What does Tanya teach about the two souls — the G-dly soul and the animal soul?
What does Tanya teach about the two souls — the G-dly soul and the animal soul?
Tanya teaches that a Jew possesses two souls: a G-dly soul, which is a literal part of G-d, and an animal soul. The G-dly soul desires not only one's own spiritual fulfillment but also that of others, reflecting a selfless concern for another's spiritual welfare [2, 4]. The animal soul, derived from the "kelipah" (shell) and clothed in blood, resides in the heart and is associated with desires, anger, and boasting [3, 5]. Before birth, a soul is administered an oath to be righteous and not wicked, and to regard oneself as wicked even if the world deems one righteous [1].
Sources
- Tanya, Tanya — Likutei Amarim, Chapter 1 — It has been taught [Niddah, end ch. 3]: An oath is administered to him [before birth, warning him]: “Be righteous and be not wicked; and ev…
- Hayom Yom, Hayom Yom, January 13 — See Tanya chapters 1 and 2 for an introduction to the concept of two souls. In our context the point is this: Each Divine soul (neshama) de…
- Tanya, Tanya — Likutei Amarim, Chapter 7 — On the other hand,1 The author continues to expound the doctrine of the kelipot, and his definitions of good and evil, distinguishing an in…
- Tanya, Tanya — Likutei Amarim, Chapter 2 — The second soul of a Jew is truly a part of G–d above,1 Job 31:2; cf. also Psalms 16:5; 73:26; Jeremiah 10:16. as it is written, “He breath…
- Tanya, Tanya — Likutei Amarim, Chapter 9 — The abode1 In the sense of its principal area of manifestation. of the animal soul (nefesh habahamit), derived from the kelipat nogah in ev…
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