(56) WHAT CONCEPT PRESENTED IN THE WISDOM OF THE KABBALAH, ARE NOT TO BE UNDERSTOOD IN THEIR LITERAL SENSE?

Not even a single world of this Wisdom can be apprehended by means of our senses or imagination. Such tangible concepts as place, time, motion, and the like, as well as the idea of annihilation or disappearance, are not true of spiritual entities, as these properties imply limitation and pertain only to that which is finite. For instance, by "change of phase" it is not meant that the original phase loses its prior identity; it remains in its place, utterly unchanged and the diversified phase which it acquires is only a supplemental one which envelopes the preceding one.

(57) WHAT IS THE NORMAL LANGUAGE OF THE KABBALAH?

Its language is the "language of branches", which points to the upper roots of the branches; since there is not even a blade or grass in our world which has not a root above, the Kabbalists found their mode of speech in this established and customary language which speaks of the branches, while teaching of the Upper Roots.

(58) WHAT IS DISCRIMINATION AND SEPARATION IN SPIRIT?

Diversity of phase severs and alienates spiritual phases. (cf. IL. 12)

(59) WHAT IS THE ROOT OF THE WILL TO RECEIVE?

The will to impart and to bestow, which is in the Upper Light, is the essential cause or root which necessitates the manifestation of the will to receive in the emanated being. (cf.IL.12)

(60) BY WHAT MEANS DOES THE LIGHT ABANDON THE INCLUSIVENESS OF THE EMANATOR SO AS TO BECOME AN EMANATED BEING?

By the phase of recipiency which is revealed in the Upper Light, simultaneous with the will to impart, or bestow. This newly-revealed will to receive hews the Light from the Emanator so that It becomes a separate emanated being.

(61) WHAT IS THE FIRST SUBSTANCE OF EACH EMANATED BEING?

The newly-revealed phase which appears as "existence from nonexistence"; that is, the will to receive, which inheres in every being and form. This is the first substance of each emanated being, but all that the emanated being or form possesses besides this substance is defined as the Light and bounty extended from the Upper Light, and it is designated as "existence from existence", and does not belong at all to the emanated or created one. Because we cannot perceive, through our senses, the basic essence of any material substance, we cannot give name to it. The name that is generally used for a particular substance is but the name of its appearance and does not apply to the actual essence of that substance. Since any one particular substance is transformable into innumerable forms, it is impossible to define the basic substance. Therefore any name that we might assign to a substance would pertain only to the immediate appearance and not to the essential substance itself. Thus, when in spiritual matters we consider a phase or appearance as substance, it is not to be wondered at, since the same treatment is accorded tangible, material substances.

(62) WHEN IS THE BEING SAID TO BE EMANATED?

Immediately, at the beginning of the evolvement of the will to receive, which is called the first grade of the will to receive, for at this stage the being has already departed from the inclusiveness of the Emanator's qualities, and has become emanated being. (cf. I.L. 5)

(63) IF A SPIRITUAL ENTITY TOOK ON A NEW PHASE WHICH EVENTUALLY DEPARTED FROM IT, ASSUMING A DIFFERENT PHASE, WAS ANY LOSS INCURRED TO THE ORIGINAL ENTITY?

There is no disappearance, annihilation or loss in spiritual beings and the part which seems separated, owing to its difference of phase, incurs no loss or deficiency whatsoever in the Upper Light. It may be compared to a candle which lights another, and remains itself undiminished. Hence, every diverse phase is supplementary and additional to the original phase.

(64) IN WHAT MANNER, AND THROUGH WHICH CHANNELS, ARE THE MANIFOLD TRANSFORMATIONS EFFECTED IN THE WORLDS?

All the manifold changes and reactions are executed in the vessels as they receive His Light, but the Upper Light, as far as Its own nature is concerned, is always in a state of rest and absolute tranquillity; that is to say, It is changeless and free from aught that is new (cf. I.L. 23)

(65) HOW CAN A NEW INCIDENT OR MOTION IN THE LIGHT BE CONCEIVED OF?

No motion or new event ever takes place in the Upper Light. That part alone which is received by the emanated being from the Upper Light (which works like a candle lighting another and remaining unaffected and undiminished) undergoes manifold new phases, according to the changing phases of the vessels, for each vessel receives according to its will to receive, and its phases differ from each other. They evolve in an infinite progression, one from the other, as cause and effect. (cf. I.L. 23)

(66) HOW ARE ALL THE MANIFOLD PHASES AND OPPOSING FORCES WHICH EMANATE FROM THE CREATOR INTO THE WORLDS COMPRISED IN HIS- ABSOLUTE AND SIMPLE UNITY?

Cf. pp.24-28.

(67) WHAT CAUSED THE LINE OF LIGHT TO BE DRAWN FROM THE INFINITE LIGHT?

