Tanya: Your Guide to Jewish Mystical Psychology
As I sit in my study, surrounded by the warm glow of flickering candles, I often find myself reflecting on the profound teachings of Tanya, a seminal work in Jewish mysticism authored by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. This text not only serves as a spiritual guide but also offers deep insights into the complexities of the human psyche through the lens of Chassidic thought. Today, I want to share with you one aspect that particularly resonates with me: the concept of the two souls.
The Duality Within Us
In Tanya, Rabbi Schneur Zalman introduces us to an extraordinary idea—the existence of two distinct souls within each individual: the Nefesh Elokit (the divine soul) and the Nefesh HaBahamit (the animal soul). This duality is not merely theoretical; it is a lived experience that shapes our thoughts, emotions, and actions every day.
The Nefesh Elokit represents our higher self—our connection to God and our innate desire for spirituality and goodness. It is this soul that yearns for truth, wisdom, and love. On the other hand, the Nefesh HaBahamit embodies our instincts and base desires—those urges that pull us toward materialism and self-gratification. This animalistic drive can lead us astray if left unchecked.
The Struggle Between Souls
From my own experiences, I have come to realize that life often feels like a battleground where these two souls engage in an ongoing struggle for dominance. There are moments when I feel uplifted by inspiration—a beautiful piece of music or a heartfelt prayer can ignite my Nefesh Elokit into action. Yet there are also times when distractions loom large; perhaps it’s an enticing advertisement or an indulgent meal that stirs my Nefesh HaBahamit.
This internal conflict is universal; it’s what makes us distinctly human. Tanya teaches us that recognizing this struggle is essential for personal growth and spiritual development. By acknowledging both aspects of ourselves, we can begin to navigate our lives with greater awareness and intention.
Transforming Our Nature
One powerful teaching from Tanya is about transformation—the ability to elevate our lower nature through conscious effort and divine assistance. Rabbi Schneur Zalman emphasizes that while we may be born with certain inclinations tied to our animal soul, we possess free will—the capacity to choose how we respond to these impulses.
For instance, instead of succumbing to anger or jealousy when faced with adversity or competition, we can tap into our divine soul’s potential for compassion and understanding. This transformative process requires diligence; it’s not something achieved overnight but rather cultivated through consistent practice in Torah study, prayer, and acts of kindness.
Practical Applications
So how does one apply these teachings practically? One approach I’ve found helpful is engaging in daily reflection—taking time each evening to assess my actions throughout the day through this dual-soul framework. Questions like “Did I allow my divine soul’s light to shine today?” or “In what ways did I give in to my base instincts?” allow me not only to evaluate but also encourage growth moving forward.
Additionally, surrounding ourselves with positive influences—friends who inspire us spiritually or communities rooted in uplifting values—can bolster our resolve against negative tendencies stemming from our animalistic nature.
Embracing Our Complexity
Ultimately, embracing this complexity within ourselves leads not only to personal enlightenment but also enriches our relationships with others. Understanding that everyone else wrestles with their own Nefesh Elokit and Nefesh HaBahamit fosters empathy and compassion towards those around us.
Tanya invites us on a journey—a journey toward self-discovery where we learn not just about who we are but who we can become by harmonizing these two souls within us. As I continue exploring its depths myself, I’m reminded daily that while we may grapple with inner conflicts as human beings navigating this world, it’s precisely this struggle that shapes our character and elevates our spiritual essence.
