Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 9:1

Hook

We gather today to honor a memory, a presence that, though no longer physically with us, continues to shape the landscape of our lives. This moment is for acknowledging the enduring imprint of a loved one, for tracing the threads of their being that remain woven into the fabric of our own existence. It is a time for remembrance, not just of what was, but of what is, in the continuation of their legacy through us. We are here to meet the quiet hum of their absence, to sit with the echoes of their laughter, their wisdom, their love, and to find meaning in their continued influence. This space is dedicated to the memory and meaning that unfolds when we pause to reflect on those who have transitioned, and the lasting impact they have left behind. It's a moment to acknowledge that while the form may have changed, the essence, the lessons, the love, remains.

Text Snapshot

"The abode of the animal soul (nefesh habahamit), derived from the kelipat nogah in every Jew, is in the heart, in the left ventricle that is filled with blood. It is written, 'For the blood is the nefesh.' Hence all lusts and boasting and anger and similar passions are in the heart, and from the heart they spread throughout the whole body, rising also to the brain in the head, so as to think and meditate about them and become cunning in them... But the abode of the divine soul is in the brains that are in the head, and from there it extends to all the limbs; and also in the heart, in the right ventricle wherein there is no blood, as is written, 'The heart of the wise man is on his right.' It is [the source of] man’s fervent love toward G–d which, like flaming coals, flares up in the heart of discerning men who understand and reflect, with the [faculty of] knowledge of their brain, on matters that arouse this love; also [of] the gladness of the heart in the beauty of G–d and the majesty of His glory..."

This passage from Tanya, Likkutei Amarim 9:1, speaks to the profound duality within us, a concept that resonates deeply when we consider the multifaceted nature of a person’s life and legacy. It describes two souls, the "animal soul" rooted in our physical desires and passions, and the "divine soul" connected to our higher intellect and spiritual yearnings. When we remember someone, we often grapple with this very duality – the tangible memories of their earthly existence, their personality quirks, their strengths and vulnerabilities, alongside the intangible essence of their spirit, their enduring impact, their wisdom that transcends the physical. This text offers a framework for understanding how these seemingly opposing forces can coexist, and how, through intention and reflection, we can elevate the latter, allowing the divine to illuminate our experience of the earthly. It speaks to a struggle, a "war," as the text metaphorically describes, between these two aspects, and the potential for one to prevail over the other, transforming and elevating the experience. This internal "warfare" is not unlike the process of grief and remembrance, where we integrate the physical absence with the spiritual presence, allowing the divine aspects of our loved one’s legacy to guide us.

Kavvanah

Holding the Space for Integrated Legacy

Our intention today, as we engage with this text and the memory of our loved one, is to cultivate a profound sense of integration. We are not seeking to compartmentalize their life into separate, disconnected parts, but rather to understand how their earthly existence, with all its complexities, passions, and even struggles, ultimately served as a vessel for their higher purpose and enduring spirit. We want to acknowledge the "animal soul" – the vibrant, sometimes challenging, but undeniably real aspects of their personality that made them who they were. We hold space for their earthly desires, their joys, their frustrations, the very human experiences that colored their days.

Simultaneously, we will hold space for their "divine soul" – the wisdom, the love, the compassion, the unique light that emanated from them and continues to inspire us. We intend to recognize how their earthly experiences, even the difficult ones, may have forged their character, deepened their understanding, and ultimately amplified their capacity for love and connection. This is not about sanitizing their memory or glossing over any hardships; it is about seeing the whole tapestry, the intricate interplay of all their facets, and understanding that their legacy is not diminished by their humanity, but often, it is in their humanity that their divinity shines brightest.

We acknowledge that grief is not a singular emotion, but a complex constellation of feelings that can shift and change. Our intention is to be present with whatever arises, without judgment. If anger, frustration, or sadness surfaces, we will hold it with the same gentle awareness as we hold love and gratitude. We recognize that the "war" described in the Tanya, the internal struggle between different impulses, is a universal human experience, and it is likely that our loved one, in their own journey, navigated these internal landscapes. Our intention is to honor their journey, to see how their own struggles may have led them to greater wisdom and resilience, and how that resilience now informs our own path.

