Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 6:7

Hook

Ever feel like you're wrestling with yourself? Like there's a part of you that wants to do good, to be kind, to learn and grow, but then… poof… another part pops up with a craving for junk food, a desire to complain, or a sudden urge to binge-watch a show instead of reading that book? You’re not alone! In fact, this inner tug-of-war is a pretty common human experience. Sometimes, it feels like there are two distinct voices inside our heads, one whispering encouragement and the other whispering… well, let’s just say less-than-encouraging things. It can be confusing, right? You might wonder where these different impulses come from, why they’re constantly duking it out, and if there’s any way to understand this internal dynamic a little better. This week, we’re going to dive into a foundational Jewish text that offers a fascinating perspective on this very phenomenon. We’ll explore the idea that this internal conflict isn't just random; it's part of a larger cosmic design. Get ready to see yourself and your inner world in a whole new light!

Context

Today, we’re peeking into a profound Jewish text called the Tanya. Think of it as a guide to understanding our inner lives and our connection to something bigger.

Who Wrote It?

• The Tanya was primarily written by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, a brilliant rabbi who lived in Eastern Europe in the late 18th century. He was a deeply spiritual leader and a scholar of Jewish mysticism.

When and Where?

• The Tanya was composed during a period of significant intellectual and spiritual ferment in Jewish communities. Rabbi Shneur Zalman wrote it to make complex spiritual ideas accessible to everyone, not just scholars.

What's the Big Idea Here?

• The core idea we're looking at today is the concept of "Divine Providence". This is the belief that God is actively involved in the world and in our lives, guiding and sustaining everything. It’s not just a one-time creation; it’s an ongoing relationship.

Key Term: Divine Providence

• Divine Providence: The idea that God is actively involved in running the world and in each of our lives. It’s like a loving parent who watches over their children and helps guide them.

Text Snapshot

Here's a bit of what the Tanya is saying, in plain English:

"God made one thing opposite another." (This is actually a quote from the Book of Ecclesiastes!)

So, imagine everything in the world has a sort of “opposite side.” In the realm of holiness, there are things that are holy, and then there’s the “other side,” which isn't holy. It’s like light and shadow, or sweet and bitter.

Even our own souls have this duality. We have a “divine soul,” which is connected to holiness. But we also have something else, a sort of “animal soul,” which comes from that “other side.” This animal soul is connected to our physical bodies and our desires.

The text describes this “other side” as having its own set of “crowns of impurity,” which influence our thoughts, speech, and actions. These can be things like anger, jealousy, or boasting. When we focus on these negative impulses, our thoughts, words, and deeds become like “impure garments” for them.

But here’s the amazing part: the holy side is all about connecting to God. When we dedicate ourselves to God, even in small ways, like studying Torah or doing a mitzvah (a good deed), God’s presence, the Shechinah, rests with us.

However, anything that doesn't surrender itself to God, that tries to be separate, doesn't get its life force directly from God’s holiness. Instead, it gets it from “behind God’s back,” so to speak, getting weaker and weaker as it gets further away.

This is why, the text explains, the world can seem full of “mundane affairs” that can feel heavy or even “evil.” But even within this, there’s a way for God’s light to reach us, filtered through different levels.

There are even levels of this “other side,” some more mixed with good, and some entirely lacking it. These influence everything from the food we eat to the actions and thoughts that lead us away from holiness.

Full text reference: Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 6:7, available at https://www.sefaria.org/Tanya%2C_Part_I%3B_Likkutei_Amarim_6%3A7

Close Reading

Let's unpack some of the wisdom in this passage. It might seem a bit mystical at first, but there are some really practical takeaways for our daily lives.

### The Cosmic "Opposites" Game

The very first line, "G–d has made one thing opposite the other," is our big clue. This isn't just a poetic phrase; it's a fundamental principle the Tanya is built upon. Think about it: hot and cold, light and dark, good and bad, joy and sorrow. These aren't just random occurrences; they're part of the fabric of creation. The Tanya explains that in the spiritual world, this opposition is also key. There’s the "side of holiness" and the "other side" (sitra achara). This isn't about a battle between good and evil in the way we might think of a superhero movie. Instead, it's about different sources of energy or vitality. The side of holiness draws its life directly from God, the ultimate source of all existence. The "other side" draws its life indirectly, as if from a distance, which means it's inherently less pure and less vital.

What this means for you: This concept helps us understand why we experience internal conflict. It's not that you're a "bad" person; it's that you’re a being with a complex inner world. You have a part of you that's naturally drawn to goodness and connection (the divine soul), and a part that's more connected to our immediate physical needs and desires (the animal soul). Recognizing this inherent duality can be incredibly liberating. Instead of beating yourself up when you have a less-than-holy thought or impulse, you can see it as a natural aspect of being human, a manifestation of that "other side" that's always present. The key isn't to eliminate this "other side" (which the text suggests is impossible, as it's part of God's creation), but to understand its nature and how it influences you. It’s like knowing that sometimes the weather will be stormy; you don't blame the sky, you prepare for the storm.

### The "Impure Garments" of Our Actions

The text talks about the "impure garments" of the "ten unclean categories." This is a metaphor for how our thoughts, speech, and actions can either serve the side of holiness or the "other side." When we dwell on negative thoughts (like anger, envy, or self-importance), speak unkind words, or engage in actions that are selfish or harmful, these become the "clothes" that the "other side" wears. Our physical body and our actions become the vehicle for these less-than-holy impulses. The text points out that even a child, with an immature intellect, can be prone to anger over small things or desire trivial objects. This isn't because the child is inherently bad, but because their capacity to appreciate deeper, more meaningful things is still developing. Their intellect, which guides their desires and actions, is still maturing.

