Introduction to the Book of Zohar (PDF) - Kabbalah Media Archive
Introduction to the Book of Zohar (PDF) - Kabbalah Media Archive
Introduction to the Book of Zohar (PDF) - Kabbalah Media Archive
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I N T RO D U C T I O N T O T H E B O O K O F Z O H A R<br />
This way we acquire our first Partzuf NaRaNHaY de Nefesh. As soon<br />
as we complete it, its uppermost point will be <strong>the</strong> root <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> next Partzuf<br />
Ruach. We will <strong>the</strong>n begin building Nefesh, Ruach, Neshama, Haya, and<br />
Yechida <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Partzuf Ruach. Once we have finished it, <strong>the</strong> beginning <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> next Partzuf will be in <strong>the</strong> point <strong>of</strong> Yechida: Nefesh, Ruach, Neshama,<br />
Haya, and Yechida <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Partzuf Neshama. When we are done with it, we<br />
will begin working on Nefesh, Ruach, Neshama, Haya, and Yechida <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Partzuf Haya, etc.<br />
This “ladder” originates in <strong>the</strong> descent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> worlds. During this<br />
process <strong>the</strong> upper world brought forth <strong>the</strong> next one below, <strong>the</strong>refore <strong>the</strong><br />
lowest point <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> upper Partzuf<br />
is connected with <strong>the</strong> uppermost point<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lower Partzuf. Man can say that he passes from one level <strong>to</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
when he reaches <strong>the</strong> highest point <strong>of</strong> a given Partzuf. An aspiration for<br />
<strong>the</strong> next level au<strong>to</strong>matically awakens in that Partzuf and prerequisites <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> next level’s Kli appear. Thus, man keeps ascending.<br />
Yet <strong>the</strong> work we do in order <strong>to</strong> advance, i.e., <strong>the</strong> screens, <strong>the</strong> depth<br />
<strong>of</strong> self-knowledge, <strong>the</strong> attainment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> surrounding world and <strong>the</strong> contact<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Crea<strong>to</strong>r, is <strong>to</strong>tally different each time. This resembles a<br />
newborn baby that is still unable <strong>to</strong> hear, see, or understand anything. It<br />
gradually develops and begins <strong>to</strong> participate in <strong>the</strong> world’s doings: first<br />
through games and playthings, later through contact with playmates and<br />
finally through interaction with adults.<br />
An individual’s advancement along <strong>the</strong> levels occurs because <strong>of</strong> a<br />
diverse influence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> environment and <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> alternative<br />
senses, powers, and means. This is what happens in <strong>the</strong> spiritual<br />
world; hence, we observe <strong>the</strong> same in our world as well. What are <strong>the</strong><br />
nuances <strong>of</strong> man’s work on <strong>the</strong>se levels? I seem <strong>to</strong> be surrounded by <strong>the</strong><br />
same world, and my inner essence remains unchanged. I just interact<br />
with myself and with <strong>the</strong> surrounding world at different depths in order<br />
<strong>to</strong> compare myself with <strong>the</strong> Crea<strong>to</strong>r. More and more, I deeply penetrate<br />
my inner world and that which surrounds me, so that <strong>the</strong>y begin <strong>to</strong> form<br />
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