Living Beyond this World: A Spiritual Perspective from Rebbe Nachman of Breslov

Rebbe Nachman taught that one should train themselves to live in the manner of the World to Come, becoming detached from earthly desires, much like the spiritual existence we anticipate. In this future world, there's no eating, drinking, or any form of physical craving. Just as we observe in those on their deathbeds, they naturally turn away from these bodily temptations, finding them distasteful and irrelevant as they draw closer to the World to Come. Thus, even while alive and healthy, we should strive to live without succumbing to bodily urges as if we were already in the World to Come. It's understood that if one were fully aware of the true pleasures of the afterlife, they could scarcely bear the distractions of this world. Memory, though often described as a fault, plays an essential role by allowing us to live with this conscious focus in the present world. Were it not for some forgetfulness, our awareness of heavenly delights would make earthly existence intolerable.

Our Sages have stated: “Hashem will ultimately reward each righteous individual with many worlds,” implying each world is endlessly vast, with countless expanses, stars, and mysteries. The magnitude and beauty of these realms are beyond human comprehension, and they each belong to the deserving.

(Likutei Moharan, Discourse 96)

Hashem Elevates Souls to the Highest Yeshiva

Hashem lifts the soul to the supreme heavenly academy, surpassing even the angel Metatron's chamber. This is particularly true for souls that haven't sinned at all, those who depart this world pure and untainted, for instance, children who pass away in innocence. Through Divine mercy, these souls are redeemed and elevated to dwell above.

(Zohar, Mishpatim)

Learning Torah in This World Illuminates the Path in the Next

Observe how anyone who studies Torah in this world will follow those same paths in the afterlife. The pathways of Torah become well-known to those who delve into its mysteries. Upon leaving this world, the souls journey along these paths. In contrast, those unfamiliar with Torah who have not walked its ways will be lost in the afterlife, trapped by their earthly deeds and facing divine judgment tailored to their actions.

(Zohar, Vayishlach)

The Words of Torah Spoken Hold Eternal Power

Every word of Torah uttered in this world forms spiritual garments, enveloping one's soul both here and in the afterlife. When one's earthly life concludes, these sacred words assist in the ascent to a higher plane, advocating on one's behalf before Hashem. Even beyond the grave, the Torah will defend its student, ensuring they rise again in the world to come.

(Zohar, Vayishlach)