About Mussar
R' Yerucham Levovitz Zatzal said that Mussar is a “goldgrube” (goldmine), since learning Mussar saves a person from judgement in Olam HaBah. R' Chatzkel Levenstein Zatzal said that an Oved Hashem has a different Cheshbon than others. R’ Mordechai Schwab Zatzal said that to be considered an Oved, you have to serve Hashem beyond the way one normally serves him. Even if he makes an effort that goes a little beyond one’s natural inclinations.
I double-checked this story: An old Novardoker who used to give out Sifrei Mussar, came in a dream to someone (who is still alive) who is doing the same thing, and he told him that because he spread Mussar, he was Zoche to come to his place in Gan Eden in only ½ hour after his Petira.
They say that people who had tremendous Yissurim, Rachana Litzlan, go straight to Gan Eden. In Novardok they also say: ר אוֹסָ מוּ אוֹ יִתְיַיסֵּר “Either learn Mussar, or suffer Yissurim. Mussar and Yissurim have the same Shoresh (root). Make life easy and get involved in Mussar, and: אַשְרֵּי חֶׁלְקְ כֶׁם fortunate is your lot. Mussar is Gevaldig; it shows that you’re trying to improve. And even if you don’t succeed, רַחְמָנָא לִיבָא בָעֵּי Hashem is interested in our intentions. It shows Hachna'a and admittance that you need to improve. Hachna'a and Hoda'ah are #1 forms of true Teshuva.
