The Empty Chair: Finding Hope and Joy : Timeless Wisdom from a Hasidic Master, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov 9781879045675, 1879045672

Citation preview

Unde Joy |

less

Wisdom

from

a

Hasidic

Master

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov

ISBN 1-879045-67-2

“Always remember: _ joy is not merely incidental to your spiritual quest. It is vital.” REBBE NACHMAN 1772-1810

OF BRESLOV

To some, Rebbe Nachman is best known for stories that possess profound depth and speak to the very soul. To others, his teachings shed light on some of life’s deepest mysteries. Now, as before, he speaks to a spiritually seeking generation in strong and uplifting ways. Teacher, guide and spiritual master,

~ Rebbe Nachman provides vital words of inspiration for life today.

The Empty Chair

Finding Hope And Joy Timeless Wisdom from a Hasidic Master, REBBE NACHMAN OF BRESLOV

Adapted by Moshe Mykoff and the Breslov Research Institute Jewish Lights Publishing

Woodstock, Vermont

The Empty Chair: Finding Hope & Joy: Timeless Wisdom from a Hasidic Master, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov Copyright © 1994 by The Breslov Research Institute All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication data Mykoff, Moshe. The empty chair: finding hope & joy: timeless wisdom from a Hasidic master, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov / adapted by Moshe

Mykoff and the Breslov Research Institute. p. cm. ISBN 1-879045-16-8 ISBN 1-879045-38-9 (6-copy display) 1, Joy—Religious aspects—Judaism—Quotations, maxims, etc. 2. Hope—Religious aspects—Judaism—Quotations, maxims, etc. 3. Hasidism—Quotations, maxims, etc.

I. Nahman, of Bratslav, 1772-1811. II. Breslov Research Institute. Ill. Title. BM645.J67M92 1994 94-6763 296.7’2—dc20 CIP 10). 958

(72605

4° S20

Book and cover designed by Glenn Suokko. Printed in Canada

Published by Jewish Lights Publishing A Division of LongHill Partners, Inc. P.O. Box 237 Sunset Farm Offices—Route 4 Woodstock, VT 05091

Tel: (802) 457-4000

Fax: (802) 457-4004

DEDICATION Rebbe Nachman said: The World has yet to taste what I have to offer. Were they to hear just one of my teachings together with its proper melody and dance, the incredible delight would bring everyone, everything to a state of sheer ecstasy and total transcendence of self. (Tz #340)

For all those who've taught me to fill the empty chair — Moshe M.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Translating and adapting this treasure of Rebbe Nachman’s aphorisms has been a uniquely fulfilling experience, one which would not have been possible without the help of a special few. I wish to thank two wonderful friends and teachers, Chaim Kramer and

Ozer

Bergman,

whose

encouragement

and

constructive abuse was vital. A word of thanks must also go to Stuart Matlins, my publisher, whose advice and abundant openness made working on this project a true pleasure. Finally, a special thanks to my wife, Elky, whose love and understanding is essential to all that I do.

Moshe Mykoff The Fast of Esther 5754 February 1994, Jerusalem, Israel

CONTENTS

Introduction

9

1 Living In Tune

13

2 On the Spiritual Journey

39

3 ...with Faith, Simplicity

and Truth 4 Opening Heaven’s Gate 5 Leaving Sadness, Finding Hope & Joy Sources

63 81 97 114

THE

EMPTY

ABOUT

THE

CHAIR

COVER

The exquisitely hand-crafted chair pears on the cover belonged Nachman. Tradition has it that it given to the Rebbe by a follower in

which apto Rebbe was a gift 1808. The

man, a simple laborer, had worked on it a few hours every day for six months.

During the Cossack uprisings against the Jews of the Ukraine in the early 1920s, the chair was dismantled for safekeeping. In 1936, a family of Breslover Hasidim escaping Europe ahead of the Holocaust brought it to Jerusalem. There, it was reassembled and refurbished by the Israel Museum in 1959, and later restored by Katriel’s of Jerusalem. NOTE Each of lected in to where writings

ON

SOURCES

Rebbe Nachman’s aphorisms colthis book is followed by a reference

it appears within the corpus of his and teachings. These sources appear

in abbreviated form, the code for which can be found at the end of the book.