We will also hold the intention to transform. Just as the Tanya speaks of the potential to convert the "evil waters" of mundane desires into the "love of G–d," we intend to allow the memory of our loved one to inspire transformation within us. We will seek to understand how their presence in our lives has changed us, how their lessons, both spoken and unspoken, have guided our own development. We want to harness the energy of their memory, not as a static monument, but as a dynamic force that propels us toward greater understanding, compassion, and purpose. We will aim to allow their legacy to imbue our own hearts and minds with their highest qualities, to become conduits for the love and wisdom they embodied.

Our intention is to approach this remembrance with openness and curiosity. We will not impose pre-conceived notions of how grief should feel or how a legacy should be defined. Instead, we will be present to what emerges from within us, guided by the text and the spirit of our loved one. We will allow ourselves to be surprised by new insights, to discover deeper layers of appreciation, and to find unexpected solace in the enduring connection. We seek to cultivate a sense of awe for the journey of a human soul, and to find profound meaning in the continuation of that soul's influence, even after the physical form has departed.

Furthermore, we intend to embrace the concept of "with all your heart" as presented in the text – with both our natures. This means acknowledging and integrating the full spectrum of our feelings. It means allowing our intellectual understanding of their absence to coexist with our deep emotional connection. It means finding the balance between the yearning for what was and the embrace of what is. We recognize that this integration is not always easy, that it is a process, a continuous effort. Our intention is to commit to this process, to be patient with ourselves and with the unfolding of our grief, and to find hope in the enduring power of love and connection that transcends all boundaries.

We also intend to acknowledge the "heart of the wise man is on his right." This suggests a guiding wisdom, a clear-sightedness that can direct our understanding and our actions. In our remembrance, we will seek to access this inner wisdom, to allow the lessons and the spirit of our loved one to illuminate our path forward. We will ask ourselves how their presence, their teachings, their very being, can guide us in making wise choices, in living with integrity, and in extending compassion to ourselves and to others. Our intention is to allow their legacy to be a source of ongoing guidance, a quiet whisper of wisdom that helps us navigate the complexities of life.

Finally, our intention is to approach this practice with a sense of sacredness. We are engaging in a ritual of remembrance, a time set apart to honor a profound human connection. We will imbue this time with reverence, with gratitude, and with a deep sense of purpose. We understand that this is not merely an intellectual exercise, but a spiritual practice, a way of connecting with something larger than ourselves, with the enduring essence of love and memory. We intend for this ritual to be a source of strength, of comfort, and of renewed connection, both to our loved one and to the deeper currents of life.

Practice

Engaging with the Echoes: A Micro-Practice of Embodied Remembrance

This practice is designed to be a gentle, yet potent, way to engage with the profound concepts presented in the Tanya, connecting them to the tangible and intangible aspects of the person you are remembering. We will engage in a series of focused actions, each designed to bring a different facet of their legacy into your present awareness. Choose one, or more, that resonate most deeply with you today. This is not about performing a specific task perfectly, but about offering your presence and your intention to the memory.

Micro-Practice Option 1: The Illuminated Heart (Candle Ritual)

Concept Connection: The Tanya speaks of the heart as the abode of both the animal and divine souls, and specifically mentions the right ventricle as the source of fervent love and connection to G–d. This practice invites you to symbolically bring light to these inner spaces, acknowledging both the human and the divine within your loved one's memory.

The Practice:

