Kitzur Likutey Moharan (Abridged Likutey Moharan) Vol. 2

Therefore, the best advice [for dealing with these images and thoughts] is to pay no attention to them and not to let it bother you in any way that these images and thoughts are standing before you, and not to listen to them at all. Rather, a person should just concentrate on whatever he is doing, be it studying Torah or praying or conducting his b

Nor should he look behind him to see if these images and thoughts have left him.

All of the obstacles that a person encounters are solely for the sake of desire-that is, in order that he should have a greater desire for the holy thing [that he wishes to do]. For it is human nature that the more a person is held back from doing something, the more he desires to do it. Therefore, when a Jew needs to do something that is integral

For all barriers exist only for the sake of [strengthening a person’s] desire, and when the intensity of a person’s desire is commensurate with the importance of his desired goal, he will undoubtedly succeed in fulfilling whatever holy thing he wishes to do in the world, no matter what it is.

A person of understanding, however, draws himself closer to God precisely then. For he looks and finds the Creator within the obstacle itself-since in truth, God Himself is hidden within this obstacle.

The holy Baal Shem Tov said, “Before a Heavenly decree is passed against a person, the person himself whom the decree concerns is asked about it. If he agrees to it, then the decree is passed, God forbid. That is to say, the person is asked about a situation comparable to his own, upon which he passes judgment, and then the decree is made [against

goal. For this is an important principle: there is no barrier in the world that a person cannot break. He must only have a very strong longing and desire commensurate with the importance of his goal.

This is because the barrier exists only for the sake of desire, and when a person has the strong desire and will and intense yearning which befits

Moreover, it is not fitting for a person to [use the barrier] as a means of exempting himself or as an excuse, saying that since he wishes and desires to do a certain holy thing, but he is experiencing impediments and duress, he should be credited as having done it.