Chapter Thirty-Two

[In the previous chapter the Alter Rebbe taught that when one is bitterly remorseful over his sorry spiritual state, he must strive for joy by considering the following.

True, on account of his body and his animal soul he is utterly remote from G-dliness. Yet he has within him a divine soul, veritably a part of G-d.

This soul, in exile within the body and the animal soul, is to be greatly pitied. One should therefore strive constantly to release it from this exile and to return it to its divine source, through engaging in the Torah and the mitzvot.

Such a return will bring one great joy, the joy of freedom. The knowledge that the body and the animal soul remain in their unfortunate state should not disturb one's joy on account of his divine soul, for the soul should be infinitely more precious in one's eyes].

Acting on the advice mentioned above - to view one's body with scorn and contempt, and to find joy in the joy of the soul alone - is a direct and easy path toward fulfilling the mitzvah, [1] "You shall love your fellow as yourself," with regard to every Jew both great and small - [in spiritual stature].

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) Vayikra 19:18.