1. Preparation: Find a quiet space where you will not be disturbed for approximately 15 minutes. Gather a candle (a yahrzeit candle, a beeswax candle, or any candle that feels meaningful to you). You might also wish to have a small glass of water, or a smooth stone that you can hold.
2. Lighting the Flame: As you light the candle, say softly, “I light this flame in loving memory of [Name].” Allow the flame to flicker and draw your attention.
3. Acknowledging the "Animal Soul" (Left Ventricle): Close your eyes for a moment and bring to mind a memory that represents the vibrant, earthly, perhaps even challenging, aspects of [Name]. This could be a moment of their passion, their humor, a time they expressed frustration or joy with full intensity. Feel the warmth of the candle's flame on your face, and allow yourself to feel the spectrum of emotions associated with this memory. You might gently hold the glass of water, representing the flow of life and emotion. Do not judge these feelings; simply acknowledge their presence. You might whisper, “I honor the fullness of your earthly journey, the passions and experiences that shaped you.”
4. Acknowledging the "Divine Soul" (Right Ventricle): Now, shift your focus. Imagine the flame reaching deeper, illuminating the right ventricle of the heart, the source of their fervent love and spiritual connection. Bring to mind a memory that speaks to their wisdom, their kindness, their acts of compassion, or moments when their spirit seemed to shine most brightly. Perhaps it was a quiet word of encouragement, a moment of profound insight, or an act of selfless love. As you hold this memory, feel the steady, unwavering warmth of the candle. You might gently hold the stone, representing enduring strength and wisdom. Whisper, “I feel the enduring light of your spirit, the love and wisdom that continues to guide me.”
5. Integration: Allow the warmth of the flame to permeate your being. Visualize the two aspects of their soul, the earthly and the divine, not as separate entities, but as interwoven threads that created the unique person you knew. Imagine their legacy as this integrated light, a flame that burns both with the intensity of lived experience and the steady glow of enduring spirit.
6. Concluding Thought: As the candle continues to burn, or as you prepare to extinguish it, offer a silent intention: “May the memory of [Name] inspire me to integrate all aspects of my own being, to find the divine in the human, and to live with a heart filled with both passion and purpose.”
7. Extinguishing (Optional): If you choose to extinguish the candle, do so with reverence. You might say, "May your light continue to shine in my heart."

Micro-Practice Option 2: The Whisper of Wisdom (Name and Story Ritual)

Concept Connection: The Tanya describes the "divine soul" residing in the brain, influencing thought and knowledge, leading to love and awe. This practice uses the power of speaking a name and recounting a story to bring forth the intellectual and spiritual wisdom of your loved one, allowing it to inform your own understanding.

The Practice:

1. Preparation: Find a quiet space. Have a notebook and pen, or simply a comfortable place to sit. You might wish to have a photograph of the person you are remembering.
2. Invoking the Name: Take a few deep breaths. Gently speak the full name of the person you are remembering, perhaps three times. Feel the resonance of their name, the unique sound and energy it carries.
3. Accessing the "Divine Soul" (Brain and Knowledge): Bring to mind a specific instance where [Name] shared a piece of wisdom, offered a profound insight, or demonstrated a deep understanding of something. It doesn't have to be a grand philosophical statement; it could be a practical piece of advice, a perspective that shifted your thinking, or a moment of clarity they helped you achieve.
4. Recounting the Story: In your notebook, or simply by speaking aloud to yourself, recount this memory. Describe the situation, what they said or did, and how it impacted you. Focus on the essence of their wisdom. What was the core lesson or understanding they conveyed?
   • Example Prompt: "I remember when [Name] said to me, '[Quote the specific wisdom or paraphrase it].' At the time, I was struggling with [briefly describe your struggle]. Their words helped me to see [describe the shift in perspective]. This was their way of sharing their knowledge, their understanding of life."
5. Connecting to the "Heart of the Wise Man" (Right Ventricle): As you recount the story, reflect on the feeling associated with this wisdom. Was it a feeling of clarity, of peace, of expanded understanding, or of deeper love? The Tanya speaks of this wisdom leading to love and awe. How did this particular wisdom evoke those feelings in you, or how might it be inspiring those feelings now?
6. The "War" and Its Resolution: Consider if this wisdom was something they learned through their own struggles or challenges. Did they have to overcome something to arrive at this understanding? The Tanya speaks of a "war" between the two souls. Perhaps this wisdom was a victory for their "divine soul" over a more challenging impulse, or a way they navigated those internal conflicts. How does their ability to find wisdom amidst challenges offer you a model?
7. Legacy as "Thought and Speech": Now, think about how this wisdom has become part of your own "thought and speech." How has it influenced your own way of thinking, your conversations, your decisions? Write down one way you can consciously integrate this wisdom into your life in the coming days or weeks. This is how their "garment of thought and speech" continues to live through you.
8. Concluding Affirmation: Close your eyes and silently affirm: "The wisdom of [Name] lives within me. I carry their insights forward, allowing them to illuminate my path and deepen my connection to myself and to the world."