STAN

8

Oe

we

eRe

Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2022 with funding from Kahle/Austin Foundation

https://archive.org/details/emptychairfindinO00Omyko

INTRODUCTION Is the chair you’re sitting on empty? “Ridiculous! How can it be?” You’re right, it can’t be... because you’re sitting on it. : But it is possible for a person sitting on that chair to feel empty. Then, the chair is empty—even when occupied! Rebbe Nachman of Breslov was about to teach when he suddenly grabbed hold of the chair he was sitting on and said: “When one sits on the chair, one is a mensch!” Webster’s defines mensch as a person of integrity and honor. For those who know Yiddish it implies more; those familiar with Rebbe Nachman’s teachings know it implies even more than that. In the modern idiom, a mensch is a whole human being. It is someone who has integrated the diverse elements of his or her being, both physical and spiritual; someone who has overcome the inner emptiness we sometimes feel. When such a person sits on a chair, the

THE

EMPTY

chair is full. One mensch.

CHAT

sits on it, and one

is a

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov was born in 1772,

in the Ukrainian village of Medzeboz. A great-grandson of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Hasidic movement, Rebbe Nachman attained. outstanding levels of saintliness and wisdom. At home in the furthest reaches of Kabbalah mysticism, while at the same time artlessly practical and to-the-point, he taught honesty, simplicity and faith. He wove wondrous tales of princesses, giants, beggars and emperors. He spoke of healing and wholeness... of being alive! Rebbe Nachman attracted a devoted following, simple folk and scholars alike, who

looked to him as “the Rebbe,” their prime source of spiritual guidance and support. Even after his passing, in 1810, Rebbe Nachman’s influence remained potent. His teachings spread by word of mouth and through his writings. His followers continued to look to his lessons for guidance and inspiration. Today, the movement he initiated is vibrant and growing. Far beyond these

circles, Rebbe Nachman’s supreme optimism and down-to-earth wisdom have made him one of the most oft-quoted and studied Jewish teachers of all time. Rebbe Nachman lived at what must count as one of human history’s most significant turning-points. His lifetime spanned the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution, the American War of Independence and the French Revolution. Goethe, Kant, Byron, Beethoven and Mozart were all active during the Rebbe’s day. In an era poised for a paradigm shift that would engender great reason but also profound doubt, an unparalleled conquering of external frontiers but also an unprecedented inner void, Rebbe Nachman put his finger on the pulse of the dawning age and said: “I’ll tell you a secret. Great atheism is coming into the world....” Almost two hundred years later, don’t we know it! We also now know that on the personal level, estrangement from God is paralleled in another form of “great atheism”—an alienation from self. Addressing an age in which feelings of emptiness would predominate, Rebbe Nach-

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

man developed a universal doctrine that speaks to the spiritually seeking as well as to ordinary people facing the problems of everyday living. His message, one of hope and joy, teaches that even where the black-hole-of-self seems most impenetrable, sparks of light are waiting to be released. His words of inspiration reach out to the faithful of any faith, to the not-so-faithful, and even to those with no faith at all. Outlined in this little treasure of the Rebbe’s aphorisms, his prescription for healing and wholeness includes positive thinking, finding good in others and more—all with the aim of Living in Tune. To proceed On the Spiritual Journey that leads to integration of self, he advocates conscious awareness, binding heart to mind, and empowering oneself with Faith, Simplicity and Truth. For Opening Heaven’s Gate he encourages opening the gates of our hearts, minds and lips through prayer and meditation. All this reaches completion in the way Rebbe Nachman would have us fill the empty chair — the

alienated self — by Leaving Sadness, Finding Hope and Joy.

LIVING

IN TUNE

THE

EMPTY.

LIVING

CHAIR

IN TUNE

For Rebbe Nachman, living in tune meant awareness—being aware of the transient nature of this world and the eternity of the next. From his window facing the marketplace Rebbe Nachman spotted one of his followers rushing by. “Have you looked up at the sky this morning?” the Rebbe asked. “No, Rebbe, I haven’t had the time.”

