Can you please tell me as much as you can about the Tanya?

Question

I know it may be a long-shot that anyone on-line will know, but I've had some unexplained experiences and this word came-up and I am more than interested but it is difficult to research. Feel free to e-mail me to escape cynicism and any other reason you may not want to share in this forum. I have started listening to some broadcasts though I do not speak the language. I am a Gentile so elementary explanation is necessary. Thank you!

Answer 1

It is a Jewish work of elementry mystical philosophy which was written around 1797 by the Alter Rebbe (Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi). Basically his philosophy is that the world is divided into the Tzadikim (those who live righteously and are never even tempted to sin), the Benoni (those who are tempted to sin, but avoid actually commiting the sin), and the Rasha (sinners). Of course some of the Rasha actually appear fairly righteous in the eyes of the world. The emphasis of Tanya is to get the Rasha to turn from sin, repent, and to attempt to live as Benoni.

You can read the 5 volume Lessons In Tanya which gives you the Hebrew, the English translation and modern commentary by the last Lubuvitcher Rebbe here:
http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=6237

Answer 2

don't have a clue what you are talking about, Tanya is a noun, a name