kavvanah – New beginnings: A blog about spirituality, chaplaincy and renewal

Audio – Lessons in Tanya 74

Continuation of chapter 40. We continue to explore intentionality by looking at the reason why mechanical, non-focused, prayer and learning have a partial effect. He suggests that doing things without intent is not as problematic because the prayers and study are already imbued with at least some holiness and light from the divine, even though our existence is greatly diminished from the Ein Sof light.

Episode 74

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Audio – Lessons in Tanya 73

Beginning of Chapter 40. We continue looking at intentionality, Kavvanah. The piece today tries to distinguish the categories of Kavvanah, intentionality, and Lishmah, something for its own sake. We see the difference between the two in that lacking intention doesn’t fully take away from the action while doing something for an ulterior motive does.

Episode 73

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Audio – Lessons in Tanya 72

Conclusion of chapter 39. We continued to explore the notion of intentionality in our actions as it pertains to his description of the divine realms. The love and fear of Gd we have as we are performing mitzvot, whether that which is intellectual or that which is from the animal soul play a role in our focus. We define the notion of the reward for a mitzvah is a mitzvah as well as the importance of taking action even for the wrong reasons so long as we are always striving to do things for the right intentions.

Episode 72

All episodes can also now be heard on Apple Podcasts – here

Audio – Lessons in Tanya 69

Conclusion of Chapter 38 – In the final section of this chapter, we discuss intentionality, kavvanah, seeing the two types, intellectual/proactive, and instinctual/reactive. This ties in with the overarching theme of how our mitzvot are divided into action and thought, with speech being the bridge between the two.

Episode 69

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Audio – Lessons in Tanya 67

Beginning of Chapter 38. This chapter offers another perspective on the duality of speech and thought. We discuss the importance of verbalizing our prayers as it draws light into the body and reveals the light encased in the animal soul. We look at intentionality and the importance of lining up thought and speech, though sometimes speech can be “enough.” I also comment on how we learn intentionality from the sacrifices as it relates to this week’s Torah portion of VaYikra.

Episode 67

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Audio – Lessons in Tanya 46

End of chapter 28. We discuss how foreign thoughts during prayer are natural, as they are part of the battle between the divine and animal souls. We discuss how having a positive goal oriented mindset is better than an avoidance mindset when it comes to focus and concentration. The Alter Rebbe reminds us of the importance of turning to/including Gd in our fight to overcome the foreign thoughts breaking our focus.

Episode 46

All episodes can also now be heard on Apple Podcasts – here