H'shem behaves towards us as a father, who knows the correct way to be Michanech his child.  If the father would tell the child to "grin and bear it" this would break the child and he would be unable to withstand the pressure.  If the father as does H'shem tell us immediate reward and punishment for our actions while giving us understanding along the way we are able to succeed.  pg437 Nefesh Hachaim H'shem is the "soul of all souls" refers to H'shem being the lifeforce that sustains all creation, that without him there would be not possible way to exist Gate three, Chapter 2 pg 108

 The Torah did not hide our misdeeds and indiscretions over the generations.   H'shem treated us as a father would treat his young child, training him to follow in the right direction by giving him positive or negative stimuli along the way.   As such we were not on the level says Rabbenu Bachya for H'shem to reveal to us the reward that will come.  pg 437 Nefesh Hachaim H'shem is the force that holds up the world. " If God forbid He would remove His attention from creation for an instant the world would cease to exist.  Gate Three, Chapter 1 pg 108

 One of the numerous reasons the Torah does not explicitly explain what Olam Haba is, as well as the reward for Mitzvot says Rabbenu Bachya, is that the Torah was given over orally by tradition and not written down.  pg 437 Nefesh Hachaim Why is the Holy One Blessed Be He given the name Makom (Place)?  Because He is the Makom (Place) of the world, but the wold is not His place.  Gate 3 Chapter 2 pg 109

 H'shem related to Yehoshua, after the soul leaves the body it takes on the form of an angle. "If it was purified and radiant and its deeds were good in this world,...He would let him walk among those who stand here (Olam Haba):" pg 435/ 437 Nefesh Hachaim As profound as the teachings are of the Avos one must proceed cautiously as he would towards burning coals.  Their knowledge was so deep that one could get burnt if he would get too close.  Gate Three Chapter 1 pg 107/108

The Torah is very explicit when it comes to revealing the punishment for a crime, not so when it comes to rewarding for a Mitzvah.  There are many reasons for this both revealed and concealed.  Rabbenu Bachya will explain to us a few of these reasons:  We can not understand what the soul will feel and in what form in the World to Come, and so trying to explain the experience is futile.   Pg 435/ 437 Nefesh Hachayim At first glance, the teaching of the Avos seems simple and concise. At a closer look, the immense depth and teachings they hold are revealed.  Gate three, Chapter 1 pg 107

 "Sometimes a person can merit reward both in this world and in the next on account of one single deed" pg 435 Nefesh Hachaim It teaches us in Avos, when you pray be careful it does not become rote, or routine.  Every time you pray it should be a new experience begging for compassion and favor before H'shem Yitbarach. Gate Three, Chapter 1 pg 107

 Throughout our daily lives, we interact with many people. The correct way to rely on someone is to treat them as a messenger sent by H'shem and the outcome will depend on Him.  In the same vein, we make an effort to bring in a Parnassa, yet are fully aware H'shem decides the success or failure Chas Vishalom, of our endeavors.  Pg 423      Nefesh Hachaim The righteous would prepare themselves for an hour before Tefillah, to connect themselves to our Father in Heaven and the Shoresh Neshama, the root of all Jewish Neshamot in Shmayim.  They would achieve such high levels while praying, their ability to control their limbs would escape them so the Tefillah for H'shem to "open our lips and pray to Him" was instituted at the beginning of the Amida. Gate Two, Chapter 18 pg103

 If one has been successful in accomplishing a good deed in the world or for another, he should look at it as a gift from H'shem and take no credit or pride.  If he does seek honor, praise, and reward for being the Shaliach of good, it will spoil the purity within him, he will lose his reward and ruin the deed.   pg 435                                         Nefesh Hachaim If one successfully attaches himself to the three levels of the tefillah and the corresponding levels of the Neshama, he has in essence connected himself to the Shoresh Neshama giving him the elevated feeling of being uplifted from the world and it's material restraints.   Gate Two, Chapter 18 pg 102

 One who keeps his "good deeds" hidden from others, his reward for them will be greater. He must always remember H'shem is the one who gives him the ability to accomplish all his endeavors.  pg 433/435                                                                   Nefesh Hachaim When praying if one tries to connect his Nefesh, Ruach, and Neshama to the letters, vowels, and trup, he will in essence be attempting to connect his soul to the Shoresh Neshama. Gate Two, Chapter 18 pg 102

 One's "sole aim" while doing good for others "should be to draw near to G-D, not to make a name for himself or win honor".  He should have no concern or interest in being rewarded by them, or feel he is greater than them in any way. As with all other endeavors in the world, after deciding to do good for another, he should trust that H'shem will help and guide him in accomplishing the task.  pg 433 Nefesh Hachaim We think with our Neshama, yet the root of where the thought comes from and the power to have thought comes from the Shoresh Hanishama, "the ultimate I".  This aspect is "completely concealed and unfathomable." Gate Two, Chapter 17 pg 102

 After choosing correctly,  the path of serving H'shem, one must beg H'shem to help him in his endeavors to serve him.  This can be done through prayer by asking that H'shem in his mercy,                 1. Keep his heart, mind, and eyes pure so as not to be swayed by worldly distractions.                             2. To enable his limbs to accomplish the actions his heart is set upon.                                                         pg 433 Nefesh Hachaim The Root of the Neshama, Shoresh, is no longer part of man yet hovers above him. Those that succeded in internalizing this aspect of the Neshama such as Chanoch and Eliyahu Hanavi were escorted up to heaven since this level of Kedusha is no longer supp...