Sefer Etz Chaim and Tanya

Both texts discuss the refinement (birur) of the evil inclination (yetzer hara) and its transformation to good through the removal of worldly pleasures (taanugei olam hazeh). Text 1 emphasizes the practical process: yetzer hara must be rectified through specific action (avoiding transgression, performing mitzvot) and can become an 'oz'er' (helper/angel). Text 2 emphasizes the metaphysical mechanism: the "filthy garments" (begadim tzo'im) of worldly pleasures must be removed, after which evil becomes absolutely good (tov gamur) like the yetzer tov itself. Text 1 focuses on conditional behavioral rectification; Text 2 focuses on the essential purification that transforms the yetzer's fundamental nature. Both accept birur of yetzer hara is possible, but differ in emphasis between behavioral conditions versus ontological transformation.