Tanya Title Page and Compiler's Foreword part 1. I know what you're thinking - A book like this should never be written!

The Alter Rebbe opens his seminal work, which comes to explain a verse from the Torah, “for this matter is very near to you, in your mouth, and in your heart, to do it.” The method of the book is “the long but short way,” and it is meant to take the place of a private audience with the Rebbe. Naturally, we resist this substitute for personal guidance! The Alter Rebbe speaks to us and tells us that he is fully aware of our resistance and deeply held reservations. Spiritual guidance must be personal, from teacher to student. How can a book accomplish this? There are so many inherent limitations to receiving spiritual guidance from a book. Firstly, what if you’re not in the right space to understand the message, either spiritually or intellectually?