Difficult it may seem to say these ten Psalms. Yet it is considered a very important effort for salvation. This place is known as HaKlali.
HaKlali is not just any prayer site. It is deeply connected to the Breslov Hasidim. It is associated with a set of ten Psalms known as Tikkun HaKlali. Tikkun HaKlali means The General Rectification. It is also known as The General Remedy.
These Psalms are not chosen at random. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov established them in 1805. He considered them to have special properties. These properties offer protection and repentance.
Rabbi Nachman himself said this about Tikkun Klali. “This is the General Remedy.” He added that reciting these ten Psalms may seem easy. He stressed that it will actually be very difficult in practice.
The ten Psalms of Tikkun HaKlali are said in a specific order. These are Psalms 16, 32, 41, 42, 59, 77, 90, 105, 137, and 150. Each Psalm represents a different expression of song. These expressions are praise found in the Book of Psalms.
Reciting Tikkun HaKlali is more than just reading words. It is a spiritual act with a specific structure. A paragraph expressing one’s desire starts each recital. This desire is to bind oneself to the tzadikim. These are the righteous of all generations. Special emphasis is placed on Rebbe Nachman. Verses are also recited before saying any of the Psalms. Reb Noson composed a prayer that follows the recital of the ten Psalms. This prayer asks God for forgiveness from sin.
Rebbe Nachman revealed the existence of a rectification for involuntary nocturnal emissions in 1805. He stated that any ten Psalms would serve as a rectification then. This is because they correspond to the ten expressions of song and praise. These ten types of song are Ashrei. They are Beracha Maskil Nitzuach Shir Niggun Mizmor Tefilla Hoda’ah and Halleluyah. Rebbe Nachman explained how some expressions oppose the forces of evil. Therefore they have the power to extract the wasted seed from the realm of unholiness.
Rebbe Nachman gave his main teaching on Tikkun HaKlali on Shavuot 5566. This corresponds to May 23 1806. He did not reveal the specific ten Psalms of the Tikkun HaKlali until April 1810.
Rebbe Nachman revealed the specific ten Psalms to two of his closest disciples. These were Rabbi Aharon of Breslov and Rabbi Naftali of Nemirov. He made them witnesses for an unprecedented vow. He said that he would still intercede for anyone after his days. He would intercede for anyone who comes to his grave. They must say these ten Psalms and give a penny to charity. No matter how great his sins are he will cleanse and protect him.
In the accompanying lesson Rebbe Nachman asserted that the ten Psalms are important. A person must recite them on the same day as he has an impure experience. He said that those worthy of saying them on the same day need have no more fear. They need not fear the terrible blemish caused by an impure emission. This is because it has been corrected by this remedy.
For this reason, many Breslover Hasidim recite the Tikkun HaKlali every day. Women also recite it as a general rectification for sin. Its recital is a cornerstone of any visit to the Rebbe’s grave as per his promise.
So stand here at HaKlali. Consider the power of these ancient words. Reflect on their ability to heal and protect. Think about Rabbi Nachman’s promise. Then perhaps recite these ten Psalms yourself.