Chaim Kramer - Anatomy of the Soul

Anatomy of the Soul explores the Bibles depiction of man as having been created in a Godly image. The principle ideas in the book are drawn from the teachings of the great Chassidic master Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (17721810) and his closest follower, Reb Noson (17801844). It presents a description of the human anatomy with its essential spiritual parallels in order to encourage the reader to realize his or her full potential through perceiving the body as a temple for the soul. We have followed the standard practice of dividing the body according to physiological systems, as do most books on anatomy. However, because our intent is to explore the spiritual essence of the human anatomy, we have structured our particular approach accordingly.

Part One introduces the concept of spiritual anatomy, taking the biblical representation of Adam as the prototype for all mankind. It also discusses the concepts of Adam in the Garden of Eden, his partaking of the forbidden fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, his subsequent expulsion from the Garden and its contemporary meaning for us.

Part Two details the necessity for the body and soul to function together in harmony. The creation of a soul and a body, their interdependence and their major characteristics are then discussed. Many of the Kabbalistic concepts incorporated within our text are introduced in this section.

In Part Three we begin to explore the internal systems of the body. As will be clearly demonstrated, a persons character is rooted in his bloodstream and digestive system. These systems and organs are thus examined first so that we can understand how our basic character traits develop during childhood. We will explain, for example, the roots of anger and arrogance and how avarice, gluttony and lust evolve.

Following this, in Parts Four through Six, we discuss the organs that can be employed to counter mans baser desires. These include the central nervous system and the organs contained within the thoracic cavity (the heart and lungs the seats of the intellect and emotions), which contain the means through which a person can learn to understand himself.

Part Seven discusses the peripheral nervous system, branches of intellect which endow us with the potential to master our desires and sublimate them for our spiritual benefit.

In Part Eight, the discussion centers on the skeletal and muscular systems, which enable us to ascend the spiritual ladder, each individual according to his own unique abilities.

In Part Nine, we discuss the reproductive system, along with a spiritual approach to sexual purity, marital relations, conception, pregnancy and birth.

Finally, Part Ten deals with the issues of why God saw a need to create man with a physical body and physical needs, the purpose served by death, and the idea of the ultimate reward, the World to Come, which can be experienced even in This World, simply by directing ones efforts towards transcending the pursuit of the material.

Appendix A contains the unabridged version of Rebbe Nachmans story The Exchanged Children, which Reb Noson uses as a guide for understanding the respective roles of our physical and spiritual natures. Appendix B lists specific mitzvot that are associated with the various organs, quoted from the Sefer Charedim . Appendix C defines which of mans characteristics are rooted in which Sefirot , in order to better be able to strive for ones Godly image, quoted from the Tomer Devorah . Appendix D contains charts and visual aids to illustrate the Kabbalistic concepts introduced in our work.

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