Introduction to The Study of the Ten Sefirot

Baal HaSulam worked on this book his whole life so we'll delve into this special text together today.

First of all welcome to all our new friends who've joined us. We're starting a very unique study today. For years every time we went through some spiritual situation Rav would say maybe we'll read the Introduction to The Study of the Ten Sefirot - which is preparation for approaching learning the wisdom of Kabbalah in general. It took a while for us to reach that stage because he wasn't sure we were ready.

At first we were debating between us if we're even ready to teach this article yet, because it's a very deep source. There are things even we don't grasp yet that are far beyond our understanding. But at the same time we need to get into it. We need to delve into the foundations of the study. Baal HaSulam invested so much energy in this and embedded so many spiritual forces in this source.

The source is what anchors us to the path. So whether or not we understand is not the main issue. The main thing is wanting to deal with these things.

Clip: The Importance of the Preface to Talmud Eser Sefirot

Talmud Eser Sefirot (Study of the Ten Sefirot) is the life’s work of Baal HaSulam. It is his primary text, and indeed the central text within the wisdom of Kabbalah. Through this specific work, we are able to draw down the "Light that reforms"—the source of all our spiritual strength. While one can derive direction from the various other essays, letters, and materials written by Baal HaSulam and Rabash, the actual power can be attained only through—and during—the study of Talmud Eser Sefirot. Consequently, the "Introduction to Talmud Eser Sefirot" is of immense importance; it should be viewed as the foundation upon which all other essays rest, and around which the entire wisdom of Kabbalah is structured.

In this introduction—which is based on the introduction by R. Chaim Vital to the Sefer HaHakdamot (Book of Introductions) by the Ari—Baal HaSulam presents the entire approach, the full understanding, and the complete path a person requires to realize their purpose in this life. Much like a tree upon which various items can be hung, this introduction serves as a central axis to which one can relate all manner of letters, essays, and the entire body of material found within the wisdom of Kabbalah. It is so comprehensive that it touches upon absolutely everything. Michael Laitman

Rav gives us even more importance in the following clip - we need to develop another kind of approach here. In one of the lessons Rav said Baal HaSulam explains what kind of conditions we need to accept on our heart. The learning itself will bring us the advancement - the light that reforms. This is actually like a bible for the correct study of the wisdom of Kabbalah - for attracting the light. It's all about how to learn correctly to reveal the Creator. Regardless of who the student is - he goes up against all the resistance to this study. But he paves a path for us to attain what he did.

Clip: How to Study and Internalize the Introduction to the Study of the Ten Sefirot

In my humble opinion, this is the most important of all the introductions written by Baal HaSulam. This introduction is drawn, in part, from the Book of Introductions of the Ari—compiled by his disciple, Rabbi Chaim Vital (Ramchav)—and it encompasses the entire path we must traverse to reach our goal. While there is certainly a wealth of material beyond this introduction, other texts do not clarify the path—the journey of progression and personal transformation—in such a gradual, consistent, and goal-oriented manner.

The Introduction to the Book of Zohar presents a broad perspective on reality, discussing the various spiritual levels and the transformations an individual undergoes. In contrast, the various essays and letters by Baal HaSulam focus on specific aspects—addressing our personal development, as well as history from both a general and a more particular viewpoint. This introduction, from the outset, follows a very focused trajectory: it traces how an individual—beginning with the question, "What is the purpose of my life?"—arrives at their ultimate self-realization. It navigates the various challenges and clarifications encountered along the way, including the specific inquiries that different types of people must address.

Consequently, it is profound and quite challenging for beginners; it often takes a long time—sometimes years—for a person to begin to digest it, comprehend it, and recognize themselves within it. Even for those of us who teach it to others, it is essential to recognize that this can only be done in small, incremental portions—tiny doses—allowing the individual to grow gradually until they are ready for more to be revealed.

One must also consider the author—a person who stood at the very threshold of... A new era—the final one—in which humanity must transition from an unconscious mode of development to a conscious one. It is a shift from a state where one cannot truly speak of a "human being"—but rather of an animal acting on instinct and governed from above by the forces of nature—to a state where something evolves from within this creature, leading it to become like God. Thus, an individual standing at the inception of this process has authored this introduction; we must strive to grasp his perspective and his outlook—to "clothe" ourselves in his mindset—which will, in turn, help us understand these words. Michael Laitman

Here is the first excerpt from this article -

1) At the outset of my words, I find a great need to break an iron wall that has been separating us from the wisdom of Kabbalah, since the ruin of the Temple to this generation. It lies heavily on us and arouses fear of being forgotten from Israel.

At the time of writing the wisdom of Kabbalah was completely disconnected from humanity. And this is why our egoism developed up till now with nothing to counter-balance it. So it's truly exceptional that we're all sitting here today from all over the world with over 1000 people connected to this lesson.

For a Kabbalist the most important thing is that many people will hear Him. So when the internet came into our lives Rav was very excited about all the new opportunities this opened up for the dissemination of the wisdom of Kabbalah in the world.