If the one who trusts in H'shem Chas V'Shalom loses his money, he does not panic or regret,  "He thanks GD when  the deposit is collected, just as he thanked GD when it was first given."  He does not look to blame or take anything from anyone else, he is always happy with what he has. pg 361 Nefesh Hachaim For a man's Nefesh, Ruach, and Neshamah to connect to, and elevate the higher worlds,  his soul must first enter his body so that he can rectify the" World of Acton" in the  physical world. Gate One, Chapter 12, pg 48

If  H"shem has bestowed on the one who trusts in him wealth, he in no way takes credit for it, or makes others credit him for the good he does with it.  He simply thanks H'shem for "making him an agent of kindness." pg 361 Nefesh Hachaim If GD forbid every single member of Klal Yisroel ceased to say Kedusha, the angles in heaven would do the same. This is also the secret to saying Perek Shira.  When one recites Perek Shira daily...he encompasses all of the powers in the universe,  He gives strength to the angels and celestial  ministers of the entire creation so that they can recite all these songs..and through this, draw their life and the influence that flows from them upon all the lower creatures" Gate One Chapter 11 pg 47/48

The one who trusts in H'shem looks at everything he was given as as a deposit.  His trust is not hindered by his wealth or lack there of.  He understands that what he was given is to be used in a "certain way and for a certain purpose" for as long as it  was given to him. pg 361 Nefesh Hachaim Although the angels may be holier than us, they are simply not capable of sanctifying their creator with their "Kedushah " until Klal Yisrael has recited their " Kedusha" here on earth. We rise on our toes  during Kedusha possibly to signify the elevation that Klal Yisroel does world by world as our tefilat Kedusha rises to heaven elevating the worlds above it. Chapter 1 Gate 11 pg 47

One who trusts in H’shem will have the security of a livelihood “but will be spared the mental distractions of one who has money” as in a state of constant worry. Pg 359 Nefesh Hachaim The three elements of man’s soul Nefesh , Ruach , and Nishama only attain their ability to elevate themselves and the worlds they are connected to, once the soul enters a physical body. Yaakov’s dream where he envisioned the Malachim going up and down the ladder signifies the descent of the soul to the earth when it “becomes clothed in the garments of the body” Gate 1 Chapter 10 pg 46

Rabbenu Bachya teaches us that the qualities of one who trusts in H’shem are such.    If he has money he makes sure to meet his obligations to H’shem such as giving Tzedaka and using it in the proper way.   He will never gloat that he has money since he understands it was only entrusted to him to do H’shem’s will.   On the other hand if he lacks money he also looks at it as a blessing from H’shem as he is now freed from the great responsibilities and obligations that comes with having money.   pg 359 Nefesh Hachaim How does man “outshine” the Angles?   Only man has the power to “influence the higher worlds through his actions” Gate 1 chapter 10 page 46

Someone who is making a living that goes against "nature" or the government, knows his life is constantly in danger.    Someone who trusts in H'shem alone,.and lives with Emuna and Bitachon, when his beliefs are revealed he is "Esteemed and honored by men, who will glory in being near him and in seeing him."  His beliefs will bring prosperity to his city, and protection to his community. pg 359 Nefesh Hachaim  "The way GD deals with us conforms to our conduct. Since the Keruv representing Yisroel was slightly angled because we went out to make a living, the Keruv representing H'shem had to be on an angle as well.   When Moshe cried out to H'shem at the Yam Suf and H'shem answered with "Why are you crying to me....let them.. move"  H'shem was saying the act of trust, that H'shem would save us, is what led to the splitting of the see.  "Yisroel leads me through their actions, your actions determine the way I deal with ...

One who works and is successful in this world, but did not trust in H'shem only managed to support his physical needs and desires.  One who earns a living with complete trust in H'shem will not only have  his physical means provided for, that trust will carry him to the next world. pg 359 Nefesh Hachaim The generation in the Midbar that ate the Mann and had all their needs provided for them did nothing else other then be occupied with serving H'shem.  That was the generation that deserved to receive  the Torah.  In King Shlomo's time the people needed to earn a living but always put Torah first, and on their minds while working.  In the Midbar the Kruvim were completely facing each other as Klal Yisroel was doing GD's will.  During the time of Shlomo Hamelech they were still facing each other to show our deep connection for H'shem and his love and happiness with us, but they were on a slight angel. Gate 1,Chapter 9, pg 43/44

Someone who lacks trust will constantly feel insecure and have to move around.    Someone who trusts in H'shem has complete confidence that where he is H'shem will send him everything that he needs. pg 357 Nefesh Hachaim There is a  controversy among our great men, whether Torah study must be combined with earning a living, or must be the only thing one toils.  Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai says that only when we are not doing the will of H'shem must we work, when we are, we must "never have Torah leave our lips". Rabbi Yishmael emphasizes that although he believes Torah study should be combined with earning a living while working,"His mind should be focused on Torah thoughts"  The Mishna is in agreement and states  that Torah study should be combined with work.  Rabbi Shimon's view is expressing what the ultimate should be and if one has the means not to work he, according to Rabbi Shimon, should devote himself entirely to Torah stud...

