Machshava:

Ethics 

Collections: Rabbi Weinberger: Tanya

Description

P. 66. The one essential difference between the perfect and imperfect tzaddik (righteous person). We must understand the slight nuances [of difference] in order to become a beinuni (average, intermediate). A person who covers himself with gashmius (physical things of this world) lives a physcial life without godliness and without Hashem. An imperfect tzaddik is not ruled by the yetzer harah's (evil inclination) last remaining trace elements, but these trace elements, desires for the pleasures of this world, still occupy some territory within him. What changed for Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai between the first and second times he emerged from the cave? [This was a long and beautiful discussion].