“Believe me, in fifty years everything you see here today will be gone. There will be another fair—with other horses, other wagons,

different people. I won’t be here then and neither will you. So what’s so important that you don’t have time to look at the sky?!”

Living in Tune

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov

taught...

Know! A person walks in life on a very narrow bridge. The most important thing is not to be afraid. (LM II:48)

THE,

EMPTY.

CHAIR

Don’t make the same mistake

as all those people who give up trying to change because they feel stuck in their habits. If you truly want to, and are willing to work hard enough, you can overcome them. (LM II:110)

~

16~

Living in Tune

Everything in the world— whatever is and whatever happens —is a test, designed to give you freedom of choice. Choose wisely. (RNW

#300)

There’s nothing very mysterious about free will. You do what you want to do, and you don’t do what you don’t want to do. (LM I1:110)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

Remember: Nothing begets wholeness in life better than a heartfelt sigh. (LM I:8)

Learn to wait.

If despite all your determined efforts you cannot seem to reach your goals, be patient. Between acceptance and anxiety, choose acceptance. (Tz. #431)

Living in Tune

All beginnings require that you unlock new doors. The key is giving and doing. Give charity and do kindness. (LM II:4)

THE

EMPTY

CHAK

You are wherever

your thoughts are.

Make sure your thoughts are where you want to be. (LM 1:21)

Living in Tune

Is there something you really want or something you wish would happen? Focus every ounce of your concentration on that thing or event. Visualize it in fine detail. If your desire is strong enough and your concentration intense enough, you can make it come true. (RNW #62)

D

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

Worldly desires are like sunbeams in a dark room. They seem solid until you try to grasp one. (RNW

#6)

Be forewarned: Man and money cannot remain together forever. Either the money is taken from the man,

or the man is taken from the money. (RNW

#51)

Living in Tune

Money-worship, like idol-worship, stems from a lack of trust in God. The more it is uprooted, the more the world radiates ~ with the blessing of the Holy One’s love. (Ad. p.139)

THE:EMPTYnG@HAIR

Become the kind of person who makes fulfilling physical needs a spiritual experience. Some people eat to have the strength to study the Word of God. Others, the more spiritually aware, study the Word of God in order to know how to eat.

Living in Tune

Whenever possible, avoid eating in a hurry. Even at home,

don’t gobble up your food. Eating is an act of holiness. It requires full presence of mind. (Tz. #515)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

When you feel yourself getting angry, stop. Imagine yourself as having already exploded and you now feel wasted. For that’s what happens when you get angry: your soul leaves you. Do this, and your anger is sure to dissolve. (LM 1:68)

Living in Tune

Answer insult with silence. When someone hurts you, do not answer in kind. You will

then be worthy of genuine honor —honor that is inner honor, honor from Above. (LM 1:6)

THE

EMPTY

CHATR

Peace heals.

When your own world is fractured, increase your knowledge of God. It will spawn inner peace.

When the outside world is fractured, promote the search for truth. It will spawn universal peace. (LM 1:27)

so ot

Living in Tune

The highest peace is the peace between opposites. (LM 1:80)

If you remember this the next time you meet someone who makes you uncomfortable, instead of heading for the nearest exit, you’ll find ways for the two of you to get along. (Ad. p.258)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

Be like God.and don’t look for people’s shortcomings and weak points. You will then be at peace with everyone. (Ad. p.258)

Living in Tune

It’s easy to criticize others and

make them feel unwanted. Anyone can do it. What takes effort and skill is picking them up and making them feel good. (NT #31)

THEEMPTY:

CHAIR

Always look for the good in the other. Focus on that good, highlight it, and turn even sinner into saint. (LM 1:282)

Living in Tune

Always look for the good in yourself. Focus on that good, highlight it, and turn even depression into joy. (LM 1:282)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

When asked how things are, don’t whine and grumble about your hardships. If you answer “Lousy,” then God says, “You call this bad? Pll show you what bad really is!”

