25th Sivan
1. The Infinite Divine Source of Life
- G-d’s creative energy originates from the “breath of His mouth,” expressed through the ten utterances of the Torah. Without limitation, this energy could create infinite worlds, both in quantity and quality.
2. Infinite Potential Versus Finite Creation
- G-d’s inherent infinity means that, without contraction, the physical, finite world could not exist.
- All created beings are limited, and their existence depends on the careful constriction of divine energy.
3. The Role of Divine Contraction
- To allow for finite creation, G-d contracts this infinite energy, channeling it through the combinations and permutations of the letters of the ten utterances.
- Each substitution or transformation of letters represents a stepwise reduction in divine energy to enable the existence of lower forms.
4. Numerical Values and Diminution
- At each stage, the energy diminishes further, sometimes represented by the numerical value of the letter combinations, until it reaches a level suitable for the most basic physical matter.
5. Creation of Even the Lowest Forms
- Even inanimate objects like stones contain this highly condensed life-force. For example, the Hebrew word for stone (אבן) refers to its spiritual source, which has been so contracted that it can create and sustain a physical stone.
6. Levels of Divine Immanence
- The divine life-force that “fills all worlds” is that which is contracted to suit the capacity of each being, compared to “encompassing all worlds,” which remains unlimited and beyond.
7. Enduring Power and Quality
- After all these contractions, each level of divine power can create beings appropriate to its own measure, demonstrating the vast range from infinite potential down to concrete, physical existence.
Leave A Comment?
You must be logged in to post a comment.