But concerning the rank of the “complete tzaddik,” Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s statement applies: “I have seen superior men (“bnei aliyah”) and they are but few.” The reason that [the complete tzaddikim] are called bnei aliyah (literally “men of ascent”) is that they convert evil and make it ascend to holiness. It is similarly written in the introduction to the Zohar that when Rabbi Chiya wished to ascend to the heichal (heavenly shrine) of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, he heard a voice come out and say: “Whichever of you, before coming here, have converted [the darkness of the world} to light (holiness) and [have transformed] the bitter taste [of their animal soul and evil inclination] to sweetness (holiness) …. [only these may enter].”

– Tanya, Chapter 10

For man was so created from birth, that every person may, with the power of the will in his brain — i.e., the will created of his mind’s understanding — restrain himself and control the drive of his heart’s lust, preventing his heart’s desires from finding expression in deed, word and thought, when the mind understands the evil inherent in such deed, word or thought, and [he can, if his mind will it] divert his attention completely from that which his heart craves [and turn his attention] to the exactly opposite direction.

– Tanya, Chapter 12

I scrutinized the crowd

for any signs of malice.

While they snaked their way up

toward the splendor of the palace.

An assorted lot indeed

press against the gate,

none too eager to heed

my calls to have them wait.

A great clamor, a great bustle

amidst shoves here and there;

for only a select few

will gain entrance to the lair.

Only a select few

possessed of dignity and honor

pass through the corridors

of the thoughts I garner.

For I am the royal gatekeeper

loyal to the King –

and not every stray thought

has the stamp of the royal ring.