6710 —עצה למחשבות בלתי רצויות והגברת ריכוז בתורה ובתפלה

B"H, 4 Adar II, 5719. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 28th of Shevat and your questions:

a) What is the advice for confusing or unwanted thoughts? First of all, one should memorize several Torah topics by heart and review them, even during free times outside the yeshivah schedule. Of course, this is in addition to the main point: a strong decision that as soon as you sense your mind is occupied with an unwanted matter, you immediately stop it.

b) What is the remedy for increasing desire to learn and praying with intent? The advice here is as our Sages say: "If you labored but did not find, do not believe." So it depends on one's own effort; when you truly want to pray with intention and learn diligently, you will ultimately succeed. The same applies to all challenges along a person's path: do not be affected by them—overcome them! When one truly wants, one succeeds.

Study the above-mentioned topics in Sefer Tanya Kadisha as listed in the index at the end of the book. Surely you know about the practice of saying a daily portion of Tehillim (as Tehillim is divided according to the days of the month), every day after morning prayers; keep this up from now on at least. It is also proper to have your tefillin checked to ensure they are kosher according to halachah.

Blessings for good news,

In the name of the Rebbe shlita,
Secretary

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that memorizing Torah passages helps counter unwanted thoughts, while diligence and sincere desire bring success in learning and prayer. Consistent daily practices like reciting Tehillim and ensuring kosher tefillin support spiritual growth.