עב - לְהִתְחַזֵּק בְּכָל פַּעַם נֶגֶד הַיֵּצֶר הָרָע

[continued]

If a person is aroused to teshuvah — then when he wishes to enter the ways of Hashem and to travel to the Tzadik — the evil inclination overpowers him each time with greater force. Therefore one needs greater strengthening each time — a fresh strengthening against the new evil inclination that overpowers him each time. And from this comes what sometimes happens — when a person is aroused to travel to the Tzadik and the people of truth — and has great longing — and then when he begins to travel his desire weakens. And sometimes when he comes to the Tzadik he falls completely from his longing. All this flows from the above-mentioned aspect. For as soon as one is aroused to travel to the true Tzadik — one kills the evil inclination one had at first. And afterwards when one wants to travel — a new evil inclination was formed — stronger than the first. For: ""one greater than his fellow — his inclination is greater than his"" [Sukkah 52a]. Therefore one who wants to draw close to Hashem Yisborach in truth — needs fresh strengthening each time against the new evil inclination that renews itself upon him each time.

For there are several aspects of the evil inclination. And the evil inclination of most of the world is very low and coarse — literally a spirit of foolishness. And one who has even some clear intellect — and estimates in one's heart somewhat the greatness of the Creator, may He be blessed — certainly this evil inclination is with him great foolishness and madness. And even the trial of the immorality desire is foolishness with him. And there is no need for any strengthening against it. Only he has another evil inclination much higher than this. But the evil inclination of most of the world is truly great foolishness for one who is only a person of genuine true intellect.

And there are those whose evil inclination is the aspect of a thin husk [k'lifah dakah]. And this evil inclination only confronts a great warrior of somewhat elevated level. But this is still not the evil inclination of the true Tzadikim. For the evil inclination of the true Tzadikim is literally a holy angel.

Also in the matter of drawing close to Hashem Yisborach itself — there is a great evil inclination. That is — sometimes the excess of blazing beyond measure is from the evil inclination. And this is the aspect of: ""lest they break through to Hashem"" [Exodus 19:21]. And one must seek mercy to be saved from this as well.

One who has judgments upon him — G-d forbid — and has some trouble — G-d have mercy — must see to strengthen and fortify himself all the more then to be saved from the evil inclination. For then the evil inclination overpowers him all the more. For the primary root of all evil inclinations is the powers of judgment [gevuros v'dinim].

There are people who have immoral thoughts — G-d forbid — and they overpower them especially during the time of prayer. And some — at the hour when they stand to pray — imaginations appear before them as if a form of idol-worship stands before them — or other evil imaginings. And they confuse them greatly during prayer. And they have great suffering from them. And they wish to strengthen themselves greatly to drive away these thoughts from their mind — and shake their heads back and forth. But know — that the more they have suffering and the more they strengthen themselves to drive these thoughts from their minds — then these confusions and evil imaginings grow ever stronger. For it is their nature that the more one thinks of driving them away — the more they cling to one. Therefore the primary counsel is to pay absolutely no attention to them at all — and not to care at all about the imaginings and thoughts standing before one. And not to hear them at all. Rather — do what one is doing in whatever one is engaged — whether Torah or prayer or commerce. And do not pay attention to them at all — and do not look back to see if they have gone. Rather — do what one is doing in whatever one is engaged. And through this they will depart on their own. But this is only a counsel for the moment. The primary thing is that one must sanctify and purify one's body — and go to true Tzadikim — and they will guide one in the ways of truth. Then they will depart completely.

Sadness damages greatly — and gives power to the evil inclination to overpower. Also through sadness — one gives power to the above-mentioned confusions to grow stronger — G-d forbid. Therefore one must not be saddened by the fact that one has these confusions — and do not fear or dread them at all. Rather — strengthen oneself greatly to gladden one's soul through all the ways of the counsels explained in their places. For the primary strengthening is through joy and gladness — in the aspect of: ""for the joy of Hashem is your strength"" [Nehemiah 8:10]. And when one strengthens oneself in joy — they will depart on their own. Only do not make the matter into a trial — looking back each time to see if they have already departed. Rather — divert one's mind completely from them as above. And understand.