Furthermore, this avodah awakens a deep ratzon for Hashem that is an aspect of the sefirah of Keser, which is even higher than Chochmah. The sefarim hakedoshim explain that there are three aspects to the mind: thought, intention, and yearning. Very often, the sefarim of the Baal Shem Tov and his talmidim say to think about a certain concept. These teachings are revelations of the chochmah that is in the object or avodah that they are discussing. This parallels the aspect of “thought.”
While Rebbe Nachman certainly holds of this practice, his focus is not on what to think, rather, on the intention and yearning that we should have, since this avodah is more realistic for us. Even if we sin and our minds get totally mixed up, it is possible for us to awaken our ratzon for kedushah by applying our emunah, as we explained previously. Then, this ratzon gives us the power to have a simple intention in serving Hashem. And when we continue with this intention, our mind becomes clear and we’re able to enter the realm of thought. This is how we get back to avodah of chochmah.
In addition, by purifying our emunah of all our questions and attaching ourselves to our ratzon for Hashem, we knock off all the klipos from our hearts and open up the gates of compassion for us to reach the level of ratzon that is above all thought and wisdom. We prepare ourselves to receive an incredible gift from Heaven. Hashem shines a spark of the Infinite Light into our souls and we experience a powerful yearning for Him.
This is the meaning of what Rebbe Nachman says, “Emunah is something that is very strong.” Through emunah, we can break through all of the problems, distractions, temptations, and worries of the yetzer hara and reach the highest levels of kedushah. We can purify the intentions of our hearts and taste the incredible sweetness of having an incredible ratzon for Hashem. As Rebbe Nachman says, “he will merit having an extraordinary yearning for Hashem that is very strong – a very powerful desire – until he won’t know what to do at all due to the intensity of his desire, and he will call out to Hashem, etc.”
It is important to point out that Rebbe Nachman says specifically a “yearning for Hashem.” Most sefarim of chassidus talk about deep concepts regarding Torah, mitzvos, and avodas Hashem. On the other hand, Rebbe Nachman’s focus is to help us return to Hashem. His teachings awaken a yearning in our hearts for Hashem Himself! In truth, all aspects of wisdom are included in this yearning. The ratzon for Hashem is the highest revelation.
