Structure of the Upper Worlds

We're learning from Baal HaSulam's Preface to the Wisdom of Kabbalah.

In every lesson, we introduce a few fundamental concepts, explaining and interpreting them step by step.

Today, we will learn how the Masach (screen) becomes refined as it ascends from the Tabur to the Rosh.

So far, we have studied the Thought of Creation and its development through the Four Phases of Direct Light (Dalet Behinot de Ohr Yashar) until the final phase, Malchut.

We learned how Malchut undergoes the restriction (Tzimtzum), and how a new vessel (Kli) is formed through the Masach and the Returning Light (Ohr Hozer).

The Masach has two essential properties: hardness (Kashiyut) and coarseness (Aviyut). We also learned about the five types of Zivug de Hakaa (coupling by striking), which generate in every Partzuf ten Sefirot in the Rosh (head), ten in the Toch (interior), and ten in the Sof (end).

We then studied how, after the first Partzuf, four additional Partzufim emerge, making a total of five Partzufim that together form the world of Adam Kadmon. We explained the concepts of the Surrounding Light (Ohr Makif) and the Thin Line (Kav Dak), and how, after the Inner Light (Ohr Pnimi) enters the Partzuf, a collision (Bitush) occurs between the Inner Light and the Surrounding Light. As a result, the Masach becomes refined and ascends from the Tabur to the Rosh.

Today, we'll examine the difference between the first, upper Partzuf and the one that follows it - the lower Partzuf.

Question: Do we need to think more technically in this type of study?

There is nothing technical here. Emotional, spiritual actions are being explained to us here. About the creature who is trying to become similar to the Creator. Even if I don't understand anything in all these sketches, but want to get closer in my attributes to the Upper Light - then this study brings me strength that changes my inner inclinations. If the Kabbalists hadn't explained to us how spiritual Parzufim work, we would have no connection with the more advanced situations that we need to strive for. We'd be disconnected and that's it. So they explain these processes at the foundation of creation, our upper roots. To project forces on us that can reform us to our ideal state. Change our inclinations.

It doesn't happen through understanding. It happens through your desire to develop spiritually. So don't be despaired if you don't understand anything we're explaining in the sketches. We have no mitzva in understanding. Our mitzva is in yearning to change and become similar to the light, through a force that lies here. In these descriptions of the upper worlds. This is why we study. So what is written in Letter 155 in the Preface to the Wisdom of Kabbalah - "Out of the strong desire and will to understand what they are learning, the lights that surround their souls are awakened within them." Understanding means to be there. To change like over there. This is what brings the light that purifies you from within. And apart from that there is nothing in the world that can help with that. All the work in the ten, all the work in dissemination, everything we do is simply for us to have a great desire to be similar to the upper light. And then this study brings the light that reforms us.

You can watch the full lesson here.