| Rebbe Nachman of Breslov taught… |
| The reason why it is necessary to recite ten psalms is that there are ten kinds of song corresponding to the ten expressions of song and praise on which the book of Psalms is based… Each of these expressions has the power to nullify the power of [the force of impurity] because each of them is the direct opposite of [that force]. Ashrei, for example, is an expression for sight and vision, the opposite of the [force of impurity], whose main strength lies in damaging people’s vision… Similarly, Halleluyah, an expression of praise and joy…is the opposite of yelalah [the wailing of frustrated desire which stems from sadness]… They are Psalms numbers: 16, 32, 41, 42, 59, 77, 90, 105, 137, 150.” (Rebbe Nachman’s Tikkun, p.35, based on Likutei Moharan I:205) |
| What does this mean to me? |
| The source for the concept of ten types of song in Psalms is ancient—it goes all the way back to the Talmud and is recorded in Rashi’s commentary and other places. And throughout the generations, there were other great tzaddikim who longed to reveal the ten chapters that embody the concentrated essence of the entire book of Psalms in order to help the world, but no one was given this gift until Rebbe Nachman received it toward the end of his life. In other lessons, Rebbe Nachman explains the relationship between sadness and personal impurity; when a person feels cut off from G-d and low, he is more vulnerable to temptation, and this in turn makes him feel even further from his Creator. The main remedy for all sins, not only those of a sexual nature, is in rediscovering our joyful connection with G-d. This is what the ten psalms of the Tikkun Haklali best express. |
| A prayer: |
| Master of the universe… Your love is overflowing, Your generosity never ceases. Look upon me with favor. Let me be worthy of awakening the ten forms of song With which the book of Psalms was composed; Let me be worthy of seeing those forms of song revealed… You who bring joy to those who are sore at heart, bring joy to my crushed spirit… Remove from me sadness and grief. Rejoice the soul of Your servant… “Awaken my glory, awaken, harp and lyre. I shall awaken the dawn.” (Rebbe Nachman’s Tikkun, p. 39 and 53, from Reb Nosson’s prayer that follows the Tikkun Haklali) |
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