The "curtain" or "veil", (which signifies the power of restraint which was executed upon the fourth grade after the restriction, so that it would not receive any more Light into itself) caused the outflow of that Line of Light from the Infinite Light. In the Upper Light there is never any change and It shines after the restriction just as It did before. However, once the above-mentioned curtain appears, it eliminates receiving from the Upper Light except in the first three stages of the will, whose dimensions are very small compared to the measure of recipiency which is in the fourth grade of the Infinite Light. Thus, in comparison to the relatively ample Light of the Infinite which was previously received, only a thin line of Light is now received. (cf. I.L. 23)

(68)WAS THERE ANY TRACE OF TRANSFORMATION IN THE INFINITE WORLD AETER THE RESTRICTION?

Although the fourth grade of the Infinite restricted itself and thus assumed a new phase, it was not divested of its first phase, but was clothed in a new one. In tangible things we would say that a new phase appeared in place of the old one, and that the old was removed or destroyed. Not so in the spiritual realm. Spiritual phases embrace each other. When we say a new phase appears we mean that it encompasses, or envelops the original one. Thus the new incident of expulsion of Light and the exercise of restraint from receiving Light in the fourth grade is designated not as a transformation in the Infinite World, but as a new and different world - one which is completely individual. It supplements the Infinite World, Which remains in Its original primordial, immutable state, wherein no change whatsoever has taken place. From this you may infer similar deductions regarding all new phases which are executed in spiritual being. (cf. I.L. 22)

(69) WHEN WAS THE THICKNESS OF THE FOURTH PHASE REVEALED?

From the time that the Line of Light appeared from the Infinite, for the curtain hindered it from shining into the fourth grade, this fourth grade remained without Light and consequently its thickness' Power of recipiency was revealed. (cf. I.L. 25)

(70) WHAT ARE THE FOUR PHASES OF THE WILL TO RECEIVE?

At the outset, the extension of the Light from the Emanator is designated as the Light of Wisdom, and it is the general sustenance which belongs to the emanated being. In it is the first stage of the will to receive, called the "first extension" or the first phase; Following this, the will to impart which is inherent in the Light, exerts its effort and succeeds in drawing a Light of Mercy or Grace from the Emanator. It is called the "first exertion", or the second phase. Then the Light of Mercy flows forth in an ample extension, and this is called the "second extension" or the third phase. Following this, an exertion of the will to receive is again exercised - this time in the "second extension" (the will to receive having been comprised in the Light from the first extension.) The second exertion of the will to receive is the "fourth phase". By means of this entire procedure, the will to receive is wholly completed in all its fullness and perfection. (cf. I.L. 14)

(71)WHAT ARE THE FOUR SYMBOLIC LETTERS OF THE HOLY NAME WHICH IS CALLED THE "TETRAGRAMMATON"?

The YOOD of the Name is the first extension of the Light, which is called the first phase. The first HEY of the Name is defined as the first exertion of the Light to draw the Light of Mercy which is called the second phase. The VAV of the Name is the second extension of the Light and is called the third phase. The last HEY of the Name is the second exertion of the Light to draw the Light of Wisdom and is called the fourth phase.

(72) WHAT IS THE UPPER POINT OR HEAD OF THE LINE OF LIGHT WHICH TOUCHES THE ENDLESS LIGHT?

Cf. term 20

(73) WHAT IS THE SINGLE THOUGHT, WHICH COMPRISES ALL THE MANIFOLD PHASES AND OPPOSING FORCES IN ALL CREATION?

It is the Thought of bestowal to all creation.

(74) WHEREOF DO THE KABBALISTS TREAT IN THIS WISDOM?

All that is discussed in the Wisdom of the Kabbalah concerns only the extension of the Light from His Substance but regarding His Substance we have no word or thought whatsoever. We can neither grasp nor depict Him. (cf. I.L. 2)

(75) WHAT ARE THE TWO MAIN IDEAS WHICH COMPRISE EVERYTHING?

The first idea comprises the entire universe which we observe, plus all that we do not perceive, namely all that was previously established and endured in the Infinite World, in its entire, final completion. The second idea concerns the five worlds, as follows:

1. Primordial, archetypal man.

2.The World of Emanation.

3.The World of Creation.

4.The World of Formation.

5.The World of Action.

These evolve from the "Kingdom of the Infinite" following the restriction, and all that exists in the second idea, except the vessel of the being ,is drawn from the first idea. (cf. I.L. 3)

(76)WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE WORDS "HE AND HIS NAME ARE ONE"?

"He" indicates the Infinite Light; "His Name" indicates the will to receive which is in the Infinite, called the "Kingdom of the Infinite". "One" indicates that there is no trace of diversity of phase between the Light of the Infinite ("He") and the vessel ("His Name") for it is all Light (cf. IL. 12)

(77) WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE TERM "INFINITE"?

