Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 9:5

Hook

We gather today to honor a memory, a presence, or perhaps a quiet turning within ourselves. This space is held for the gentle unfolding of remembrance, for the quiet integration of what has been, and for the seeds of legacy we sow for what is to come. Whether this moment is sparked by a specific anniversary, a fleeting thought, or a deep wellspring of connection, know that you are met here with spaciousness and understanding. There is no prescribed timeline for grief, no single path for remembrance. This time is an invitation to simply be, to acknowledge the currents that flow through us, and to find meaning in their ebb and flow.

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."

Kavvanah

This practice is an offering to the intricate tapestry of our inner landscape, acknowledging the dynamic interplay of forces that shape our experience. We turn our attention to the wisdom of the Tanya, which speaks of two souls residing within us: the animal soul, rooted in our physical existence and its natural inclinations, and the divine soul, a spark of the sacred, a source of higher aspirations and connection. The text describes a profound internal struggle, a "war" waged within the "small city" of our being, over which soul will ultimately guide our actions, our thoughts, and our very essence.

Our kavvanah, our intention for this ritual, is to bring gentle awareness to this inner dynamic, not to eradicate one soul for the other, but to foster a harmonious integration. We aim to understand how the energy of our passions, our desires, and even our struggles—the "lusts and boasting and anger" residing in the left ventricle—can be transmuted. We recognize that these very impulses, when illuminated by the wisdom and reflection of the divine soul, which resides in the "right ventricle" of our hearts and the "brains" of our minds, can be transformed. This is not about denial, but about a profound alchemy. We seek to cultivate the capacity to direct our energies, whether they arise from the primal instincts of our animal soul or the loftier aspirations of our divine soul, towards meaning, connection, and a deeper experience of G-dliness. We intend to witness the origins of our deepest loves and our most profound connections, recognizing that they are nurtured by both the grounded reality of our physical selves and the expansive vision of our spiritual selves. Our intention is to move from a place of internal conflict to one of wise discernment and purposeful redirection, allowing the divine spark to illuminate and guide all aspects of our being, transforming what might seem like mere passion into purposeful love.

Practice

This practice is an invitation to gently observe and engage with the interplay of your inner worlds, drawing from the wisdom of the Tanya. It is designed to be a brief, grounding experience, accessible even in moments of stillness.

Candle Lighting

• Choose Your Candle: Select a candle that resonates with you. It could be a simple white candle, a beeswax candle, or one with a color that holds significance for you. The light represents the spark of the divine within, the illumination of awareness.
• The Lighting Ritual: As you light the candle, hold the intention of bringing awareness to your inner landscape. You might softly say, "I light this flame to illuminate the sacred spark within, the divine soul that guides me."
• Observing the Flame: Take a few moments to gaze at the flame. Notice its movement, its intensity, its subtle dance. Consider what the flame's energy evokes in you. Does it feel like a steady presence, a flicker of passion, a gentle warmth?
• Connecting to the Text: Reflect on the text's description of the two souls. Where do you feel the energy of the "animal soul" most strongly in your body? Perhaps it's a feeling of warmth in your chest, a stirring in your gut, or a restless energy in your limbs. Now, gently shift your awareness. Where do you sense the presence of the "divine soul"? Perhaps it's a sense of quiet knowing in your mind, a gentle expansion in your chest, or a feeling of deep peace.
• The "War" and the "Victory": The Tanya speaks of a struggle. Think of a recent moment when you felt pulled in different directions, or when an impulse arose that conflicted with a higher aspiration. Without judgment, simply acknowledge this internal dynamic. Then, consider how you might have, or could in the future, consciously choose to align with the wisdom and guidance of your divine soul. This is not about forceful suppression, but about gentle redirection, like guiding a river's flow rather than damming it.
• The Heart of the Wise: The text speaks of the "heart of the wise man is on his right," the abode of the divine soul. Imagine this space within you. What does it feel like to connect with that place of wisdom and clarity? Is it a sense of calm, of insight, of deep love?
• A Moment of Gratitude: As you conclude this practice, offer a silent or spoken word of gratitude to both the strength of your physical being and the light of your divine spark. You might say, "Thank you for the vitality of my animal soul, and thank you for the wisdom and love of my divine soul. May they work in harmony within me."
• Extinguishing the Flame (Optional): If you choose to extinguish the candle, do so mindfully. You might say, "May this light continue to shine within me, even as the flame recedes."

This micro-practice is an exploration, not a test. The goal is to cultivate a greater awareness of the rich, complex landscape of your inner self, fostering a gentle understanding and a capacity for wise integration.

Community

In moments of remembrance and the integration of meaning, connecting with others can offer a profound sense of shared humanity and support.

• Shared Reflection: If you are part of a group or feel comfortable, you might invite others to share a brief reflection on what the concept of the "two souls" or the "inner struggle" brings up for them. This is not about offering advice or solutions, but about witnessing each other's experiences. You could offer a simple prompt like, "What is one aspect of this inner dynamic that resonates with you today?"
• Acknowledge Support Systems: Consider who in your life offers you a sense of grounding, wisdom, or spiritual connection. This could be a friend, a family member, a mentor, or a spiritual leader. Even a silent acknowledgment of their presence in your life, and the support they offer, can be a powerful act of community.
• Acts of Shared Kindness: The Tanya speaks of the divine soul's desire to express itself through actions and commandments. Consider an act of kindness, however small, that you can offer to another person or to the world. This could be a kind word, a helping hand, or a contribution to a cause you care about. Sharing in acts of goodness can be a beautiful way to weave our individual journeys into a collective tapestry. If you are comfortable, you might share with a trusted confidant what act of kindness you are undertaking.
• The Power of Bearing Witness: If you are grieving, or navigating a complex emotional time, simply knowing that others are holding space for you can be deeply comforting. If you have someone you can confide in, you might simply say, "I am holding a tender memory/feeling today, and I would appreciate your quiet presence or a listening ear." The gift of being heard without judgment is a powerful form of community.

Embracing community does not mean sharing every detail of your inner life. It is about recognizing that we are not alone in our human experience, and that connection can be a source of strength, solace, and shared meaning.

Takeaway

The wisdom presented today invites us into a deeper understanding of our own inner lives. It suggests that within us resides a dynamic interplay of forces – the primal energies of our physical existence and the luminous spark of our divine essence. This is not a battle to be won by annihilation, but a dance of integration, a process of conscious redirection.

As you move forward from this moment, consider carrying with you the gentle awareness of this inner landscape. Recognize that your passions, your desires, and even your struggles, when met with the wisdom and intention of your divine soul, can be transformed and channeled towards deeper meaning. The "abode of the divine soul" resides not only in the intellect but also in the heart, capable of igniting a love for G-d that can permeate and illuminate your entire being.

May you find spaciousness to explore this inner terrain, hope in the capacity for transformation, and a quiet strength in knowing that you are a vessel for both the earthly and the divine. Your journey of remembrance and legacy is an ongoing unfolding, guided by this profound wisdom.