From The Jewish Press, Elul 5762/2002

The Tree That Stands Beyond Space:
Rebbe Nachman of Breslov
on the Mystical Experience

Author: David Sears
Publisher: Breslov Research Institute 2002
Distributor: Moznaim Books, Brooklyn, NY
Reviewed by: A. Seeker

"The Tree That Stands Beyond Space" is a compilation of excerpts from the writings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. The title of the book refers to Rebbe Nachman's story, "Tale of the Seven Beggars, The Fifth Day." This tree is beyond all space because it's beyond all duality, beyond our perception of the dichotomies and paradoxes of this world. It's where the mystic journeys, and what all those who walk this path endeavor to experience.

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, a great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, has much to teach us. As the quote at the beginning of the book says, "I told them: 'I can bring you to the Tree…'" These excerpts enable us to glimpse what this path entails.

The author, Rabbi David Sears, a Breslov Chassid, teacher, and writer, is the perfect guide into Rebbe Nachman's works. By putting the reader in touch with the Jewish mystical tradition, Rabbi Sears is demonstrating that this path is profound and can nourish the seekers of this generation. Those who are coming from Eastern traditions will find that although the vocabulary may be different, many of the concepts and experiential results will sound strikingly similar. It is to Rabbi Sears' credit that he is bringing these teachings to the Jewish world because they will undoubtedly resonate with those who are searching for greater meaning and closeness to God.

The book is divided into five sections, with an Afterward on Breslov Chassidus, as well as notes and a glossary. In the first section, Bitul HaYesh/Self-Nullification, we discover that in order to become vessels for the Divine Light, we must empty ourselves of arrogance and pride. We must go beyond our illusory ego. To do this it is necessary to have such great humility that we become "like a clump of dirt."

One of the concepts emphasized in the second section, Hasagat Elokut/Divine Perception, is that self-nullification leads to "not-knowing," to such complete devekut (cleaving to God), that there is no awareness of self, and therefore an end to all suffering. However, it isn't possible to remain in this state of bitul, self-nullification, but we must "advance and return." Yet once we have entered this state, there is a residue that is carried back into the mundane world so that we can perceive that everything is infused with Divine Light. It is quite wonderful to discover that we can access this transformative experience right here, through our own mystical Jewish tradition.

The remaining chapters are Hashgachah Pratit/Divine Providence, Machshavah/Thought, and Hitbodedut/Meditation and Prayer. The section on Thought gives practical advice on overcoming negative or distracting thoughts. As these thoughts intrude, we are told to just pay attention to the task at hand. In Eastern traditions, this is called mindfulness. However, according to Rebbe Nachman, mindfulness is only the beginning. It is essential that there be a connection to a true tzaddik in order to purify the mind. Following this there are two teachings on Shabbat that segue very nicely into the section on Hitbodedut/Meditation. This isn't meditation in the sense of focusing on the breath, a mantra, or a conundrum, but in dissolving the self through talking and praying to God in one's own language.

In the Afterward, Rabbi Sears discusses how we can actually practice Breslov teachings in our daily lives. By giving a personal example concerning his own teacher, HaRav Elazar Mordechai Kenig of Tzefat, he makes the path more accessible to the average person. "Rebbe Nachman clearly states that his teachings are intended not only for those of the highest spiritual accomplishments, but for everyone."

The format of "The Tree That Stands Beyond Space" seems to follow the pattern of "advancing and returning," soaring to the Infinite and then grounding us in practice in this world. Therefore, just by reading it, we experience the joy and delight of the Jewish mystical path.