Description
The several texts presented here are from the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Bratslav (1772-1810), great-grandson of the Ba’al Shem Tov, and one of the very most significant figures in the history of early Hasidism. They are from part two (tinyana) of Nachman’s most important published collection of teachings, Liqqutei Moharan. These passages each address the subject of melancholy—marah shechora in Nahman’s language--as well as its antidote, joy, simchah. While the avoidance of sadness, and the cultivation of joy, are common motifs in classical Hasidism, Rebbe Nachman’s discussion of them deserves special attention in any consideration of the role of emotions in Hasidic culture. This is due to the fact that Nachman speaks of these particular emotions in elaborate, intense, and highly distinctive ways. They are absolutely central to his teachings about the nature of human life, religious faith, and the life of the spirit. We see in these passages Nachman’s conviction that joy is a critical feature in “settling the mind” and conducting oneself in the proper way, a way of coming close to God. It’s opposite, despair and depression, serve to imprison an individual psychically and spiritually. One must be “forced against his will” to take hold of depression and transform it into joy.
Start Date
23-8-2016 3:30 PM
End Date
23-8-2016 4:30 PM
Location
Fordham University
Included in
Cultural History Commons, European History Commons, History of Religion Commons, Jewish Studies Commons, Social History Commons
Rebbe Nachman of Bratslav's Teachings on Melancholy and Joy
Fordham University
The several texts presented here are from the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Bratslav (1772-1810), great-grandson of the Ba’al Shem Tov, and one of the very most significant figures in the history of early Hasidism. They are from part two (tinyana) of Nachman’s most important published collection of teachings, Liqqutei Moharan. These passages each address the subject of melancholy—marah shechora in Nahman’s language--as well as its antidote, joy, simchah. While the avoidance of sadness, and the cultivation of joy, are common motifs in classical Hasidism, Rebbe Nachman’s discussion of them deserves special attention in any consideration of the role of emotions in Hasidic culture. This is due to the fact that Nachman speaks of these particular emotions in elaborate, intense, and highly distinctive ways. They are absolutely central to his teachings about the nature of human life, religious faith, and the life of the spirit. We see in these passages Nachman’s conviction that joy is a critical feature in “settling the mind” and conducting oneself in the proper way, a way of coming close to God. It’s opposite, despair and depression, serve to imprison an individual psychically and spiritually. One must be “forced against his will” to take hold of depression and transform it into joy.
