My understanding, based on speaking with a student of the Rav, is that the most important sefer of the Rav which I need to begin working from is the series of the “4 Elements”, so that a person can attain self-recognition.
QUESTION
1- I am not sure if: (A) This is the ONLY sefer that I need, meaning that I don’t need any other sefarim to serve Hashem, such as a sefer of chassidus, or sefer Mesillas Yesharim, and the like, or, (B) From learning this sefer [on the 4 elements], I’ll know how to recognize myself and then I’ll know what area of Torah learning I need to be involved in, and what approach I need, and where all of this is bringing me to.
ANSWER
1) You need to learn the words of our Sages at their source, and to analyze the exact words which they taught. As you stated in your question, from learning about the 4 elements a person can recognize and know which direction he needs to go in, and which sefer he needs to learn, based on his personal soul. From learning about the 4 elements, you will see more clearly, with siyata d’shmaya, the words of our Rishonim and Acharonim, and you will have greater understanding in their words, knowing how to apply them to your own personal soul and to properly actualize their words.
QUESTION
2- Also, how does the Rav’s sefer on the 4 elements relate to the Rav’s other sefarim which explain chassidus and Kaballah?
ANSWER
2) The [series on the] 4 elements is a way for one to recognize his “personal soul”. All other sefarim are teaching the general fundamentals of Torah, and each person needs to find his “personal soul” within them.
