ב"ה, י"ט שבט, תשי"ח
ברוקלין, נ.י.
שלום וברכה!
...במש"כ ע"ד אי ראותו בעצמו העלי' בעניני דא"ח וכו' - ודאי שאין זה אלא מפיתויי היצר, שהרי א"א שלא יפעל פעולתו, ח"ו, קיום התומ"צ, ובפרט דאילנא דחייא דלית תמן כו' (עיין אגה"ק ר"ס כו).
וכיון שהעלי' במציאות אלא, שלע"ע, אינו רואה אותה - הרי העיקר ישנו. ובטח במשך הזמן תבוא גם הראי'. ובפרט - ע"י מלחמה כנגד היצר בעניניו, שבמילא תביא לחלישות היצר גם בפיתויו האמורים ובההעלם שפועל. - אלא שצריך שמזמן לזמן ילמוד דא"ח לפני... וזכות רבים אלו מסייעתו לעלי' נוספת בהנוגע לעצמו. וק"ל. ואחכה לבשו"ט.
This transcription and adaptation of the video offer a profound insight into the spiritual guidance of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The teaching addresses a universal human experience: the feeling that despite our efforts, we are not growing or improving.
Introduction: Overcoming the Illusion of Stagnation
In this video, a powerful letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe (Volume 16, Letter #6,062) is explored. Written on the 19th of Shevat, 5718 (1958), from Brooklyn, New York, the Rebbe responds to a follower who expressed deep frustration. This individual had been studying Chassidus and striving for personal refinement but wrote to the Rebbe in despair, stating, "I don’t see myself growing."
The Rebbe’s response is a masterclass in spiritual psychology. He explains that the feeling of stagnation is often a tactic of the Yetzer Hara (the evil inclination) designed to discourage us. By reframing the struggle and providing practical advice—such as teaching others—the Rebbe shows that growth is often happening beneath the surface, even when we cannot yet see it.
Full Transcription: The Rebbe’s Guidance on Spiritual Growth
The Context of the Letter
"Holy letters of the Rebbe, Volume 16, letter number 6,062. Baruch Hashem, written on the 19th of Shevat, 5718, in Brooklyn, New York. Shalom u’vracha (Peace and Blessing).
A person was complaining to the Rebbe—perhaps this was a follow-up to a previous letter in which he was encouraged to study Chassidus and try to become a better person. He writes to the Rebbe: 'I don’t see myself growing in matters of Chassidus, etc. I don’t see myself growing; I’m not progressing there.'"
The Rebbe’s Reassurance
"The Rebbe says that this feeling is certainly only from the persuasion of the Yetzer—the inclination trying to persuade you. Because, as the Rebbe puts it with great emphasis, it is impossible—efshar—that Chassidus should not have its intended impact (God forbid). Its purpose is to lead to the fulfillment of Torah and Mitzvos.
This is especially true when you are talking about the study of what is called Ilana d'Chaya, the 'Tree of Life' (Eitz Chaim). As quoted from the Zohar and from the Alter Rebbe’s letter in the beginning of Chapter 26, in Chassidus there is no 'other side.' It is only holiness—total holiness. Everything it discusses concerns holy matters, and therefore, it is impossible that it isn't accomplishing its goal."
The Illusion of the Yetzer Hara
"So, you say you’re not growing? That is only you being persuaded by the Yetzer, who is trying to knock you down and 'cool you off.'
The Rebbe says it like this: Since you are growing—that is a fact—but as of now, you just don’t see it. There’s no question that it’s happening, but you are saying that you don’t feel any elevation. Therefore, the Rebbe says, since the main thing (the growth) is already there and it’s just that you don’t see it yet, I am sure—for certain—that over time you will also begin to see it."
Practical Advice for Breakthrough
"Specifically, the Rebbe says that when you wage war against the Yetzer Hara in your own personal matters and your own struggles, that will additionally lead to the weakening of the Yetzer in its attempt to persuade you that you aren't growing. You will weaken him in general.
Furthermore, from time to time, the Rebbe suggests that you should learn Chassidus in front of others. Perhaps the Rebbe wants him to give a class in Chassidus or something similar. The Rebbe says that the merit of the many whom you are teaching is going to help you achieve an additional elevation as it pertains to yourself.
By including others in your learning, you will be elevated as well. The Rebbe says this is easy to understand. He concludes by saying he looks forward to hearing good news. In other words, the Rebbe says: 'It’s not true that you aren’t progressing. It’s only the persuasion of the Yetzer Hara. Growth is there; you just have to reveal it, and you will see it soon.'
Overcome the Yetzer in your personal struggles, give a class to others, and the Rebbe looks forward to the report of your success. He knows it’s going to happen."