Nachman of Breslov (1772–1810,) known as Reb Nachman of Breslov or Rebbe Nachman, was the founder of the Breslov Hasidic sect, a branch of Hasidic Judaism.
Rebbe Nachman of Breslov was born in the Ukrainian town of Medzeboz and became an exceptional Tzadik (saint,) Torah sage, teacher, and master of Hasidic Judaism. He was the great-grandson of Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidic Judaism.
Nachman is known as the founder of the Breslov Hasidic sect, a branch of Hasidic Judaism. Believers of the Breslov Hasidic sect endeavor to develop a happy relationship with God and believe in prayer as the primary expression of religious life.
Nachman’s main work is Likutey Moharan, composed partially by himself and partly by his chief disciple, Rabbi Nossan Sternhartz. The book is a collection of the Torah discourses he gave during Jewish festivals. It draws extensively from the Talmud, and from Midrashic and Kabbalistic literature.
From 1802–10, Rebbe Nachman lived in Breslov, Ukraine. He spent the last six months of his life in Uman, Ukraine, where he passed away from tuberculosis in 1810 at the age of thirty-eight. During Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year,) thousands of Hasidic Jews from around the world participate in an annual pilgrimage to the burial site of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov in Uman.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Nachman of Breslov
While praying, listen to the words very carefully. When your heart is attentive, your entire being enters your prayer without your having to force it.
—Nachman of Breslov
Topics: Prayer
Worldly desires are like sunbeams in a dark room. They seem solid until you try to grasp one.
—Nachman of Breslov
Topics: Hedonism, Greed
You are never given an obstacle you cannot overcome.
—Nachman of Breslov
Grant me the ability to be alone, may it be my custom to go outdoors each day among the trees and grasses among all growing things and there may I be alone, and enter into prayer to talk with the one that I belong to.
—Nachman of Breslov
Seek the good in everyone, and reveal it, bring it forth.
—Nachman of Breslov
Topics: Mentoring
Common sense is strengthened by joy.
—Nachman of Breslov
Topics: Common Sense
All the world is a very narrow bridge, but the main thing is to have no fear at all.
—Nachman of Breslov
Topics: Fear
The purpose of knowledge is that we should not know (anything).
—Nachman of Breslov
If you believe that you can damage, then believe that you can fix.
—Nachman of Breslov
To be a person of truth, be swayed neither by approval nor disapproval. Work at not needing approval from anyone and you will be free to be who you really are.
—Nachman of Breslov
It is very good to pour out your heart to God as you would to a true, good friend.
—Nachman of Breslov
Topics: Prayer
You are wherever your thoughts are. Make sure your thoughts are where you want to be.
—Nachman of Breslov
Always wear a smile. The gift of life will then be yours to give.
—Nachman of Breslov
Topics: Smile
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