Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
Welcome to TanyaToday, where we offer daily doses of divine wisdom straight from the heart of Chassidic philosophy. Our episodes delve into the timeless teachings of the Tanya, shedding light on how these ancient insights are astonishingly relevant to modern living. Whether you're wrestling with life's big questions or simply seeking a moment of spiritual serenity, TanyaToday aims to enrich your day with meaningful, bite-sized lessons. Subscribe now to embark on a journey that bridges the heavenly and the everyday.
Welcome, dear friends, and thank you for joining me today.
Today, we delve into the Tanya, the foundational work of the Chabad philosophy by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. We look specifically at Chapter 12, which presents a beautiful analogy. It likens the human soul to a small city, inhabited by two distinct personalities: the Animal Soul and the Divine Soul.
The Animal Soul is driven by physical needs and desires. It seeks comfort, pleasure, and survival. It's like the citizen who is concerned with the city's infrastructure, economy, and defense.
Contrastingly, the Divine Soul seeks spiritual growth, moral perfection, and closeness to God. It's like the citizen who cares about the city's culture, education, and moral standards.
Now, these two souls are in constant battle, each trying to control the city. Some days, the Animal Soul might have the upper hand, leading us to make decisions based on our physical desires. Other days, the Divine Soul might reign, guiding us towards acts of kindness, study, and prayer.
In our daily lives, we see this struggle. We grapple with choices between immediate gratification and long-term spiritual fulfillment. Do we choose that extra hour of sleep or use it for morning prayers? Do we choose gossip or hold our tongue? These are battles we face every day.
But remember, it's not about completely negating the Animal Soul. After all, it's a part of us. The goal is to channel its energy and desires for the good, to serve God in this physical world.
In our lives, let's strive not to annihilate but to elevate, not to crush but to channel, not to suppress but to sublimate. May we harness the passion and energy of our Animal Soul for positive and spiritual ends, making our small city - our soul - a beacon of holiness and goodness.
Thank you for joining me today. Remember, every day is a new day in the small city of your soul.
This podcast was produced and sponsored by Daniel Aharonoff.