Micro-Practice Option 3: Seeds of Generosity (Tzedakah and Transformation Ritual)

Concept Connection: The Tanya discusses the potential for the divine soul to "convert" the desires of the animal soul, transforming them from seeking worldly pleasures to the love of G–d. This practice embodies this transformative principle through acts of generosity, channeling the energy of remembrance into positive action that benefits others.

The Practice:

1. Preparation: Identify a cause or organization that was meaningful to your loved one, or a cause that aligns with their values. Alternatively, choose a simple act of kindness you can perform for someone else. Have a small amount of money set aside (even a few dollars) or be prepared to offer your time or a tangible act of kindness.
2. Invoking the "Animal Soul" (Desire and Passion): Bring to mind a memory of [Name] that speaks to their earthly passions, their joys, their desires. This could be their love for a particular hobby, their enjoyment of a certain food, their enthusiasm for a specific activity, or even their desire for comfort or security. Acknowledge these human desires without judgment. They are part of what made them real and relatable.
3. Acknowledging the "Divine Soul" (Transformation and Love): Now, recall a memory that showcases their compassion, their generosity, their ability to connect with others on a deeper level, or their spiritual aspirations. Think about how they expressed love, kindness, or a desire for something beyond the superficial.
4. The Act of Tzedakah (Charity/Justice): The Tanya speaks of converting the "evil waters" of worldly pleasure into the love of G–d. Tzedakah is a powerful way to channel our earthly resources and energies towards higher purposes.
   • If giving money: Take the money you have set aside. As you offer it, say, "This act of tzedakah is offered in loving memory of [Name]. May the energy of their passions and their love be transformed into blessing for [Name of cause/organization] and for all who benefit from it." You can then make the donation online, by check, or in person.
   • If performing an act of kindness: Consider the act you have chosen. How does this act of kindness reflect the values or spirit of your loved one? Perhaps they were known for their helpfulness, their encouragement, or their ability to bring a smile to someone's face. As you perform this act, say to yourself, "This act of kindness is a reflection of [Name]'s spirit, a way of continuing their legacy of love and connection."
5. "With All Your Heart": As you engage in this act of generosity, try to do so with the intention of "all your heart," meaning both your earthly desires and your spiritual aspirations are present. You are using your earthly resources (money, time, energy) to fuel a higher purpose (love, compassion, justice). This is the essence of transformation.
6. The "Small City" and its Inhabitants: The Tanya refers to the body as a "small city." Your act of tzedakah is an act of care for that city, and for the wider community it is part of. You are contributing to the well-being of others, just as your loved one contributed to the well-being of the world.
7. Concluding Reflection: Take a moment to feel the quiet satisfaction and sense of connection that arises from this act. Reflect on how this generosity is a tangible expression of transformed energy, a way in which the memory of your loved one continues to bring good into the world. Whisper, "May the light of [Name]'s legacy continue to ripple outwards, transforming and uplifting."

Community

Shared Echoes: Weaving a Tapestry of Remembrance Together

The profound concept of two souls warring for dominion within us, and the potential for integration and transformation, is not a solitary journey. While our individual experiences of grief are unique, the act of remembering, of honoring a life, can be a deeply communal one. When we share our memories and our reflections, we weave a richer tapestry, strengthening the bonds of connection and offering solace to one another.

Including Others: The Circle of Shared Light

Option 1: The Memory Jar/Box:

• The Practice: Invite family members, close friends, or members of your community to contribute to a "Memory Jar" or "Legacy Box." Provide small slips of paper and pens. Encourage each person to write down a brief memory, a quality they admired, a lesson they learned from your loved one, or a hope inspired by their life. It doesn't have to be long or elaborate. The instructions can be as simple as: "In loving memory of [Name], please share a brief thought, memory, or quality that resonates with you."
• The Ritual: Designate a specific time to gather and open the Memory Jar. You can do this in person or even virtually. As each person reads their contribution aloud (or shares it if it's a virtual gathering), allow for a moment of silence or reflection. This practice honors the "divine soul" of your loved one, as expressed through the collective wisdom and love of those who remember them. It acknowledges that their impact extended beyond your immediate circle, touching many lives in different ways. The variety of contributions will reflect the multifaceted nature of your loved one, mirroring the duality described in the Tanya, but showing how these different facets were perceived and cherished by many.
• Community Impact: This practice directly addresses the "community" aspect by actively inviting others to participate. It demonstrates that the legacy is not solely yours to carry, but a shared inheritance. It also provides a tangible way for others to feel connected and supported in their own grief, knowing they are not alone in their remembrance.