The Infinite World before the restriction is called "infinite" or "endless" to teach that in It there cannot even be imagined an end or limit, since the fourth grade receives Light along with the three preceding grades. There is thus no cause for cessation of the Light; no limit or boundary to the Light can be effected. However such a limit or barrier to the Light is executed by the fourth grade following the restriction, when it hinders the extended Light and prevents it from entering. Thus immediately the Light breaks off and ceases, due to the restriction and lack of will to receive in the fourth grade.

(78) WHAT EVENTUATES FROM THE WILL TO RECEIVE WHICH IS IN THE INFINITE?

The creation of the worlds, and all the properties of abundance with which they are filled; to this end restriction in the fourth grade was wrought so that all the worlds, including this mundane world might be revealed. It is in this last-mentioned world that there exists the possibility of inverting the phase of receiving to that of bestowing; namely, that recipiency should function only with the intention of eventual imparting. In this way the will to receive finally attains to the phase of absolute bestowal. It reaches affinity with the phase of the Creator and this means absolute union with the Creator. (cf. I.L. 18)

(79) WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE RESTRICTION OF THE LIGHT?

Although Kingdom of the Infinite was in absolute unity with the Light and there was no necessity for it to emulate its Maker (since there was no diversity of phase), it did nevertheless execute the restriction (and through this, brought about the manifestation of all the worlds) so that it might emulate the Creator by becoming wholly a Bestower. For this was only possible through the revelation of all the worlds. (cf. I.L. 13)

(80)WHAT KIND OF RECIPIENCY IS CONSIDERED TO BE LIKE BESTOWING?

Where recipiency operates for the sole purpose of rendering joy to the giver - where there would be no acceptance unless it engendered joy to the giver - there it is considered to be complete bestowal and no phase whatsoever of recipiency is revealed in such case. (cf. I.L. 13)

(81)WHAT AIM WAS INTENDED TO BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE RESTRICTION?

The aim was to invert the phase of recipiency to the phase of imparting, or bestowing. (cf. I.L. 18)

(82)WHY DID THE LIGHT DEPART FROM THE MIDDLE POINT AND DID NOT RETURN?

The reason is that "Kingdom" of the Infinite restrained itself from receiving in the fourth grade of the will to receive, called the Middle Point. Therefore the Light was removed from this grade, or vessel. (There can be no recipiency without a will to receive, and there is no compulsion exercised in spiritual entities). Unwillingness to receive functions in this fourth grade until the will to receive is inverted into a will to impart or bestow. (cf. I.L. 18)

(83) WHY WAS NO LIMITATION EFFECTED BY THE RESTRICTION?

Because restriction in this case is not due to any diverse phase that the fourth grade (Kingdom) might have seen and which she might thus wish to correct. Although there was no absolute necessity for the restriction it was due to the desire of Kingdom to enhance herself through emulation of the Creator.

(84)WHY DID THE LIGHT DEPART FROM ALL THE FOUR GRADES AT THE TIME OF THE RESTRICTION?

Because there are no subdivisions, parts, or sections in spirit. As the Sages express it: "a vow that is partially annulled is as one that is wholly annulled". (cf. I.L. 16)

(85)WHY WAS THERE NO DISCRIMINATION OF FOUR CONSECUTIVE GRADES AT THE TIME OF THE RESTRICTION, BEFORE THE ADVENT OF THE LINE OF LIGHT?

It is only in relation to the degree of remoteness or proximity to the fourth grade (since it was into this grade that the Line of Light failed to shine) that consecutive stages are estimated. The fourth grade, lacking all Light, remained dense and inferior to the preceding grades ,in which the will to receive was weaker and less developed. Thus the upper three grades, where recipiency is fainter are considered to be superior to the fourth. Indeed, at the time of the restriction, before the Line of Light began to shine, no thickness or inferiority of the fourth grade was yet distinguished. Therefore ,there was no reason for discrimination of grades in relation to the fourth grade.

(86) WHY DID THE FOURTH GRADE NOT REVEAL ITS THICKNESS IMMEDIATELY WITH THE RESTRICTION OF THE LIGHT? WHY DID ALL FOUR GRADES REMAIN ALIKE?

Because restriction was not due to the existence of a diverse will (cf. I.L. 18)

(87) WHICH GRADE WAS LEFT EMPTY, VOID OF LIGHT?

The fourth grade alone. (cf. I.L. 23)

(88) WHEN WILL THE FOURTH GRADE ALSO BE FILLED WITH UPPER LIGHT?

At the time that the vessels of recipiency acquire the phase of imparting and bestowing. (cf. I.L. 13)

(89) WHAT IS THE CAUSE FOR CREATION OF THE WORLD?

