Kitzur Likutey Moharan (Abridged Likutey Moharan) Vol. 2

All of the obstacles that a person encounters are solely for the sake of desire-that is, in order that he should have a greater desire for the holy thing [that he wishes to do]. For it is human nature that the more a person is held back from doing something, the more he desires to do it. Therefore, when a Jew needs to do something that is integral

A person of understanding, however, draws himself closer to God precisely then. For he looks and finds the Creator within the obstacle itself-since in truth, God Himself is hidden within this obstacle.

It is strictly forbidden to study philosophical works. This is because there are many philosophical dilemmas deriving from the Vacated Space which are absolutely impossible to resolve (see more in this lesson in Likutey Moharan). Only in the future will the answers to these questions be revealed, since then the mystery of how God “withdrew” or “con

“running and returning” (cf. Ezekiel 1:14) [i.e., repeatedly entering and leaving this state].

Repentance primarily depends on the Torah. Specifically, when a person studies Torah, laboring in it until he merits to deduce other things from the things he has learned and to develop new Torah ideas for the sake of Heaven-this is complete repentance.

The holy Baal Shem Tov said, “Before a Heavenly decree is passed against a person, the person himself whom the decree concerns is asked about it. If he agrees to it, then the decree is passed, God forbid. That is to say, the person is asked about a situation comparable to his own, upon which he passes judgment, and then the decree is made [against

In this world, however, it is simply impossible to resolve these questions on any intellectual level, and anyone who delves into these branches of study will sink and be lost there, since about such people it is written, “All those who come to her will not return” (Proverbs 2:19). This is because it is impossible to find God there [in these sorts o

goal. For this is an important principle: there is no barrier in the world that a person cannot break. He must only have a very strong longing and desire commensurate with the importance of his goal.

Nor should he look behind him to see if these images and thoughts have left him.