The Tzadik Is Like A Tree

 https://ravberland.com/the-tzadik-is-like-a-tree-there-must-always-be-controversy-around-him/

Rebbe Nachman said: “All of the great Tzadikim reached their specific exalted level but remained there, I however, thank G-d every minute I become a new person”. He then gave a reason why people are against him, “For the tzadik is comparable to a tree (as in the verse “A tzadik blossoms like a palm tree), and every tzadik before he reaches his level there must be some kind of controversy surrounding him; people who are against him. For our sages say (Sanhedrin 7) controversy is comparable to water, and water is what is needed to make the tree grow. So each tzadik needed some kind of controversy in order to reach their level. I, however, need that there be controversy surrounding me always, and people always against me, because every time I need to grow higher and higher and cannot remain on the same level. For if I would know that I am standing now on the same level that I did an hour ago, I would feel as if there is no reason for me to be in this world.”