~

34~

Living in Tune

When asked how things are and, despite hardship or suffering, you answer “Good,” then God says, “You call this good? I’ll show you what good really is!” (NT #46)

THEEMPTLY

CHAIR

The Architect of the world never does the same thing twice. Every day is an entirely new creation. Take as much as you can from what each new day has to offer. (LH

1:123d)

Living in Tune

Work on having only positive thoughts. It will do wonders for your mind. (LM 1:21)

Each day has its own set of thoughts, words and deeds. Live in tune. (LM 1:54)

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ON THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

89

ae

THE

ADA

ON

THE

EMPTY

NS

CHAIR

AINE ALIVE AIOE

SPIRITUAL

JOURNEY

Rebbe Nachman said that, often, even just his daily religious obligations felt like a crushing burden. But the Rebbe found a way to bear the weight of his devotions by each morning saying to himself, “I will ignore tomorrow and all future tomorrows—today is all there is!”

The Rebbe understood that what wears us down most on our spiritual journey is the feeling that there is too much to accomplish. Instead, he advised focusing only on the task at hand. By doing so, we can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

‘a aes

On The Spiritual Journey

TAPES

AINA

DAA INS AIOE

Spiritual awakening begins with inspiration coming from Without. Then, once you are already on the road, the real work begins. Keep at it and inspiration will come from within. (LH 3:152c)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

ADSL INS A INSEAD INT A IE

In the early stages of your spiritual journey, it may seem that Heaven is rejecting you and spurning all your efforts. Stay on course. Don’t give up.

In time, all barriers will disappear. (LM II:48)

On The Spiritual Journey

ADIPOSE A INCA INA INR AINE

Growing spiritually can be like a roller coaster ride. Take comfort in the knowledge that the way down is only preparation for the way up. (LM 1:22)

THE

ANCA

EMPTY

IEA

CHAIR

INSEL IN TEA INN

Go carefully: Spiritual growth must proceed slowly and steadily. Too often we want to improve ourselves and our relationships so quickly that we make ourselves frustrated and confused. (RNW

#27)

On The Spiritual Journey

APES

DIO DA A RA AINA

Never insist that everything go exactly your way, even in matters spiritual. (Tz. #433)

Believe that none of the effort you put into coming closer to God is ever wasted—even if in the end you don’t achieve what you are striving for. (RNW

#12)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

Be strong-willed and stubborn if you want to get closer to God. How else will you survive all the difficulties that are sure to come your way? (LM 1:22)

On The Spiritual Journey

FDIS A IDSA IAAI AIOE

Don’t be frustrated by the obstacles you encounter on your spiritual journey. They are there by design, to increase your desire for the goal you seek. Because the greater your goal, the greater the yearning you’ll need to achieve it. (LM 1:66)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

Always remember: You are never given an obstacle you cannot overcome. (LM I1:46)

On The Spiritual Journey

FINCA INCA NAIR FIN

Sometimes a particular devotion seems ideal for getting close to God. Later, a different devotion seems better. Why confuse yourself? Whatever you do is good, as long as you do no wrong. (RNW

#269)

Occupy yourself with doing good, and the bad will automatically fall away. (RNW

#12)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

FINCA INTE A INGE AINA IESE

The most direct means for

attaching ourselves to God from this material world is through music and song.

Even if you can’t sing well, sing. Sing to yourself. Sing in the privacy of your own home. But sing. (RNW #273)

On The Spiritual Journey

FPA

INCA IAAI AINA

Never miss an opportunity to

study the Word of God. It settles the mind and calms the heart. (Ad. p.269)

God’s Word is the source of all true life. Know and understand it.

The Word can heal your soul and unite it with its source. (LM 1:74)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

Sanctify your mouth through prayer and study; your nostrils through the long breath of patience; your ears by listening to the words of the wise; and your eyes by shutting them to evil. (LM

1:21)

On The Spiritual Journey

AFIS

A INCAIAAI AINA

It is not enough to know God only in the mind. Bind understanding to your heart so that the awe of The Holy One’s greatness results in true devotion. (Ad. p.60)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

Fill your heart with desire and yearning for God. Long to serve The Holy One properly. For in practice, considering God’s greatness, no human service is ever adequate. Just do the best you can. (Tz. #554, RNW

