Azamrah

One of the central teachings of Rabbi Nachman is called "azamrah" (I will sing) and is based on a verse in Psalms "I will sing to G-d B'odi" B'odi is generally translated as "while I live", but literally means "with my still remaining". Rabbi Nachman explains that everyone has good, but it is usually covered in layer upon layer of mud and filth. But, deep down, there is a spark of ultimate good in everything. We may look at another person and see corruption and evil. But is it possible he has never done any good? But then we look at the good, and, it too is covered with layers of insincerity and ulterior motives. But dig deeper, and we will see that there was a level of pure sincerity within all of that. Rabbi Nachman connects this to music. When playing a violin, there is the capability of many musical notes. But, at any particular point in playing a piece of music, only one note is "right", and all the others "wrong". A moment later, the right and wrong are changed! So, when looking at another, we need to see the "still remaining" good under the dross, and relate to that. As we do, the person will change. This is effected both on a spiritual level, bit also a psychological level. A person treated as "good" will become "good". Points of good will rise from the depression, and thus melody is born. Rabbi Nachman relates a joyous melody to "the good spirit rising out of the depressed spirit". But that's the easy part! We need then to turn the gaze inward. Most people get up in the morning and think "oh no, another day" or feel really badly about themselves. But we must look inside at the good we are, and the good we have done. Even if it's very little, and the little is covered with dross, there is still some "remaining" ultimate good. it rises to the surface, then another good point, then another, until we are ready to sing to G-d in prayer, and in all aspects of life. Once we get over this hump, the good within us can dominate, until we are completely righteous. The place of the spiritual leader, the "prayer leader", is to be like a conductor, bringing out the right "notes" in each person, and presenting G-d with a magnificent "concert".