What does Tanya teach about overcoming sadness in serving Hashem?
What does Tanya teach about overcoming sadness in serving Hashem?
Tanya teaches that sadness is a stratagem of the evil inclination [2], and that it stems from the realm of kelipat nogah, not from holiness [3]. To overcome sadness, one should not worry if they lapse into dejection while trying to acquire a humble spirit, as strength and gladness are in the place of holiness [3]. Additionally, the benonim must contend with dullness of the heart, which can make it difficult to open their heart to prayer and wage war against the evil impulse [4].
Sources
- Tanya, Tanya — Likutei Amarim, Chapter 26 — Truly this should be made known as a cardinal principle, that as with a victory over a physical obstacle, such as in the case of two indivi…
- Igrot Kodesh, Letter 6648 — Community — By the grace of Hashem*, 17 Teves* 5719, Brooklyn, Greetings and blessings, You tell me, at the end of your letter, that your moral state i…
- Tanya, Tanya — Likutei Amarim, Chapter 31 — Even if by prolonging the deep concentration on the aforementioned matters for an hour or two in order to acquire a humble spirit and a con…
- Tanya, Tanya — Likutei Amarim, Chapter 29 — There is yet an additional aspect that the benonim must contend with, namely, that occasionally and even frequently they experience a dulln…
- Igrot Kodesh, Letter 6376 — Chinuch — By the grace of Hashem*, 8 Tammuz* 5718, Brooklyn, Greetings and blessings, I have duly received your letter, in which you describe in deta…
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