Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 9:5

Hook

Ever feel like there's a tug-of-war happening inside you? One part of you wants to do something good, something meaningful, something that feels… well, you. But then, another part kicks in, whispering about instant gratification, getting a little annoyed, or just wanting to zone out. It's like having two different voices in your head, each with its own agenda. Sometimes it’s subtle, other times it’s a full-blown internal argument. You might be trying to focus on your studies or a task, and suddenly you’re craving a snack or feeling the urge to scroll through your phone. Or maybe you’re trying to be patient with someone, and a wave of frustration washes over you, almost against your will. This internal conflict is something many of us experience, and it can be a bit confusing, right? You might wonder where these different urges come from and why they seem to be battling for control. It’s a universal human experience, this feeling of having different desires and motivations within ourselves. It’s easy to get caught up in the frustration of it all, feeling like you're not in the driver's seat of your own life. But what if this internal struggle isn't a sign of weakness, but a fundamental part of who we are? What if there’s a way to understand these inner voices, to see them not as enemies, but as different parts of a complex, beautiful whole? This week, we’re going to dive into a text that explores this very idea, offering a unique perspective on the inner workings of our hearts and minds. It might just give you a new way to think about that internal tug-of-war.

Context

Get ready to explore a foundational text that's been guiding Jewish thought for centuries!

Who, When, and Where

• The Author: Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), the founder of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement. He was a brilliant scholar and mystic who wanted to make complex spiritual ideas accessible to everyone.
• The Text: The Tanya, specifically "Likkutei Amarim" (Collected Sayings), which is the first part of the Tanya. It's like the beginner's guide to Hasidic philosophy!
• The Time: Written in the late 18th century, a time of great intellectual and spiritual awakening in Eastern Europe.
• The Place: Primarily written in Russia, where Rabbi Shneur Zalman lived and taught.
• The Core Idea: We're going to talk about the "two souls" within each person. It sounds a bit mystical, but it's actually a way to understand our different drives and motivations.

One Key Term Explained

• Nefesh Habahamit (Animal Soul): This refers to the part of us that's driven by basic physical needs, desires, and emotions like hunger, anger, and pride. Think of it as the engine that keeps us going physically and emotionally in the everyday world. It's not inherently "bad," but it can sometimes lead us astray if not guided.

Text Snapshot

This week, we're looking at a fascinating passage from the Tanya that describes two inner forces at play within us. Imagine your body as a "small city" and these two forces as two kings fighting for control.

Here's a taste of what Rabbi Shneur Zalman writes:

The abode of the animal soul… is in the heart, in the left ventricle that is filled with blood. Hence all lusts and boasting and anger and similar passions are in the heart, and from the heart they spread throughout the whole body…

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… It is [the source of] man’s fervent love toward G–d…

Just as two kings wage war over a town… so do the two souls—the Divine and the vitalizing animal soul… wage war against each other over the body and all its limbs. It is the desire and will of the Divine soul that she alone rule over the person…

And it is written, “‘With all your heart’—with both your natures.” That is to say that the person shall steadily rise to attain to the degree of “abundant love”… which is the experience of delight in G–dliness…

— Tanya, Part I, Likkutei Amarim 9:5

(Source: https://www.sefaria.org/Tanya%2C_Part_I%3B_Likkutei_Amarim_9%3A5)

Close Reading

Let's unpack this amazing passage and see what insights we can glean for our own lives. It's like a spiritual treasure map for understanding ourselves!

### The Heart of the Matter: Where Our Desires Dwell

Rabbi Shneur Zalman uses some vivid imagery to explain where these two "souls" or inner forces reside. He tells us the animal soul (our more instinctual, emotional side) makes its home in the heart, specifically the left ventricle filled with blood. This makes sense, right? When we get angry, our heart pounds. When we're excited, we feel it in our chest. The text explicitly links this to "lusts, boasting, and anger." These are powerful emotions and desires that often feel centered in our gut or chest area. It's fascinating to think that the physical location of these strong feelings is being described as the headquarters for this "animal" aspect of ourselves. This isn't to say these feelings are bad, but rather that this is the energetic center for them. From this central hub in the heart, these passions then spread throughout the entire body, influencing our thoughts and actions. It's like a ripple effect, starting from this core emotional engine.

