Quotes from the Baal Shem Tov on Parshas Naosi

Teshuva

The Ari Zal and the Baal Shem Tov teach that when a person sins they add energy into the evil forces (kelipah) when they repent, they immediately withdraw this energy – the subsequent act of resolve, as well confession (vidui) and any other penitence is in  a sense of the extras.

Attachment

Eaah Mitzvah contains all – hence when one focuses on unity with God who is one, in this attachment is everything.

Honor

Once the Baal Shem Tov came to a city and they gave him great honor; said he to them “it states that when one receives honor on high, his deeds are examined to see if to such a reward he is worthy” – hence it would seem that those who bestow honor are in fact a liability (to the individual) but in point of fact, a wise heart knowing the phenomena, immediately does Teshuva, hence in point of fact, to them (who bestow the honor) he is indebted.

Soul Doctor

One who is need of rectification should go to a spirtual Doctor, the great rabbis, who will offer spiritual remedies – now we find by the Sotah that they mixed in from the dirt of the Beis Hamikdosh for when one offers advice – it may be that through arrogance he messes it up, hence the lesson, he must add (humility) .

Blessing Protection

Our sages teach, God found not a better container for blessing than peace – the Baal Shem Tov gives an example – if a person is wealthy but leaves his doors and windows open, so in no time all his valuables will be stolen – so even if God gives a blessing, the main thing is to have peace.