What does Tanya teach about the benoni — the intermediate person?
What does Tanya teach about the benoni — the intermediate person?
The Tanya teaches that the *benoni* (intermediate person) is someone in whom evil never gains enough power to cause them to sin through thought, speech, or action [1]. This rank is attainable by every person, who can strive to be a *benoni* at any time [3]. The *benoni*'s primary task is to govern the natural inclination towards evil in the heart through meditating on the greatness of the Divine [5].
Sources
- Tanya, Tanya — Likutei Amarim, Chapter 12 — The benoni (intermediate) is he in whom evil never attains enough power to capture the “small city,” so as to clothe itself in the body and…
- Igrot Kodesh, Letter 4549 — Tanya & Chassidic Philosophy — B"H 22 Tammuz 5716 Brooklyn To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem, Rav Asher (see note 1), I greet you and bless you. You discuss…
- Tanya, Tanya — Likutei Amarim, Chapter 14 — The rank of benoni is one that is attainable by every man, and each person should strive after it. Every person can at any time or hour be…
- 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…
- Tanya, Tanya — Likutei Amarim, Chapter 16 — This, then, is the important principle regarding the Divine service for the benoni: The essential thing is to govern and rule the nature th…
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