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

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
any other small animal, such as a dog or a kitten, our impression about
it, about its nature, is completely different.
How can we objectively see ourselves as though we are looking from
outside? What does it mean to see from the outside? Starting from where
can we imagine ourselves? The question about our essence consists of
many conditions.
Second question:
What is our part in the long chain of reality, of which we are but
small links?
We can see that we have gone through some states. This world has
gone through some states with or without our involvement. Alternatively,
perhaps it exists by itself; or we somehow exist in it. Nevertheless, we
see everything from the perspective of historic consequence, the cause
and effect chain of reality.
Do we play any role? This chain exists for a reason, and so do we.
Do we exist parallel to the chain or inside of it? Do we determine the
development of this chain and its consequences? Can we influence reality
or do anything about it? What is our role? The answer to these questions
includes knowledge of all potential development, cause and effect,
beginning and end, all the processes, all the intermediate levels, and
knowledge about our potential impact in this process.
Third question:
When we look at ourselves, we feel that we are so spoiled and low
that no one is more despicable than we are.
Baal HaSulam addresses here the particular inner attainment in
which we can actually perceive ourselves. We can feel our insignificance
and meanness with the help of the descending Surrounding Light, the
Ohr Makif, in direct proportion with the descending Upper Light. If we
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