Option 2: A Shared Reflection on Qualities:

• The Practice: If you are gathering with others, or even if you are reaching out individually, you can initiate a conversation centered around specific qualities. Instead of asking for anecdotes, which can sometimes feel daunting, you can pose questions like:
  • "When I think of [Name]'s 'divine soul,' I think of their [quality, e.g., unwavering kindness]. What quality of theirs stands out to you when you consider their deeper spirit?"
  • "Even in their human moments, their 'animal soul,' they possessed a [positive quality, e.g., resilience]. How did you witness their strength in challenging times?"
  • "What is one way [Name]'s presence encouraged you to be more [positive trait, e.g., courageous or compassionate]?"
• The Ritual: As each person shares, listen with an open heart, allowing the shared reflections to illuminate different facets of your loved one. This practice encourages a deeper understanding of how their presence influenced others, aligning with the idea of the "divine soul" extending its influence throughout the body and to all limbs. The different qualities shared by various individuals represent the diverse ways their essence manifested and impacted the world.
• Community Impact: This method fosters a sense of collective appreciation and understanding. It moves beyond individual memories to an exploration of the enduring impact of your loved one's character. It acknowledges that different people will connect with different aspects of a person's being, just as the Tanya describes the interplay of different souls and faculties. This shared exploration can be incredibly validating and comforting.

Option 3: A Collective Act of "Tzedakah" or Kindness:

• The Practice: If you are working with a group, you can collectively decide on a charitable donation or a group act of kindness in honor of your loved one. This could be volunteering time together for a cause they cared about, organizing a food drive, or making a collective donation to a relevant charity.
• The Ritual: Before embarking on the collective action, briefly share the intention behind it. You can say something like, "We are coming together today to honor [Name] by [describe the act of tzedakah/kindness]. Just as the Tanya speaks of transforming earthly desires into higher love, we are channeling our remembrance into an act of good that will benefit others, continuing [Name]'s legacy of [mention a relevant value, e.g., compassion, generosity]."
• Community Impact: This is a powerful way to embody the principle of transformation and community. It demonstrates that the love and memory of your loved one can inspire tangible positive change in the world. It allows the community to feel united in a shared purpose, reinforcing the idea that while grief may be individual, the capacity for good is amplified when we act together. It directly connects to the idea of the divine soul's influence extending to all limbs and actions, manifesting in the world through collective effort.

Takeaway

The wisdom we draw from this passage and our practice today is multifaceted. We are reminded that the essence of a person, much like the human spirit, is a complex interplay of earthly passions and divine aspirations. In our remembrance, we are invited not to shy away from the entirety of their being – the human, the flawed, the passionate – but to see how these very elements can be the ground upon which their higher spirit, their wisdom, and their love flourished.

The journey of grief and remembrance is, in its own way, a reflection of the internal "war" described in the Tanya. It is a process of integrating our memories of their tangible presence with the enduring echo of their spirit. By consciously choosing to focus on the "divine soul" – their wisdom, their love, their enduring light – we can, as the text suggests, transform our own experience. We can allow their legacy to illuminate our path, to inspire our actions, and to deepen our own capacity for love and connection.

The power of community in this process cannot be overstated. When we share our memories, our reflections, and our acts of kindness, we weave a stronger, more vibrant tapestry of remembrance. We acknowledge that the light of our loved one did not vanish but continues to shine through each of us, amplified by our collective presence.

Ultimately, the takeaway is one of hope without denial. We acknowledge the reality of absence, the pain of loss, but we also embrace the enduring presence of love, wisdom, and inspiration. We are encouraged to integrate all aspects of our loved one's being into our memory, recognizing that their humanity was the very vessel for their divinity, and that their legacy continues to inform and elevate our own lives. May we carry this integrated understanding forward, allowing the echo of their spirit to guide us with grace and purpose.