How to attach to a Tzaddik?

How to attach to the Talmid Chacham/Rebbe/Sage/:[1]
The Sages[2] commanded and said that one is to attach to the dust of their feet and drink their words with thirst. [Women are also commanded to listen to the words of the Sages in order so they learn knowledge of G-d.[3]] Aside for this, one is to join them into all one’s activities and perform all forms of attachment. Therefore every man is to try to marry the daughter of a Talmid Chacham, and to marry off his daughter to a Talmid Chacham, and to eat and drink with Talmidei Chachamim. One is to also do business with Talmidei Chachamim. This fulfills the command of “And to Him you shall attach”. [True attachment to the Sage is accomplished by learning his Torah and following his directives.[4] One also attaches to the Tzaddik through arousing feelings of love towards him[5], similar to the love one has for a parent. This love serves as the string of attachment between oneself and his Rebbe and the Rebbe with oneself.[6]]
Eating with a Torah sage:[7] Whoever benefits from a meal in which a Torah Sage is involved in is considered to benefit from a ray of the Shechina.

Summary:

• Study their teachings.
• Follow their directives.
• Join them into all your activities.
• Try to marry the daughter of a Talmid Chacham, and to marry off his daughter to a Talmid Chacham.
• Eat and drink with Talmidei Chachamim.
• Do business with Talmidei Chachamim.
• Arouse feelings of love towards the Tzaddik/Sage similar to the love one has for a parent.

Setting times to arouse love for the Rebbe:[8]
True Hiskashrus/connection is accomplished through learning the Mamarim and Kuntreisim, participating in Chassidic gatherings, and arousing love [for the Rebbe]. It is the custom of Chassidim that are connected [to the Rebbe], in each generation, to set designated times to arouse feelings of love for their master and teacher. Some would set a designated time of one hour per day, others one time a week or every two weeks, or once a month. They would arouse a real and true love in their heart similar to the physical love one has for his wife and children.

Wearing the same clothing as the Rebbe:
A noted Rabbi had come to the Rebbe for yechidus before his eldest daughter was to be married. “Forgive me for mixing into your personal life,” the Rebbe told him at the conclusion of their meeting, “but I have a request of you. Let your beard grow. It’s appropriate for a man of your position. “And,” the Rebbe added with a smile, “it’s appropriate for the new phase that will begin in your personal life. After all, soon you’re going to become a zeide (a grandfather), and you should look like a zeide!” The Rabbi happily agreed to the Rebbe’s request, and asked: “Perhaps I should also change my style of hat (the Rabbi would wear a round hat) to that worn by the Rebbe?” “No,” the Rebbe replied with a wave of his hand, “that’s a superficial matter. I have followers who think that by putting on the same hat I do, and having it dented exactly as I do, they’ll establish a connection with me. That isn’t the way. “The way to establish a connection is to invest energy in the same areas in which I invest my energy.” (From: To Know and to Care – Vol. 2)

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[1] Admur 156/4;; Rambam Deios 6/2; Kesubos ibid

[2] Mishneh Avos 1/4

[3] Chinuch ibid

[4] Hayom Yom 9^th Adar Sheiyni; 24^th Sivan

[5] Chinuch ibid “One transgresses this command if he does not set love for them in his heart.”

[6] Hayom Yom 26^th Shevat

[7] Admur ibid; Brachos 64a

[8] Igros Kodesh Admur Rayatz letter 1805 p. 353