Daily Spiritual Life Using Tanya’s Teachings
Every morning, as the sun begins to rise, I find myself enveloped in a sacred moment of reflection. It is during this tranquil time that I turn to the teachings of Tanya, a profound work authored by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad Chassidus. The essence of Tanya resonates deeply within me, guiding my daily spiritual life and illuminating my path with wisdom and understanding.
The Dichotomy Within Us
One of the most striking aspects of Tanya is its exploration of the duality inherent in human nature. Rabbi Schneur Zalman introduces us to the concept of the “two souls” residing within each individual: the godly soul and the animal soul. This teaching has become a cornerstone for my daily practice, helping me navigate life’s challenges and opportunities.
The godly soul embodies our higher aspirations—our innate desire for connection with the Divine, love for others, and yearning for truth. In contrast, the animal soul represents our base instincts—selfish desires and material pursuits that often lead us astray. Each day presents a new arena where these two forces engage in an ongoing battle for our attention and allegiance.
Morning Reflections
As I wake each morning, I consciously remind myself of this internal struggle. Before even getting out of bed, I take a moment to breathe deeply and recite a prayer that acknowledges my intention to serve G-d throughout the day. This simple act sets a tone steeped in awareness; it allows me to recognize which voice I am listening to—the voice that urges me towards kindness or one that tempts me into selfishness.
In these quiet moments, I often reflect on Tanya’s insight regarding free will. Rabbi Schneur Zalman teaches us that while we are indeed influenced by our surroundings and inner drives, we ultimately possess the power to choose how we respond to them. This realization empowers me; it transforms potential frustration into opportunity for growth.
Daily Choices Inspired by Tanya
Throughout my day-to-day life, I strive to embody this philosophy through conscious choices that align with my higher self. For instance, when faced with difficult interactions at work or home, I remind myself of Tanya’s teachings about compassion and humility. Instead of reacting impulsively from my animal soul—which might prompt defensiveness—I pause to consider how my response can reflect divine qualities such as patience and understanding.
Even mundane tasks become infused with spiritual significance when viewed through this lens. Whether I’m engaging in conversation with colleagues or sharing meals with family, each interaction serves as an opportunity to elevate those moments into acts of service toward G-d by embodying love and kindness.
The Power of Contemplation
Tanya also emphasizes contemplation as an essential tool for spiritual growth—a practice I’ve woven into my daily routine. After reciting morning prayers (Shacharit), I dedicate time for meditation on key concepts from Tanya. One particularly impactful exercise involves visualizing G-d’s omnipresence: recognizing that every action is observed by Him instills a sense of accountability within me.
This practice not only enhances my awareness but also cultivates gratitude—an essential aspect emphasized throughout Tanya’s teachings. By contemplating G-d’s benevolence in creating another day filled with opportunities for growth and connection, I find joy even amidst challenges.
Evening Reflection
As evening descends upon my world—a time when many retreat into their personal spaces—I engage in another layer of introspection inspired by Tanya’s teachings: self-assessment (Cheshbon HaNefesh). Reflecting on what transpired during the day allows me to identify moments where either soul prevailed over others.
Did kindness triumph over anger? Did love overshadow indifference? These reflections guide me toward making amends where necessary while nurturing intentions for improvement moving forward—transforming missteps into stepping stones on my journey toward becoming better aligned with my true essence.
Living Tanya Every Day
Incorporating these principles from Tanya into daily life has not only enriched my spiritual experience but has also fostered deeper connections with those around me. Each lesson serves as both anchor and compass—reminding me continuously about who I aspire to be while navigating this complex world filled with distractions.
Ultimately, embracing Tanya’s teachings is more than just intellectual engagement; it becomes an integral part of living authentically—a commitment made anew every single day—as we strive towards elevating ourselves spiritually amidst life’s myriad experiences.
