This digital edition was produced by Jewishebooks www.jewish-e-books.com [email protected] ANATOMY OF THE SOUL by Chaim Kramer with Avraham Sutton Published by BRESLOV RESEARCH INSTITUTE Jerusalem/New York Copyright © Breslov Research Institute 1998 ISBN 0-930213-51-3 No part of this publication may be translated, reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from the publishers. We gratefully acknowledge Moznaim Publishers of Brooklyn, NY, for their permission to print excerpts from Innerspace, by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan. First Edition For further information: Breslov Research Institute POB 5370 Jerusalem, Israel or: Breslov Research Institute POB 587 Monsey, NY 10952-0587 e-mail: [email protected] Internet: http//www.breslov.org Printed in Israel LON BERNELL - DEDICATION RAFAEL ROSEN - DEDICATION MICKEY - DEDICATION JONATHAN LEVIN Guide to the Book Anatomy of the Soul explores the Bible’s depiction of man as having been created in a “Godly image.” The principle ideas in the book are drawn from the teachings of the great Chassidic master Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (1772–1810) and his closest follower, Reb Noson (1780–1844). It presents a description of the human anatomy with its essential spiritual parallels in order to encourage the reader to realize his or her full potential through perceiving the body as a temple for the soul. We have followed the standard practice of dividing the body according to physiological systems, as do most books on anatomy. However, because our intent is to explore the spiritual essence of the human anatomy, we have structured our particular approach accordingly. Part One introduces the concept of “spiritual anatomy,” taking the biblical representation of Adam as the prototype for all mankind. It also discusses the concepts of Adam in the Garden of Eden, his partaking of the forbidden fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, his subsequent expulsion from the Garden and its contemporary meaning for us. Part Two details the necessity for the body and soul to function together in harmony. The creation of a soul and a body, their interdependence and their major characteristics are then discussed. Many of the Kabbalistic concepts incorporated within our text are introduced in this section. In Part Three we begin to explore the internal systems of the body. As will be clearly demonstrated, a person’s character is rooted in his bloodstream and digestive system. These systems and organs are thus examined first so that we can understand how our basic character traits develop during childhood. We will explain, for example, the roots of anger and arrogance and how avarice, gluttony and lust evolve. Following this, in Parts Four through Six, we discuss the organs that can be employed to counter man’s baser desires. These include the central nervous system and the organs contained within the thoracic cavity (the heart and lungs — the seats of the intellect and emotions), which contain the means through which a person can learn to understand himself. Part Seven discusses the peripheral nervous system, branches of intellect which endow us with the potential to master our desires and sublimate them for our spiritual benefit. In Part Eight, the discussion centers on the skeletal and muscular systems, which enable us to ascend the spiritual ladder, each individual according to his own unique abilities. In Part Nine, we discuss the reproductive system, along with a spiritual approach to sexual purity, marital relations, conception, pregnancy and birth. Finally, Part Ten deals with the issues of why God saw a need to create man with a physical body and physical needs, the purpose served by death, and the idea of the ultimate reward, the World to Come, which can be experienced even in This World, simply by directing one’s efforts towards transcending the pursuit of the material. Appendix A contains the unabridged version of Rebbe Nachman’s story “The Exchanged Children,” which Reb Noson uses as a guide for understanding the respective roles of our physical and spiritual natures. Appendix B lists specific mitzvot that are associated with the various organs, quoted from the Sefer Charedim. Appendix C defines which of man’s characteristics are rooted in which Sefirot, in order to better be able to strive for one’s Godly image, quoted from the Tomer Devorah. Appendix D contains charts and visual aids to illustrate the Kabbalistic concepts introduced in our work. * Table of Contents Part One: The Soul of the Anatomy 1. “In a Godly Image” What is Torah? Torah and Anatomy 2. In the Garden of Eden Part Two: Body and Soul 3. God and The Soul God and His Names God and the Human Soul The Vacated Space Five Olamot and Ten Sefirot Five Partzufim and Ten Sefirot The Three Columns The Cosmic Body Five Levels of Soul The Glassblower Analogy 4. The Body: A Dual Purpose Garment The Four Elements 5. Positive and Negative Character Traits The Four Servants 6. The Paradox of Body and Soul “Let us make Adam, Man...” Good Advice Part Three: The Digestive System 7. Introduction 8. The Purification Process Patience The Chariot of God Wonder of Wonders 9. The Bloodstream The Rhythmic Beat “Hot” Blood Victory or Truth The Main Path to Repentance “I will be” A Circuit of Joy Recycle and Return Alcohol and the Tree of Knowledge A Blood Test 10. Eating: The Egyptian Exile The Mouth, the Teeth and the Stomach “The Stomach Sleeps” Sweet Dreams