Introduction to the Book of Zohar (PDF) - Kabbalah Media Archive

PREFACE TO
THE BOOK OF ZOHAR
1. The depth of wisdom and learning contained in the Holy Book of
Zohar is concealed behind a thousand locked gates.
Why is it “concealed behind a thousand locked gates”? In actual
fact, no one conceals anything; everything exists within the framework of
the natural laws of the creation. Unlike in this world, there is no key that
can unlock the gates to enter where one may or may not be. The spiritual
world is completely open; a person just advances from one spiritual level
to another, and leaves one realm to enter the next in accordance with the
way he changes his own properties.
In our world an object can be moved from one place to another by
way of mechanical displacement, whereas in the spiritual world we need
to make an inner motion in order to pass from one part of the world to
another. This is what they call a locked gate; as long as the person is confined
to one part, the next one remains concealed, “locked” from him.
What can be done to open it? Transform yourself in accordance
with the part you wish to enter, and then you will get inside. It is pretty
simple. Everything exists within man. By inwardly using his potential
abilities, anyone can easily move in spiritual space, from his present state
to the state of perfect infinity and merging with the Creator.
All wisdom consists in the method of advancing in spiritual space.
Hence it is said that the depth of wisdom is “concealed behind a thousand
locked gates”. It is not concealed behind any kind of external gate.
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