#51)

On The Spiritual Journey

APA

AIC APA

VO

FIO

Make every effort to increase your longing for God. Of course, this alone is not enough; it must be realized in action. But even if you are not worthy of achieving your spiritual goals, the yearning is still very precious and deserves reward. (RNW

#260)

THE

EMPTYcCHATR

AINA INTE A INTE ALITA I

Never succumb to feelings of loneliness. No matter where you are, God is close by. Remember: Feeling distant from God is subjective, not objective; it is just your own feeling, not reality. (RNW

#52)

On The Spiritual Journey

FIAT

A INA

INE AIA

AINE

The light of the Infinite One is without form and only takes shape — for good or bad — in the recipient. Therefore it is up to us. We have to do our best to shape God’s light into blessing, not curse. (LM 1:3)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

FINE SKYE AIEEE AINSEL VORA

Take care, there is much power in a glance. If accompanied by a malicious thought, it can cause harm. This is what is known as the evil eye. (RNW

#27)

Have a good eye. Always see good in others. Spiritual awareness depends upon it. Spiritual awareness is lost when people dull their hearts with jealousy and develop an evil eye. (LM 1:54)

On The Spiritual Journey

APM

A INTRA INS

AINE AIOE

Seek the sacred within the ordinary. Seek the remarkable within the commonplace.

Is not the Song of Songs at once a love song and the holiest of all sacred teachings? (LM 1:243)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

Abandon all worldly concern in your spiritual quest and you'll be called a fanatic. But, do not

consider devotion to God fanaticism. If anything, it is those who devote themselves to worldly pleasures who are the real fanatics. Even what the world considers fanaticism is unnecessary. It is possible to get close to God without abandoning everything. (RNW #51)

On The Spiritual Journey

APES

AINA

INE AIS

Thirsting for God is our task in this world.

Quenching that thirst will be our reward in the World to Come. (RNW #259)

AINE

MEE

CERCELE

age

PEPIN

LTier AACE

SIMPLICITY

AND

TRUTH

MPEREPLEPCELEDEP

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

MKPERERPEPE PLE PEE

... WITH FAITH, SIMPLICITY AND TRUTH Rebbe Nachman taught: The search for truth, about

our

world

and

our

selves, must

be

vigorously pursued. We must be as honest as we are resolute. And when our search is accompanied by faith and simplicity, we have no lingering doubts or paralyzing impasses— only joyous contentment.

...With Faith, Simplicity and Truth

MPEGERCEPLEPEPEME

People consider faith a minor thing. But I consider it very, very important. (RNW

#33)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

Do all you can to develop your faith in God. Faith is the foundation of all spiritual quest...the root of all teaching and practice... the channel for every benefit and blessing. (RNW

#261)

...With Faith, Simplicity and Truth

MRPERERCEPCEREPROE

For the true believer,

believing is seeing. (Ad. p.11)

Better to be a fool who believes

everything than a skeptic who believes nothing— not even the truth. (RNW

#103)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

MPECECEPESCEPEE

Use every means to build your faith. This includes finding ways to build solid faith in a righteous teacher...and in yourself. (RNW

#141)

Vey (ois) Xoo

...With Faith, Simplicity and Truth

MPECERZEPERPEROK

Affirm your faith in yourself:

~ I believe that I am very important in God’s eyes. ~ I believe that I can return, no matter how far I’ve strayed.

~ I believe that I have the inner strength to change. ~ I believe that I can become truly devoted and close to God.

mat (GO% mo

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

QPECECEPLELEREK

Faith makes you truly alive. It fills your every day with good. When troubles come, as they will, take comfort in your faith that whatever happens is for the best. (RNW

#32)

...With Faith, Simplicity and Truth

KRERERCELERERLE

Take note: Everything can be a resource for serving God. But the more faith is lacking, the more people turn to laborious and complex devotions. (LM I1:86)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

Steer clear of sophistication and cleverness; they add nothing to coming closer to God. All you need is simplicity, sincerity and faith.

