The education of the heart begins with understanding our spiritual nature. “Educate the child according to his way: even as he grows old, he will not depart from it.” This familiar quote from the Book of Proverbs raises an interesting question. If the child’s way isn’t the most truthful path, why should someone maintain it into old age?
The Education of the Heart Through Fear and Love
Fear and love form the two main roots of spiritual growth. Fear keeps us from evil and helps us observe prohibitions. Meanwhile, love motivates us toward good deeds and fulfillment of commandments. Together, they lift us to spiritual heights like two wings.
But how can we learn to love the Creator? Can we actively create such love in our hearts? The Torah states: “The commandment which I command you to do—to love the Creator.” These words combine “doing” with “love.” Yet most people think love simply appears naturally in the heart.
Two Approaches to Education of the Heart
It turns out that we can experience two different types of love for the Creator:
The Soul’s Innate Love
First, there’s the innate yearning of the soul for its Source. This love resembles a flame that rises upward naturally. Although embedded in our soul’s essence, it often hides beneath layers of daily concerns and physical desires.
To reveal this love, we must purify our nature. Our mind needs to overcome physical influences and gain control over them. When this happens, our soul begins to rejoice in its closeness to the Creator and experiences profound pleasure.
However, only few people—those called tzaddikim (the righteous)—reach this high level. They achieve it through deep purification from physical desires, thorough Torah knowledge, and numerous good deeds.
Love Created Through Contemplation
Fortunately, everyone can access the second type of love. This love emerges from thoughtful reflection on ideas that awaken our sense of closeness to the Creator.
For instance, we can reflect on how the Creator serves as our true life source. Just as we naturally love our own life, we can learn to love the One who represents our true soul.
Additionally, we can contemplate the Creator’s greatness by trying to understand His infinite nature. Then, we can reflect on His amazing love for us—how He freed our souls from spiritual darkness and elevated us to holiness.
Just as water reflects a face, our hearts awaken with love for the Creator when we recognize His love for us.
Practical Education of the Heart Through Contemplation
The Torah describes this second type of love as something we “do”—”the commandment which I command you to do—to love the Creator.” We actively create this love in our hearts through understanding and reflection. This active education of the heart makes spiritual growth accessible to everyone.
In contrast, the first type of love—the self-igniting flame—cannot be commanded. Rather, it arrives as a gift to the righteous, allowing them to experience a portion of the future world in the present.
Why Youth’s Path Matters Throughout Life
Even after reaching the highest level of love, righteous people continue moving between spiritual levels. They don’t remain stationary because humans are meant to progress continually rather than stand still.
As they move between spiritual stages, they sometimes experience temporary setbacks. Before climbing to a higher level, they may feel a decline from their previous state.
During these moments, the righteous return to the love they learned in youth—the love created through contemplation. This foundation supports their spiritual service even during challenging periods. Therefore, establishing this foundation early ensures that “even when growing old,” a person maintains spiritual growth despite life’s challenges.
Lifelong Education of the Heart
The foundation of everything that awakens love and awe before the Creator is a pure and firm faith in His unity. The education of the heart is a lifelong process that can begin with simple reflections on how He connects with us, loves us, and cares for us.
When we regularly and deeply consider these thoughts, they gradually awaken reciprocal love in our hearts. As a result, this love becomes the foundation of our spiritual growth throughout life. This consistent education of the heart transforms our entire relationship with the divine.
This article is based on “Tanya – Part 2 – Shaar Hayichud Vehaemunah (Introduction)” by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, one of the greatest Hasidic thinkers.
Afterword: The text of this article has not been approved by any sage, Torah scholar, or rabbi and is merely a simplified adaptation of the sacred text for general understanding. For comprehension of true wisdom and a deeper understanding of the original text, you should refer to the sources.
This and all other article texts of the Mega-Charity.Org resource express only the personal opinions of the authors who compiled them. They are intended only for general and superficial understanding of the real sources of wisdom. References to which are provided.
