"The path of the righteous is like the light of the dawn"

Is it true that the great Righteous are always smiling?

Rabbi Nachman said: “You do not need to learn from the revealed aspects that you see in me.
From what you see of me on the surface, you might get the impression that I am generally depressed. You don't have to imitate this. Just be cheerful all the time. Do you do everything I do? Besides, the truth is that I am cheerful. If I don't appear to be, it is because I am constantly working to open a path in places that were previously deserted and desolate. I must cut down all the obstacles that impede the way. There are gigantic trees that have been growing there for thousands of years, and they must be cut down. I must go back and forth, again and again, cutting and cutting, to prepare a public way for everyone to walk on.” It was because of all this work that the Rebbe seemed generally distressed. On that same occasion, the Rebbe said that Rabbi Shimon had also been engaged in the task of clearing a path.

Likewise, we hear that due to the well-known fact that Rebbe Nachman's family was descended from the house of King David, they tended to live with a broken heart and it was not common for them to walk around with a smiling face. King David composed the Book of Psalms, many of which contain the passionate expressions of a broken heart, cries, supplications, and requests. This is why his descendants generally walk around with a broken heart. The Rebbe's uncle, Rabbi Baruch, also rarely smiled and was not usually seen in a joyful mood. Most of the time, he too walked around with a broken heart. However, as for us, the Rebbe's instructions were that we should always be joyful.
(Excerpts from Tzadik, R. Nachman)

Thank you, Rabbi Nachman, for the great path you have paved for us!
And although it's not easy, with His teachings we can achieve it! Sometimes it seems like we're sad, but the truth is, deep down, our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy!

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