After all, isn’t God higher than all else? Yet isn’t God also profoundly simple? (RNW #101)

...With Faith, Simplicity and Truth

BRPERERERLE

ERE

Rely on nothing and no one but God. This is true simplicity. Anything else means pursuing a complicated course of action. (Ad. p.247)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

MRPECECEDEREPEE

Did you.ever notice that the further people are from truth, the more they consider someone who turns away from evil to be a fool? When there is no truth in the world, anyone who wants to turn away from evil has no choice but to play the fool. (ABB p.9)

...With Faith, Simplicity and Truth

MREDERCELEFCEREE

Human fallibility being what it is, victory and truth do not always go together. Therefore, if you have to always win, you can’t always be true. (LM 1:122)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

MPEPCECEKLERLEPEE

Truth is one..Falsehood is many.

Falsehood causes the mind’s eye to see double, so what is one looks like two, and what is whole looks divided. Always strive for the “perfect vision” of truth. (LM

I:51)

...With Faith, Simplicity and Truth

BMPELECELRE

FERRE

Develop a good eye. Always looking for good will bring you to truth.

Even with a good eye, be careful not to rush judgment. This is no different than looking at something from afar and drawing the wrong conclusion. (LM I:51)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

QPERECVEDRDEPLEPCLE

To be a person of truth, be swayed neither by approval nor disapproval.

Work at not needing approval from anyone and you will be free to be who you really are. (LM 1:66)

...With Faith, Simplicity and Truth

BKPERDERERLE

REPRE

Truth is the “light” by which to find your way out of darkness. Turn it on. (LM 1:9)

EOE Rie RON gy ge

OPENING HEAVEN’S

GATE

RPT? Oe ROP ORGS

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

QP Re ROIS

OPENING

HEAVEN’S

GATE

Rebbe Nachman. suggested a number of ways for opening Heaven’s gate, including: standard and spontaneous prayer; hitbodedut, his unique form of meditation; and the silent scream. The Rebbe said: When do I have my meditation? When everyone is around me, that’s when I seclude myself with God. I know how to cry out in a silent scream. What I say is heard from one end of the world to the other, yet those around me hear nothing! Anyone can do this. Imagine the sound of such a scream in your mind. Just as the throat brings sound from your lungs to your lips, there are nerves that draw sound into your head. When you do this, you are shouting inside your brain. Direct that shout to the One above and it will open Heaven’s gate.

Opening Heaven’s Gate

RIE SRE SRO PORE

Pray. Pray. Pray.

Whatever you need...praying is the best way to get it. (RNW

#233)

FHE*EMPTY.

CHAIR

SAP GR ore y

Pray with emotion, and God will forgive you. (ABB p.237)

Pray with an attentive heart, and see all of heaven’s doors

open before you. (ABB p.70)

Pray with joy, and watch your requests ascend straight to God’s chamber. (ABB p.245)

Opening Heaven’s

Gate

Go out and defeat God. Yes, God actually wants us to conquer, wants us to keep praying and praying until we “force” the Holy One to forgive us for what we’ve done. (RNW #69)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

Se Re Re

As often as-you can, take a trip out to the fields to pray. All the grasses will join you. They will enter your prayers and give you strength to sing praises to God. (LM II:11)

Praise God. It puts everything into its proper place and perspective. (LM 1:27).

nic “BEee

Opening Heaven’s Gate

OI GE OPER

Keep in mind that the essence of your prayers is the faith you have in them that they will be answered. (LM 1:7)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

PROP SHG hone

While praying, listen to the words very carefully. When your heart is attentive, your entire being enters your prayer without your having to force it. (RNW

#66)

Opening Heaven’s

Gate

LABORER ROP GS

How very good it is when you can awaken your heart and plead to God until tears stream from your eyes, and you stand like a little child crying to its parent. (RNW

#7)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

IPO SRF oI

Speech has a great power to awaken a person spiritually. Address God in your own words. Compose your own prayers. Doing this will draw forth your soul and stir your meditative faculties. (LM I1:98)

Opening Heaven’s Gate

ORE ROP GROG GS

Hitbodidut-meditation— inner-directed, unstructured,

active self-expression before God— is the highest path of all. Take it. (LM II:25)

