Each of the three schools of thought has its specific axis, the pivot around
which it revolves. These are described in Chasidus respectively as force,
light, and vitality.
The fundamental principle of Musar, its nucleus and pivotal premise,
is force-the decisive repudiation and abhorrence of the undesirable
physical attributes of matter, stressing the unreality of the material.
The foundation of Chakira is the illuminating light-extolling
intellectual activity, and recognizing the spiritual intellect alone as the
basis of everything.
The basis of Chasidus, its nucleus and pivot, is the vitality that
vivifies even the lowest material being. It demonstrates the ultimate reason for
the creation of gross matter, namely, that it be transformed into form. Chasidus
endows even gross matter with spiritual life.