What this means for you: This gives us a powerful insight into the impact of our choices. Every thought, every word, every deed has a consequence, not just in the external world, but in our internal spiritual landscape. When we choose to think critically about someone, to gossip, or to act impatiently, we are, in a sense, “clothing” the “other side” with our energy. Conversely, when we choose to think positively, speak kindly, or act with compassion, we are “clothing” the side of holiness. This isn't about perfection; it's about awareness. By noticing what we’re “clothing” with our energy, we can start to make more conscious choices. Are my thoughts about this situation helping me connect to something good, or are they pulling me down? Is my speech building up or tearing down? Are my actions contributing to my well-being and the well-being of others, or are they driven by less noble impulses? This awareness is the first step towards redirecting our energy towards holiness.

### The Power of Surrender to God

The passage contrasts things that "surrender themselves to G–d" with those that are "separate things by themselves." This is a crucial distinction. Things that fully surrender to God receive their vitality directly from God's essence, which is pure holiness. This is why the text emphasizes that even when a single person studies Torah, or a group of ten gathers, the Shechinah (God's presence) rests with them. This isn't about grand gestures; it's about the act of aligning oneself with God's will and purpose. When we dedicate our actions, our thoughts, and our very selves to something greater than ourselves, we tap into a profound source of spiritual energy and meaning.

On the other hand, things that are "separate" and don't surrender to God are like distant echoes. They get their existence from "behind God’s back," a diluted and diminished form of energy. This is why the text describes this as a process of "lowering of the worlds" and "innumerable contractions," where the light and life become so diminished that they can be contained within a separate entity. This leads to a state where things that are not connected to holiness can exist, but it's a fragile, limited existence.

What this means for you: This offers a path forward when you feel disconnected or overwhelmed. The antidote to feeling lost in the "mundane affairs" or the pull of the "other side" is to actively seek connection. This doesn't mean you have to become a saint overnight. It means making small, intentional choices to align yourself with what you believe is good and holy. It could be dedicating a few minutes of your day to prayer or meditation, consciously choosing to do a kindness for someone, or even just pausing to appreciate the beauty in the world and recognizing it as a gift from God. The act of "surrendering" is an act of trust and humility. It’s saying, "I acknowledge there’s a higher purpose, and I want to be a part of it." Even the smallest act of devotion can open you up to a greater flow of spiritual vitality. It’s like turning on a faucet; the water flows immediately when the connection is made.

Apply It

This week, let's try a super simple practice that connects directly to the idea of consciously choosing what to "clothe" with your energy.

### The "Gratitude Pause" Practice

Every day, for about 60 seconds, find a quiet moment. It could be when you wake up, before you eat, or before you go to sleep. Close your eyes gently, take a deep breath, and think of just one thing you are truly grateful for in that moment. It can be something big or small: the warmth of your bed, a friendly smile from a stranger, a delicious cup of coffee, a moment of peace, or even just the ability to breathe.

As you focus on this one thing, try to feel the gratitude in your heart. Acknowledge that this good thing, in whatever form it takes, is ultimately a gift. You are not just passively receiving; you are actively choosing to focus your attention and energy on something positive and life-affirming. You are, in that moment, "clothing" the side of holiness with your awareness and appreciation.

Why this works: This practice is incredibly simple, but it's powerful.

1. It shifts your focus: It interrupts the tendency to get caught up in worries or complaints (the "other side").
2. It cultivates connection: It helps you recognize the good that already exists and connect it to a source of goodness.
3. It's an act of "surrender": You are consciously choosing to direct your awareness towards something positive, aligning yourself with the good in the world.

How to do it:

• Set a reminder: Put it in your phone or on a sticky note.
• Be consistent: Aim for this 60-second pause every single day this week.
• Don't overthink it: The goal isn't to have the most profound gratitude ever; it's simply to engage in the practice.

This tiny daily act is a way of practicing your "surrender" to the good, and in doing so, you're actively choosing what you "clothe" with your precious attention.

Chevruta Mini

Imagine you and a friend are discussing this. Here are a couple of questions to get you talking:

### Question 1: My Inner "Opposites"

The Tanya talks about "one thing opposite the other." Think about a time this week when you felt that inner tug-of-war. Maybe you wanted to exercise but also wanted to stay on the couch, or you felt like being patient but got easily annoyed. Can you describe one such moment? How did understanding the idea of a divine soul and an "animal soul" (or a "side of holiness" and an "other side") help you view that situation differently? Did it make you feel less alone in that struggle?

### Question 2: "Clothing" Our Actions

The text uses the metaphor of "impure garments" and "holy garments" for our thoughts, speech, and actions. Think about a recent interaction or a recent thought you had. Could you identify what kind of "garment" you were creating in that moment? Were you "clothing" something more positive and connected, or something more negative and disconnected? What's one small change you could make in your thoughts, speech, or actions in the next few days to try and create more "holy garments"?

Takeaway

Remember this: Understanding the spiritual "opposites" in the world and within ourselves can empower us to consciously choose where we direct our energy, turning everyday moments into opportunities for connection.