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Secret of Brit Book - Chapter 5: Rectify The Brit II
Written by Michael   
Tuesday, 09 May 2006

The Road To Rectification

12. Divine Assistance

 
In the Rabbinic literature written on Tikun HaBrit, many other methods of rectification are emphasized, for instance, guarding one’s speech, giving charity generously, and special Kabbalistic intentions in prayers. However, in order not to confuse and overwhelm the reader, we have focused on the major methods. Also exceedingly beneficial to one’s spiritual development is forming a connection to a Torah sage who is well versed in matters concerning the Brit. The important thing is not the sheer number of tikunim, immersions, and pages of Gemara and Zohar, but rather the sincere contrition in the heart of the penitent over his wrongdoings. Not from fear of punishment, but out of a profound regret over the spiritual damage caused by his sins. When a person raises himself to the level of tshuva from love, wherein his sole desire is to please His Maker by living a life of Torah and good deeds, he can know that he is a true baal tshuva. The main thing is the constant striving for a higher level of Divine service, filled with a fervent love and fear of G-d, and the commitment to sanctify oneself in all of one’s endeavors.
   
In the beginning, it often happens, that when a man comes to purify himself, the evil inclination battles against him with great force. Even still, he can overcome his yetzer (evil inclination) and sexual fantasies, since a man’s intellect has the power to overcome the urgings of the heart. (Tanya, Ch.12.)

Rather than being discouraged by reoccurring temptations and lapses, a man should fortify himself with the knowledge that each time he pushes a lustful thought out of his mind, or turns away from looking at an erotic image, he makes a great tikun in all of the spiritual worlds. Every victory over his yetzer weakens the power of the Sitra Achra in the world, and exalts the Name of G-d more than any other action. (Zohar, Shmot 128a)

Our sages have promised that a person who comes to purify himself is granted Divine assistance.

“When a person comes to make himself impure, the doors are opened for him. When he comes to purify himself, he is assisted… If he sanctifies himself a little, he is given great sanctity. If he sanctifies himself below in this world, he is sanctified above and in the world to come.” (Yoma 39A)
As Rabbi Nachman of Breslov teaches, the main thing is to be happy that he has found the right path, and not let setbacks drag him back into the darkness of sexual passion.

Last Updated ( Sunday, 09 July 2006 )
 
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