The will to receive is the cause, and this inevitably exists in the Infinite, although it does not effect any diverse phase. Nevertheless this as-yet will to receive desired the enhancement that would come to it upon wholly emulating the phase of the Light. Therefore it renounced all bounty of Light to its Source and by this action caused the revelation of all the worlds. (cf. I.L.18)

(90)WHAT AIM IS EXPECTED TO BE ACHIEVED THROUGH TORAH STUDY AND PERFORMANCE OF GOOD DEEDS?

The inversion of the will to receive to a will to impart or bestow; this means receiving with the sole intention of imparting.

(91)WHAT BENEFITS ARE REVEALED THROUGH THE HOLY NAMES?

The Lights which are revealed in the Holy Names have this unique attribute: They invert the phase of receiving to the phase of bestowing. (cf. IL. 13)

(92) BY WHAT MEANS ARE THE HOLY NAMES REVEALED?

By assiduous Torah study, and by good deeds. (cf. I.L. 13)

(93) WHAT IS THE FINAL EMENDATION IN ALL CREATION WHICH WILL RESULT IN THE MILLENlUM?

It is the inversion of the will to receive into a will to impart. (cf. I.L. 13)

(94) WHAT IS THE ROOT OF ALL CORRUPTION?

It is the will to receive which is a diverse phase to that of the Creator in Whom there is no such phase.

(95)WHY IS THIS WORLD THE ONLY POSSIBLE PLACE FOR INVERTING THE VESSEL OF RECIPIENCY, AND WHY IS IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DO THIS IN THE UPPER WORLD?

Corruption and subsequent emendation of the same body or vessel does not function except in mankind, on this mundane plane.

(96) WHAT ARE THE TWO EXISTING PHASES IN THE LIGHT?

The Light of wisdom and the Light of mercy or grace. (cf. I.L. 14)

(97) WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THE EXTENDED LIGHT WHICH COMES FROM THE EMANATOR?

Each extended Light is comprised of two phases of the will, namely the will to bestow and the will to receive. First is revealed the will to receive, but finally the will to bestow must also be revealed. (cf. I.L. 14)

(98) WHAT KIND OF LIGHT IS REVEALED BY THE EXERTION OF THE WILL TO IMPART?

The Light of Mercy. (cf I.L. 14)

(99) WHAT ARE THE LIGHTS WHICH ARE CONTAINED IN EVERY EMANATED BEING?

The Light of Wisdom and the Light of Mercy. (cf. I.L. 14)

(100) WHY IS THE LIGHT OF MERCY INFERIOR TO THE LIGHT OF WISDOM?

Because it is drawn by means of the exerted will of the emanated being. (cf. I.L. 14)

(101) WHEN IS THE VESSEL OF RECIPIENCY COMPLETED?

After the revelation of the fourth grade of the will, which has the greatest capacity to receive. (cf. I.L. 14)

(102) WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VESSEL WHICH RECEIVES LIGHT INTO ITS INTERIOR, AND THE VESSEL WHICH RECEIVES LIGHT TO ITS EXTERIOR, AS IS THE CASE IN THE INFINITE WORLD?

Where Light is received into the interior it is said that the vessel limits the Light according to its dimensions, but where Light is received to the exterior of the vessel, the Light is not limited and is therefore Infinite. (cf. I.L. 14)

(103) WHEN ARE SEPHIROTH, OR DIVINE INTELLIGENCES, DESIGNATED AS CIRCULAR?

When there is no discrimination such as "above" and "below" between the four grades of the will, and they are all alike, then all four phases are defined as circles, one within the other, like the layers of an onion. (cf. I.L. 19)

(104) WHY DO WE NOT DESCRIBE A PROGRESSIVE GRADATION IN THE CIRCLES, ONE BELOW THE OTHER, PRIOR TO THE ADVENT OF THE LINE OF LIGHT?

Because the restriction did not take place due to any inferiority or diversity of phase. (cf. I.L. 19)

(105) IS THERE ANY TRACE OF CORRUPTION, AT THE TIME OF ITS CREATION, IN THE WILL TO RECEIVE?

The will to receive does not constitute any inferiority to essential creation, and no inferiority would ever have been revealed, if it were not for the restriction executed upon it.

(106) WHAT IS THE MEANING OF AN INDIRECT EXTENSION FROM THE EMANATOR?

As it is the sole intention of the Emanator to bestow to mankind, it becomes a matter of necessity and obligation that the recipients should desire with an intense will the All-Goodness of their Creator, for their joy and satisfaction is measured according to the intensity of the will to receive. Remember that this will is essentially extended from the Emanator to the emanated being, yet the emanated being feels, through this phase of recipiency, embarrassment and unrest. The will causes it to feel inferior in relation to the Emanator. For this reason the emanated being executed the restriction. Hence the discomfort which is found in the emanated being is considered as an indirect extension from the Emanator, even though caused by the Emanator for it was born of the emanated being's own nature. This results in a desire to emulate the phase of bestowal - which is of the Creator.