THE

EMPTY

eK Sie

CHAIR

te Moneys

Make it a daily habit to seclude yourself in hitbodidut-meditation. Express your innermost thoughts and feelings before God each day in the language you are most comfortable with. (LM II:96)

Talk to God as you would talk — to your very best friend. Tell The Holy One everything. (LM II:99)

Opening Heaven’s

Gate

PIR Oe CROP QU GS

Even if all you can say to God is “Help!” it is still very good. Repeat this over and over again,

until God opens your lips and the words begin to flow from your heart. (LM II:96)

And even when no words come,

do not despair. Come back day after day to your secluded spot and wait. Just wanting to speak to God is in itself a very great thing. (LM 11:25)

THE

EMPTY

SQA

-GHAIR

Rie Rogense

The height of hitbodidut-meditation is when, because of

your great longing to unite with God, you feel your soul bound to your body by no more than a single strand. Is there anything better to strive for in this life? (LM II:99)

~

94w~

Opening Heaven’s

Gate

IPE OLE OO EGS

Most of all, prayer is the gate through which we enter to God. Learn to pray and you’ll come to know and be attached to The Holy One. (LM II:94)

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ee

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>> rdrbrbrb rood rorood

Nothing is-as liberating as joy. It frees the mind and fills it with tranquillity. (LM II:10)

Losing hope is like losing your freedom, like losing your self. (Ad. p.253)

mt LOO) 2

Leaving Sadness, Finding Hope & Joy

Se ee eee erate erate

Finding true joy is the hardest of all spiritual tasks. If the only way to make yourself happy is by doing something silly, do it. (Ad. p.254)

Depression

does tremendous damage. Use every ploy you can think of to bring yourself to joy. (LM II:48)

oan Oe es

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

Erde o rbrbrorb rbrororo oro

Today you feel up. Don’t let yesterdays and tomorrows bring you down. (RNW

#288)

If despite your desire to be happy you feel down, draw strength from happier times gone by. Eventually, joy will return. (LM 1:222)

we 102)

Leaving Sadness, Finding Hope & Joy

Sad aeaa eee aaa aa

If you don’t feel happy, pretend to be. Even if you are downright depressed, put on a smile. Act happy. Genuine joy will follow. (RNW #74)

ae

NOG Er

THE

EMPTY

-CHAIR

oro r> bro rb ro rororororo

Get into the habit of singing a tune. It will give you new life and fill you with joy. (Ad. p.188)

Get into the habit of dancing. It will displace depression and dispel hardship. (LM

~

1:41)

104~

Leaving Sadness, Finding Hope & Joy

Prd roo rb oro rb oreo oy

Always wear a smile. The gift of life will then be yours to give.

Sometimes, people are terribly distressed but have no one to whom they can unburden themselves. If you come along with a happy face, you cheer them and give them new life. (RNW #43)

=

B05.

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

Horror prbsorb rorb ore ron

Don’t confuse heartbreak with sadness and depression. Depression is really anger, a complaint against God for not giving you what you want. But when you have a contrite heart you are like a little child crying because its parent is far away. (RNW

=

#41,42)

ThOG,

Leaving Sadness, Finding Hope & Joy

ror gro dro rororor rb 9h

When you’re happy, it’s easy to set aside some time

to pray with a contrite heart. But when you’re depressed, secluding yourself to speak with God is very hard to do.

That’s why being happy is so important that you should even force yourself to be happy, if that’s what it takes. (RNW

#20)

See Mae

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

Prob orb rbrbrbrororororo

Most people think of forgetfulness as a defect. I consider it a great benefit.

Being able to forget frees you from the burdens of the past. (RNW

on

#25)

AOS ae

Leaving Sadness, Finding Hope & Joy

ror oredr dro rob oro ooh

Avoid depression at all cost. It is the root of all illness and dis-ease. (LM II:24)

aOR)

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

POPPI PPI

ee ee

Never despair! Never! It is forbidden to give up hope. (LM II:78)

ONS ET

ee

Leaving Sadness, Finding Hope & Joy

Fae

ee

No matter how far you’ve strayed, returning to God is always possible. Agree therefore that there is absolutely no place for despair. (RNW

#3)

Never despair of crying out, praying and pleading with God. Keep at it until you succeed; until the Nearness you long for is yours. (Tz. #565)

sd 6 le

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

OPI

ee

If you believe that you can damage, then believe that you can fix. If you believe that you can harm, then believe that you can heal. (LM If:112)

on

Hi) ee

Leaving Sadness, Finding Hope & Joy

Pro rororor rbrbrboro bob

Remember: Things can go from the very worst to the very best... ...in just the blink of an eye.

