Introduction
The Talmud states that each person is obligated to wonder “when will my actions reach those of my forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?” However, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi in Tanya (Likutei Amarim) develops the concept of the Benoni, which is a person whose Nefesh Elokit (the G‑dly soul) controls the thinking mind, but the Nefesh HaBehamit (the animalistic soul) has not been refined or sublimated. The Nefesh HaBehamit is constantly attacking and seeking entry into the thought process, only to be held at bay by the Nefesh Elokit. The net result is a human being who is actually controlled by the Nefesh Elokit, and who obeys the Mitzvot in thought, speech and deed, but yet is constantly challenged in a running battle with the darker side of his character. The Benoni may stay his or her entire life in such a condition.
Body
The Tanya discusses the concept of the Benoni, an intermediate level between the perfectly righteous tzaddik and the completely wicked person. The Tanya explores what it means to be a Benoni and how this understanding relates to the challenges of self-evaluation and serving G-d.
Rabbi Zalman cites several sources from the Talmud and other Jewish texts to explain the nature of the Benoni. He notes that the Benoni cannot be someone whose deeds are half virtuous and half sinful, as this would be considered completely wicked according to Jewish law. Rather, the Benoni is someone who may occasionally sin but is not defined by their sins. The author explains that the Benoni is someone who struggles with their evil inclination and strives to overcome it, but may not have completely eradicated it as the tzaddik has.
The author suggests that the Benoni is someone who can maintain a balanced view of themselves and their deeds, acknowledging their flaws and limitations but also recognizing their potential for growth and improvement.
The Tanya encourages people to strive for the rank of Benoni, which is attainable by all, and emphasizes the importance of turning away from evil and doing good.
The Tanya explains the difference between "One who is serving G‑d" and a tzaddik (righteous person). "One who is serving G‑d" is actively engaged in the struggle against their evil nature and trying to gain mastery over it. This is the Benoni category which has two gradations, with the latter being someone who fulfills all commandments but does not wage war against their evil disposition.
The Tanya describes the principle of Divine Service for the Benoni. The goal is to govern the heart by meditating on the greatness of the blessed En Sof in the mind to produce a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord, and arouse love in the heart to cleave to Him through fulfilling the precepts of the Torah and studying it.
There are two kinds of gratification before G-d: the complete annihilation of the sitra achra by the tzaddikim and when the sitra achra is subdued whilst it is still at its strongest and most powerful and soars like an eagle, which is accomplished by the Benonim.
The benonim experience a dullness of the heart and heaviness that sometimes prevents them from engaging in prayer and fighting the evil impulse. According to the holy Zohar, one should crush this "intermediate" state of being and set aside time to humble oneself to overcome the arrogance of the kelipah that obscures and darkens the light of the divine soul.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tanya (Likutei Amarim) delves into the concept of the Benoni, the intermediate level between the perfectly righteous tzaddik and the completely wicked person. The Benoni is someone who occasionally sins but does not define themselves by their sins, striving to overcome their evil inclination. The Tanya encourages people to strive for the rank of Benoni, emphasizing the importance of turning away from evil and doing good. The goal of the Benoni is to govern the heart through meditation and fulfilling the precepts of the Torah and studying it. While the Benoni may experience dullness of the heart and heaviness, they can overcome this through humility and crushing their intermediate state of being. Overall, the Tanya provides guidance for self-evaluation and divine service for individuals at different levels of spiritual development.