Anatomy of the Soul

483 Pages·1998·2.02 MB·English

by  Chaim Kramer

This digital edition was produced by Jewishebooks

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ANATOMY OF THE SOUL

by

Chaim Kramer

with

Avraham Sutton

Published by

BRESLOV RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Jerusalem/New York
Copyright © Breslov Research Institute 1998

ISBN 0-930213-51-3

No part of this publication may be translated,
reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted,
in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission in writing from the publishers.

We gratefully acknowledge Moznaim Publishers of Brooklyn, NY,
for their permission to print excerpts
from Innerspace, by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan.

First Edition

For further information:
Breslov Research Institute
POB 5370

Jerusalem, Israel

or:

Breslov Research Institute
POB 587

Monsey, NY 10952-0587

e-mail: [email protected]
Internet: http//www.breslov.org
Printed in Israel

LON BERNELL - DEDICATION

RAFAEL ROSEN - DEDICATION

MICKEY - DEDICATION

JONATHAN LEVIN
Guide to the Book

Anatomy of the Soul explores the Bible’s depiction of man as having been
created in a “Godly image.” The principle ideas in the book are drawn from the
teachings of the great Chassidic master Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (1772–1810)
and his closest follower, Reb Noson (1780–1844). It presents a description of the
human anatomy with its essential spiritual parallels in order to encourage the
reader to realize his or her full potential through perceiving the body as a temple
for the soul. We have followed the standard practice of dividing the body
according to physiological systems, as do most books on anatomy. However,
because our intent is to explore the spiritual essence of the human anatomy, we
have structured our particular approach accordingly.

Part One introduces the concept of “spiritual anatomy,” taking the biblical
representation of Adam as the prototype for all mankind. It also discusses the
concepts of Adam in the Garden of Eden, his partaking of the forbidden fruit of
the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, his subsequent expulsion from the
Garden and its contemporary meaning for us.

Part Two details the necessity for the body and soul to function together in
harmony. The creation of a soul and a body, their interdependence and their
major characteristics are then discussed. Many of the Kabbalistic concepts
incorporated within our text are introduced in this section.

In Part Three we begin to explore the internal systems of the body. As will be
clearly demonstrated, a person’s character is rooted in his bloodstream and
digestive system. These systems and organs are thus examined first so that we
can understand how our basic character traits develop during childhood. We will
explain, for example, the roots of anger and arrogance and how avarice, gluttony
and lust evolve.

Following this, in Parts Four through Six, we discuss the organs that can be
employed to counter man’s baser desires. These include the central nervous
system and the organs contained within the thoracic cavity (the heart and lungs
— the seats of the intellect and emotions), which contain the means through
which a person can learn to understand himself.
Part Seven discusses the peripheral nervous system, branches of intellect
which endow us with the potential to master our desires and sublimate them for
our spiritual benefit.

In Part Eight, the discussion centers on the skeletal and muscular systems,
which enable us to ascend the spiritual ladder, each individual according to his
own unique abilities.

In Part Nine, we discuss the reproductive system, along with a spiritual
approach to sexual purity, marital relations, conception, pregnancy and birth.

Finally, Part Ten deals with the issues of why God saw a need to create man
with a physical body and physical needs, the purpose served by death, and the
idea of the ultimate reward, the World to Come, which can be experienced even
in This World, simply by directing one’s efforts towards transcending the pursuit
of the material.

Appendix A contains the unabridged version of Rebbe Nachman’s story “The
Exchanged Children,” which Reb Noson uses as a guide for understanding the
respective roles of our physical and spiritual natures. Appendix B lists specific
mitzvot that are associated with the various organs, quoted from the Sefer
Charedim. Appendix C defines which of man’s characteristics are rooted in
which Sefirot, in order to better be able to strive for one’s Godly image, quoted
from the Tomer Devorah. Appendix D contains charts and visual aids to
illustrate the Kabbalistic concepts introduced in our work.

*
Table of Contents

Part One: The Soul of the Anatomy

1.

“In a Godly Image”

What is Torah?

Torah and Anatomy

2.

In the Garden of Eden

Part Two: Body and Soul

3.

God and The Soul

God and His Names

God and the Human Soul

The Vacated Space

Five Olamot and Ten Sefirot
Five Partzufim and Ten Sefirot

The Three Columns

The Cosmic Body

Five Levels of Soul

The Glassblower Analogy

4.

The Body: A Dual Purpose Garment
The Four Elements

5.

Positive and Negative Character Traits
The Four Servants

6.

The Paradox of Body and Soul

“Let us make Adam, Man...”

Good Advice

Part Three: The Digestive System

7.

Introduction

8.

The Purification Process

Patience

The Chariot of God

Wonder of Wonders

9.

The Bloodstream

The Rhythmic Beat

“Hot” Blood

Victory or Truth

The Main Path to Repentance

“I will be”

A Circuit of Joy

Recycle and Return

Alcohol and the Tree of Knowledge
A Blood Test

10.

Eating: The Egyptian Exile

The Mouth, the Teeth and the Stomach
“The Stomach Sleeps”

Sweet Dreams