Aaigee |La

THE

EMPTY

CHAIR

SOURCES Abbreviations: Ad.

Advice, Breslov Research Institute,

AB ABB

1983 Avaneha Barzel, Chasidei Breslov The Aleph-Bet Book, Breslov Research Institute, 1986

LH

Likutey Halakhot, Vols. 1-8, Chasidei Breslov

LM — Likutey Mobaran, Vols. I and I, Chasidei Breslov NT ~~ N'tiv Tzaddik, Chasidei Breslov Ibe Tzaddik, Breslov Research Institute, 1987

RNW _ Rabbi Nachman’s Wisdom, Breslov Research Institute, 1973

oe

ae oe

ABOUT THE BRESLOV RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Rebbe Nachman was only 38 years old when he passed away in 1810. Yet, shortly before his passing, he told his followers that his influence would endure long afterwards. “My light will burn until the days of the Mashiach [Messiah].” Generations of readers have been enthralled and inspired by his writings, which have been explored and interpreted by leading scholars around the globe. The growing interest in Rebbe Nachman from all sectors—academia and laymen alike — led to the establishment of the Breslov Research Institute in Jerusalem in 1979. Since then a team

of scholars has been engaged in research into the texts, oral traditions and music of the Breslov

movement. The purpose of the Institute is to publish authoritative translations, commentaries and general works on Breslov Chassidut. Projects also include the recording of Breslov songs and melodies on cassettes and in music book form.

Offices and representatives of the Breslov Research Institute: Israel: Breslov Research Institute PO Box 5370

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Books from the Brealov Resetrch Inatdole «.RABBI NACHMAN’S

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Translated by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan The Sages always told stories to convey some

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HC, 552 pages. Bibliography, Index. HC ISBN 0-930213-02-5 $21.00

UNDER THE TABLE AND

HOW TO GET UP Jewish Pathways of Spiritual Growth by Avraham Greenbaum Rebbe Nachman’s funny but profound parable of the Prince who thought he was a turkey provides the framework for this handbook of easy-to-apply teachings on how to develop the higher self, including positive thinking, goalachievement, the power of words, diet, exercise, relaxation, etc. 5.5 x 8.5, PB, 289 pages. Appendix. ISBN 0-930213-41-6 $12.00

CROSSING

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A Practical Guide to Rebbe Nachman’s Teachings by Chaim Kramer Edited by Moshe Mykoff

Lively, down-to-earth, and easy-to-read, this book gives clear, detailed guidance as to how to apply Rebbe Nachman’s teachings in modern everyday life. The many subjects covered range from faith, truth, joy and meditation to earning a living, healthcare and bringing up children. 5.5 x 8.5, HC, 452 pages. Appendices. ISBN 0-930213-40-8 $16.00

RABBI NACHMAN’S

WISDOM

Translated by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan Edited by Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld This classic work collects Rebbe Nachman’s conversations and teachings ranging from comments

on practical everyday topics to fundamental teachings about joy, faith and meditation, and explanations of the mystical kabbalah. The conversations were taken down verbatim, giving a vivid picture of the atmosphere surrounding the Master, his wit, directness and wisdom. Also

included is an account of Rebbe Nachman’s adventure-filled pilgrimage to the Holy Land at the height of the Napoleonic wars in 1798. 6 x 9, HC, 486 pages. Appendices, Index. ISBN 0-930213-00-9 $16.00

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With timeless insight and wisdom Rebbe Nachman shows us how to fill the empty chair—the alienated self— by leaving sadness and finding hope and joy. Generations of readers have been captivated and inspired by the writings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. In these pages, his wisdom reaches out to us all.

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