### The Brainy Side: Where Wisdom and Divine Connection Reside

In contrast, the divine soul (our spiritual, intellectual, and higher-purpose-driven side) is located in the brain. This is where our thinking, understanding, and reasoning happen. The text explains that this divine soul extends its influence from the brain to all our limbs, guiding us. Interestingly, it also mentions a part of the divine soul in the heart, specifically the right ventricle, which is described as having "no blood." This is a poetic way of saying it's a space free from the raw, physical passions associated with blood. This is where the text says "fervent love toward G-d" originates. Think about moments of deep connection, awe, or spiritual inspiration – these often feel like they come from a place beyond our immediate physical sensations, a place of clarity and profound feeling. This divine soul is the source of our ability to contemplate, to feel awe, and to experience deep love, particularly for something higher than ourselves. It’s the part of us that yearns for meaning and connection.

### The Internal Battleground: Two Kings in One "Small City"

The most striking part of this passage is the analogy of two kings fighting over a "small city," which represents our body. This is a brilliant way to describe the internal conflict we often feel. We have these two powerful forces within us, the animal soul and the divine soul, and they are in constant competition for control. The animal soul wants us to pursue immediate gratification, to indulge our desires, and to be driven by our emotions. It wants the body to obey its will. The divine soul, on the other hand, desires that it should rule. It wants our limbs and our entire being to be dedicated to higher purposes, to G-dly pursuits, and to spiritual growth. It's like having two distinct programs running in our operating system, each trying to take over. This isn't a passive situation; it's an active "war." The text emphasizes that the divine soul wants to rule, to have us completely surrendered to its guidance. This means our intellect (the "chabad" – wisdom, understanding, knowledge) should be focused on understanding G-d, and from that understanding, we develop awe and love for G-d. These holy affections then permeate our hearts.

### Transcending the Struggle: Love with "Both Your Natures"

The passage then offers a profound insight with the verse, "'With all your heart'—with both your natures." This is a powerful call to action. It suggests that the goal isn't to annihilate one soul or the other, but to integrate them. We are called to love G-d "with both your natures," meaning with our animal soul and our divine soul. This implies that the desires and energies of the animal soul, which are often directed towards earthly pleasures, can be transformed and redirected. The text hints at this transformation: the "water" and "seed" of the animal soul, which can lead to lust for mundane pleasures, can be converted into "good" by the "water" and "seed" of the divine soul. This is the concept of sublimation – taking a raw energy and channeling it into something higher. Instead of lusting for fleeting earthly delights, we can channel that passionate energy into a deep, abiding love for G-d, a love that brings genuine delight and fulfillment. This isn't about denying our physical or emotional selves, but about elevating them, dedicating their inherent power to a divine purpose. It's about making our entire being – our thoughts, our words, and our actions – instruments for holiness. This is the ultimate goal: to have our entire body, from our brains to our actions, permeated by the divine soul, transforming even the "evil waters" of desire into a love for G-d.

Apply It

Here's a simple, yet powerful practice inspired by this week's reading that you can try for a few minutes each day.

### The "Internal Check-In" Micro-Practice

Goal: To become more aware of the different "voices" or urges within you and to practice consciously choosing your response.

How to do it (≤ 60 seconds/day):

1. Find a quiet moment: This can be first thing in the morning, before bed, or during a brief pause in your day.
2. Ask yourself: "What am I feeling or wanting right now?"
3. Listen inwardly: Don't judge, just notice. Is it a desire for comfort? A feeling of frustration? A spark of excitement about something? An urge to procrastinate? A longing for connection? These are all echoes of your internal "kings."
4. Gently redirect: Acknowledge the feeling or urge. Then, take a deep breath and consciously choose to focus your attention on something higher or more constructive. This could be:
   • Thinking of something you're grateful for.
   • Recalling a positive intention you have for the day.
   • Simply focusing on your breath for a few moments.
   • Mentally reciting a short, positive affirmation (e.g., "I choose peace," "I am capable").

Why this works: This practice isn't about suppressing your desires, but about developing your ability to observe them and then consciously choose where to direct your focus. It's like training a muscle. The more you practice this gentle redirection, the stronger your ability becomes to align your actions with your higher intentions, even when faced with competing urges. It helps you move from being driven by your impulses to being in charge of them.

Chevruta Mini

Grab a friend, family member, or even just talk to yourself out loud! Discussing these ideas helps them sink in.

### Discussion Question 1: The Two Kings in Action

Think about a recent situation where you felt a strong internal conflict. Can you identify which "king" (animal soul or divine soul) seemed to be pushing for which action or feeling? What was the outcome, and how might consciously acknowledging these two forces have changed things?

### Discussion Question 2: Transforming Desires

The text talks about transforming the desires of the animal soul into love for G-d. Can you think of an everyday desire (like wanting a treat, or wanting to relax) that, with a shift in perspective, could be channeled into something that feels more aligned with your higher self or your spiritual goals? What might that transformation look like for you?

Takeaway

Remember this: You have a powerful inner guidance system, and by becoming aware of your different inner drives, you can learn to steer your life with intention.