Chassidic Thought

The human brain is quite similar to the hard disc of a computer. Just as your computer has a certain memory capacity, so does your brain. Professionals are careful in protecting their computers from needless files and programs that waste memory space. All the more so, people must protect their computers from worms and viruses. The same goes for the brain.

A lack of motivation leads to laziness. That's only the beginning of the downward spiral because laziness leads to sadness. If a person lacks the power to persevere in any endeavor, he or she can forget about success. Perseverance requires motivation. So where do we acquire motivation, especially in spiritual endeavors? Rebbe Nachman provides the answer.

Emuna teaches that everything is from Hashem and His glory fills the world. The more a person has emuna, the more he or she knows that Hashem is everywhere. The more a person has emuna, the closer he or she gets to Hashem. The closer a soul is to Hashem, the more it feels at peace, like a baby in its mother's arms. So with emuna, no matter what Hashem does, we're at peace with it.

A Ukrainian villager had a pain in his hand. Three visits to the country doctor didn't help at all. He finally traveled to the big city and scheduled an appointment with the big professor... This is an old Chassidic parable that explains Tisha B'av and exile.

Rebbe Nachman teaches us how to train our minds to remain positive in any circumstance. A suffering soul is a thirsty soul. Focusing on the physical world heightens tribulations and suffering. On the other hand, a person who focuses on life's ultimate purpose experiences much less pain, if none at all.

In one of Rebbe Nachman most uplifting teachings, he explains that suffering comes from Hashem, like everything else in life. Therefore, when a person experiences difficulties in life, he or she should focus on the ultimate purpose. Since the ultimate purpose is Hashem's will and intention, it's all good. So, by focusing on Hashem, one's suffering becomes much lighter. Indeed, he or she will feel joy as a result of the abundant good that comes from connecting with Hashem. That's the ultimate good.

Rebbe Nachman describes an exquisite field full of exotic and indescribably beautiful plants and trees. There is a Master Gardener who tends to this field, giving each plant and tree what it needs. When they bear fruit, his eyesight is far-reaching. But, if they don't bear fruit, his eyes become dim. The secrets of prayer...

Rebbe Nachman tells of a field where exquisitely beautiful trees and plants grow. The splendor of this field is indescribable. Where is it?

Rebbe Nachman teaches that the melody of an upright singer or musician inspires people to better their service of Hashem. Yet, there are few kosher musicians around. So, how does one correct the detrimental effects of hearing music from a less than upright source? 

This is the amazing story of how a newly observant IDF war veteran - Lazer Brody - spent four days with the Lubavitcher Rebbe of saintly and blessed memory. The story begins with the First Lebanon War of 1982 and then moves to 770 in Crown Heights, Parshat Korach, 5747/ June 25-28, 1987. The Rebbe's unforgettable eyes...

Everything our soul ingests affects our spirituality. We pay much attention to the kashruth of food because of its effect on the soul. Music penetrates our souls much faster than food does. For that reason, Rebbe Nachman stresses that a person must listen to music of upright musicians.

The Torah commands us to judge everyone fairly. Even if a person is seemingly evil, we can always find some good quality if we look hard enough. Likewise, we must search for the good points within ourselves. Our good points are like musical notes. When they come together, they create beautiful melodies.