Rabbenu Bachya writes that we learn from the Nevuot that at some point money will not be able to sustain us.   If there is a famine or an attack Chas V'shalom,  no money in the world will be able to buy what is needed to survive.  One who trusts in H'shem though, has nothing to fear, H'shem will provide for him in all circumstances. pg 357 Nefesh Hachaim The Keruvim in the Beis Hamikdash were a symbol of the relationship between Klal Yisroel and H'shem.  One represented us and one represented H'shem.  When the Keruvim were facing each other it meant that we were serving H'shem correctly and H'shem was "turned towards us."  When  we would be lax in our service and started to drift away from H'shem the Keruvim would start to turn away from each other, at one point both facing the Beis Hamikdsah.  When we were very lax,  the Keruvim  completely turned away from each other.  At the time when  Klal Yisroel would make a p...

He may gather all the wealth in the world, but who says he will be healthy to enjoy it.  One who trusts in H'shem not only can be relaxed financially, but also physically.  He must know he is in the hands of H'shem and if GD forbid he falls ill,  it is likely an atonement meant for his best,  and he is in the hands of H'shem. pg 357 Nefesh Hachaim  Dovid Hameleh explains.  'GD is your shadow .."  Every action you perform on this world is mimicked in the higher wolds.  The Zohar explains, "If a person smiles Heaven smiles at him if he is sad...Heaven judges him with strictness.    A joyful person draw down joy from above.  Indeed, whatever one does down in this world evokes a similar response form above". Gate 1 Chapter 8 pg 40

Those that believe they "found the secret" to getting rich quick are always in fear.  They are paranoid about being attacked and having their secret revealed.  Those that know "the secret" lies in trusting H'shem in all aspects of life not only have peace of mind, they are also  " Revered by.. the most respected of men; even the animals and stones seek to do his will".  pg 357 Nefesh Hachaim At every moment man has a choice to empower or destroy.  Even if he sinned and destroyed, through Teshuva "he has the power to rectify his lapses and repair the ruins he caused, because his soul is the core of all the spiritual worlds forces." Gate 1 chapter 8 pg 40

If the alchemist would stock up on his gold and silver he will have no peace.  He would be in constant fear someone would steal it or find out his secret.   If he you only keeps a little at a time he is still in fear that he may indeed not be able to produce more.  He who trust only in H'shem, is always at peace.  He knows that H'shem can provide for him in any place at any time and under any conditions according to His will and what He knows is best. pg 355 Nefesh Hachaim How can we understand man being the "soul" of the higher wolds.  Just as man's limbs are connected and directed by his soul so too is the destiny of the spiritual worlds determined by mans actions.  "There continuance or destruction- determined by the actions of man (in observing or transgressing the Mitzvot )" Gate 1 Chapter 7 pg 39

The one who found the "key to fortune"  would never share his secret with anyone out of fear that they would steal his secret.  The one who trusts in H'shem "has no fear of man". He openly shares his understanding and knowledge of H'shem to all. pg355 Nefesh Hachaim Man's physical makeup represents the "spiritual light and sublime places of the spiritual powers and mystical worlds  called " shiur koma ".   The Zohar explains, when a man does a Mitzvah he causes a spiritual reaction corresponding to the limb used to do the Mitzvah , in the higher worlds.  This action either raises it's destiny or increases it's Kedusha   Depending on the intention of the person and how pure his thoughts were while performing the Mitzvah , to that extent Kedusha will then be sent back down to that particular  limb.  Perfect Mitzvas with the purest of intentions effects the higher worlds in an unbelievable way, and "H'shem's g...

The "dream job" will always come at a price.  One may have to  risk his health, or even his life.  He who puts his trust in H'shem  " is safe from harm, and can rest assured that no evil will befall him."  Whatever H'shem has chosen for him, he is happy with. "He obtains his livelihood with peace of mind calm and tranquility" pg 353/355 Nefesh Hachaim The Zohar and the Arizal explain mans ability to impact the higher worlds that which there are ten of. Each lower world in the chain is considered the "body" of the higher world above it considered it's "soul".  That world then becomes the body of the world above it until we  reach H'shem Yitbarach the soul of all the "worlds"  Although our body's were created last in the lowest of worlds our soul "The breath of GD"s mouth" had been rooted in the highest of worlds. This explains how man "governs" all the higher worlds with his c...

