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

P R E FAC E T O T H E B O O K O F Z O H A R
What other positive conclusion follows from this? Kabbalah pushes
us toward matter, i.e., toward physical sensation of the spiritual. It warns
us against engaging in abstract, imaginary actions, and at the same time
it instructs us to feel the spiritual forms which our own matter will assume.
That is, the screen’s different forms dressed on my desires should
create in me various spiritual images, and, without detaching one from
the other, I would exist in them. This will be called my spiritual world.
If I now abstract one from the other, I will imagine myself in the
spiritual worlds today. Most probably I will feel great while soaring in my
imagination, but it will be a pure fantasy. By compelling us to remain
connected with matter even though we may be studying a form, Kabbalah
urges us to dress our matter (will to receive) into the proper form
(will to bestow).
16. Now that we have thoroughly explained these four categories
– matter, form in matter, abstract form and essence…
The author stops short of discussing the essence here because there
is no point in talking about something imperceptible. We may abstractly
reason about the essence without knowing what it is, but in this case all
our reasoning turns into empty philosophy.
Now that we have thoroughly explained these four categories with
simple examples, it is clear that:
• In principle, we lack any possibility of grasping the fourth category,
which is essence;
• Studying the third category can lead to fallacy;
• Only the first kind of knowledge – matter, as well as the second
kind – form cast in matter, is there for our clear and sufficient attainment
of the Upper Providence.
If our matter, i.e., our initial egoism (will to receive) assumes the
form of bestowal (altruism), intention for the sake of the Creator, this
means that we enter into the Upper World’s existence.
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