Daily Tanya Shabbos 18th Sivan Shaar Hayichud Viemuna Chapter 6 Part 3: The Distinction Between Body and Soul and Creation

 18^th Sivan

1.      The Illusion of Independent Existence

• Creation appears as if it exists independently due to the concealment of the Divine light through the attribute of Elokim. However, this concealment does not truly affect G-d, as He and His Name Elokim are essentially one. All creation is utterly nullified in relation to G-d, comparable to how sunlight is nullified within the sun.

2.      The Distinction Between Body and Soul and Creation

• While the soul provides life to the body and makes it secondary, the relationship between G-d and creation is fundamentally different. A body’s source is distinct from the soul—originating from parental seed and sustained by nourishment. In contrast, all existence is created ex nihilo solely through G-d’s word and remains continuously renewed at every moment by the Divine energy.

3.      The Continuous Creative Force of G-d

• The essence of heaven and earth was brought into existence solely through the “word of G-d” and the “breath of His mouth.” This force continues to sustain creation, constantly renewing it in a manner akin to light emanating from the sun within its globe. Despite appearing independent, created beings are completely nullified in relation to this Divine force.

4.      The Concealment of the Divine

• G-d employs the attribute of gevurah (strength) and tzimtzum (contraction) to hide and restrain the life-force that sustains creation. This concealment causes heaven, earth, and their hosts to appear as independently existing entities, though they are wholly dependent on the continuous flow of Divine energy.

5.      The Unified Nature of G-d’s Attributes

• The concealment affected by gevurah is solely for the perception of lower worlds. In reality, all creation is considered as nothing before G-d, much like sunlight in its source. Moreover, gevurah does not independently conceal for G-d; rather, it is unified with the Divine essence, showing that Havayah is Elokim.