The "Dream Job"  refereed to by Rabbenu Bachya as the" alchemist", is dependent on material needs.  These needs are not always available.  On the other hand one who trusts in H'shem does not need anything. H'shem can provide for him a Parnasa anywhere, anytime, and under any conditions. One who trusts in H'shem has nothing to fear. pg353 Nefesh Hachaim When H'shem created the first "man"  he was a "lifeless mass of dust" Only after H'shem breathed a "living soul" into him  he became a living being, "with the power to move and to speak"   His soul is the soul of the world  "Just as all actions and movements of the body are made possible by the soul within it, so is man the soul and driving force of the countless higher and lower worlds, so that the (destiny of) all the worlds is determined by his ( actions.) Gate 1 chapter 5 pg 37

When a person turns his heart and mind towards trusting in H'shem, and only in Him tranquility will envelope him.   He will be able to free himself of the fears and worries that those who don't trust in H'shem are busy trying to control. This tranquility,  Rabbenu Bachy teaches us, will  come along with the ability to surpass those who can turn metal into precious metals, what one would refer to as the " Dream Job" pg353 Nefesh Hachaim "One's body is a small-scale counterpart of all the forces and worlds in existence, that are concentrated in the heavenly Beis Hamikdash.  The heart being the Kodesh Kedoshim, the source of all Kedusha.  The Zohar explains that the heart is the source of strength in the center of his body,  "The limbs depend on the heart, and it directs all the other parts of his body. When an indecent thought enters his mind or he does an Avera stemming from anger or lust he is bringing an alien fire into his heart.  ...

One who truly trusts in GD will not put his trust in another. He will not show undo praise  or feel indebted to them to win their approval. He will stand up for what is righteous in GD's eyes and will not fear standing up to those who appose him. pg353 Nefesh Hachaim Man should never doubt his worth or significance in the world.  Nothing he does is irrelevant, to the contrary.  Ones action on this world "carry great weight" Good actions cause " repercussion in the loftiest of heights and affects the brilliance of the spiritual lights above"  Wrong actions "cause devastation in the higher worlds that is far greater than the destruction of the Beis Hamikdosh.  How so?  Nevuchadnetzar and Titus only destroyed the physical Beis Hamikdosh on earth.  The lofty souls with their rebellion against H'shem had already caused the destruction of the Beis Hamikdosh in Heaven.  The higher the soul the more significant and greater  impact he has to el...

If someone relies on their money, wealth, investments "it will be taken from him" and given over to someone else.  Or H'shem may let him hold on to it but he will not have the ability to enjoy it.  It may be given  as a deposit to him, until someone worthy of it will receive it. Even worse he may hold on to it, and enjoy it but it will be his downfall. It will be used as a distraction, if you will, that will lead him to never  recognize or call out to H'shem. pg351 Nefesh Hachaim  When GD created man He did so embodying him with "the ability to control countless forces and worlds.  With his good deeds, words and thoughts, man sustains and gives energy to countless forces and holy celestial worlds increasing their holiness and light... With wrongful deeds thoughts and actions he  causes incalculable destruction in the higher worlds darkening and diminishing the radiance and holiness reinforcing the source of spiritual impurity."  This is the...

To trust in anything other then GD, Rabbenu Bachya teaches,is counterproductive.  If one puts his trust in, and relies on his: power, money, job, talent, connections, intelligence "he will labor in vain." and in the end they will prove to be "too inadequate" to help him. pg 349/351 Nefesh Hachaim  The name Elokim describes  H'shem's attribute of being "the ALL-Powerful , Master of all that exists, constantly infusing the forces of nature with the power to function."  Meaning nothing in nature has it's own force or power.  It is being constantly infused with the power to exist something that H'shem can change at any time.  Ever since the creation of the universe GD continuously bestows light upon the universe and by this virtue it continues to exist.  Were GD to to stop the flow at any moment the  "universe would revert to nothingness." chapter 2 pg 30

In religious life the benefit of Bitachon will be tranquility of the soul  such as a servant  would relies on his master.  Rabbenu Bachya puts if very clearly,  If a person in not putting his trust in H'sashem for example  worrying, arranging, controlling, he is putting his trust in something other then.  Such as his abilities, connection, resources.  If he does this Rabbenu Bachya warns him, H'shem  will take away  his divine providence and  leave  him in the hands of what he trusts. pg 349 Nefesh Hachayim In Parshat Bereishis 1:27 we learn that man was made in "GD's image"  Rav Volozhin explains that we  have no understanding what this means since GD has no image and the verse should not be taken literally.  We likewise have no knowledge of  what Chazal were referring to when they described "Demus" and "Tzelem" as they are similar to each other but we can not understand their intention. Gate 1 chapte...