R. Chaim of Volozhin · Vilna, 182418 teachings
נפש החייםNefesh HaChaim.
A Kabbalist of the yeshiva world teaches that every act, word and thought moves the upper worlds,
and that Torah study is the cord holding them up.
Gate I: The Image and the Soul
6
- Iבצלם אלקיםIn the Image of ElokimAs He masters every power, He made man their master.
- IIמה אני ומה כחיNo Deed Is LostNothing you do falls to the ground; it all goes up.
- IIIחבל נחלתוA Soul Rooted AbovePlanted above, its heel touches earth; the worlds lean as he leans.
- IVנשמת חייםThe Glassblower's BreathBreath in the mouth, wind in the pipe, rest in the glass.
- Vצרורה בצרור החייםThe Linked SoulOne link always holds, so the fallen soul can climb back.
- VIלא בשמים היאNot in HeavenOnce brought down to earth, it is no longer in heaven.
Gate II: Prayer
4
- VIIברוך אתהBlessing as IncreaseTo bless Him is to open the flow, not to flatter.
- VIIIמזון להעולמותNourishing the WorldsThe soul does not eat, yet bread keeps it in the body.
- IXלפני חילוA Soldier's PrayerSet your own needs aside and pray for the pain above.
- Xאותיות נקודות וטעמיםThe Soul in Each WordLetters, vowels, notes: body, spirit, breath in every word.
Gate III: None Else Besides Him
4
- XIמקומו של עולםPlace of the WorldHe is the world's place; the world is not His place.
- XIIאין עוד מלבדוThere Is None ElseFrom His side, all is one; the veil is for us.
- XIIIואם רץ לבך שובRun and ReturnIf your heart runs toward it, return to your place.
- XIVאפילו כשפיםEven Sorcery FailsFix it in your heart, and no other power can touch you.