduring takeaway is one of profound interconnectedness and the timeless nature of love and essence. The Tanya's exploration of the soul as a divine emanation reminds us that the people we have loved and lost are not truly separate from us, nor from the divine source that animates all existence. Their unique qualities, their wisdom, their love – these were expressions of an infinite wellspring, and that wellspring continues to flow through us.

This understanding does not erase the pain of absence, but it offers a gentle reframing. It suggests that remembrance is not merely a looking back at what has been, but a reconnection with a living essence that continues to resonate. The love we felt, the lessons we learned, the impact they had on our lives – these are not extinguished. They are woven into the fabric of our being, and are expressions of the same divine spark that connects us all.

May you carry this awareness with you, finding solace and strength in the knowledge that the essence of those you hold dear, and your own essential being, are eternally bound to the infinite love and wisdom from which we all arise. This profound connection is the enduring legacy, a whisper of the divine that reassures us that we are never truly alone.