A Few Short Teachings From Rebbe Nachman

Preserved by Rabbi Nachman Burstein, zatzal

Otzar Nachmani, Vol. I, sec. 86-90

Translated by Dovid Sears (unedited)

The Rebbe said: “One who possesses the true, proper da’as [in this sense, higher knowledge or consciousness] can accomplish in serving G-d in a quarter of an hour what another person might need to exert himself intensely to accomplish in seventy years.”

Reb Nachman Burstein adds that he heard this from Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Bender. He also cross-references a similar teaching from Sichos ha-Ran 174. Additionally, he directs the reader to Likutey Moharan II, 61, with the Parpara’os le-Chokhmah, and Chayei Moharan 468.

*

The Rebbe said: “To accomplish, one should do so with goodness, not with anger. And if at times one accomplishes something with anger—one could have done much more with goodness!” (Heard from Reb Levi Yitzchak Bender).

*

The Rebbe said: “Every Jew must strive for the highest level—and not let himself fall, even if he [seems to be] on the lowest level.” (Heard from Reb Levi Yitzchak Bender).

Reb Nachman Burstein cross-references Likutey Moharan I, 6, which discusses being an “expert in ascent” and an “expert in descent.”

*

The Rebbe said: The first avodah of the day is that a Jew must arise for Tikkun Chatzos (the midnight lament) during the winter, and in the summer, to arise before dawn. As for sleep, he should make his calculations by day [i.e., take a nap, if need be].” (Heard from various Breslover chassidim; also see “Avaneha Barzel”).

Rabbi Nachman Burstein cross-references Sichos ha-Ran 301 and Likutey Moharan I, 54 (end); 149; and L”M II, 67.

*

The Rebbe said: As soon as a Jew awakens from sleep, he should think about the ultimate goal (takhlis)—that there is another world.”

Rabbi Nachman Burstein cross-references Likutey Moharan I, 54, which calls this “remembering the World to Come.”