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Action and the Physical
The most limiting feature of all is the limitation of time. The
limitation of time means that one object cannot be in two different places
simultaneously. Moreover, the concept of time is bound with that of change. This
means that when one thing ceases to be and another thing begins to be, a change
has occurred. Change can only take place where the unity and infinity of G-d are
hidden, namely, where the continuity of being is not evident.  | | " The most limiting feature of all is the limitation of time" | | |
Time is created by way of the process of the extension and
retraction of the light and life force as it reaches out to the vessels below
and returns to its original place. The "gap" between the reaching out and the
returning of the light and life-force, as it pulsates continuously from above,
creates time. From moment to moment the light and life force extends "downward",
and then retracts, returning to its original place. That which it activated or
vitalized "dies", so to speak, as soon as the life force is withdrawn, and then
when it reaches down once again, it creates a new being. This change is the
origin of time, for time is a measure of change. This process is analogous to a
motion picture. Light shining through the constantly changing frames of the
strip of film appear to create a continuous scene. In reality, however, each
frame in the strip of film is distinct from the previous one; it is only because
the movement of the frames is so fast that the human eye is unaware that there
are separate images. Thus the scene appears to the eye to be continuous. So too
is it with the pulsating of life-force into the physical world -- the "gap"
between one pulse and the next is so minute, that the scene appears to be
continuous.
This reaching out and returning of the life force from above is
mirrored in the advance and retreat of the life force below. The pulse which you
can feel in your wrist and in your heartbeat is the result of this process. Each
time you feel the thump of your pulse or your heartbeat, it indicates that a
different "permutation" of the light and life force is enlivening you. Because
of this constant renewal, you change from moment to moment. | | " The near perfect state of rectification ...needs to be drawn down into this world" | | |
In Kabbala, this continuous pulsation or fluctuation is
manifested in the world of Asiya, or the world of Action. The essence of
the world of Asiya is action. The story of Creation concludes with the
words "that G-d made to do (or to rectify)." The word "to do", in Hebrew
la'asot, is derived from the same word as Asiya -- action. This world
is created for the sake of action, which means rectification. The near perfect
state of rectification of the world of Atzilut (see above) needs to be
drawn down into this world too. This world is created "incomplete." What it is
"lacking" is the revelation of G-dliness that is found to greater or lesser
extent in the supernal worlds. The rectification of Asiya is the revelation
of G-dliness in this world through the actions of man.
The Jewish sages therefore recommend that every person say to
himself "for me the world was created." This does not mean one should regard
oneself as the center of the universe and everything was created to serve one's
ego. Quite the contrary. Rather understand the phrase to mean: "For me the
concealment of G-d was created in order that I should reveal G-dliness in
this world and thereby rectify it." This is the task G-d created for us: to
reveal the inner dimensions, the G-dliness, contained and yet hidden in this
world. Thus, the world of Asiya, the world of Action, is really the
ultimate purpose of Creation. For here, more than anywhere else, G-dliness is
hidden. And G-d can be revealed here even more than in the worlds above, as will
be explained.
From the "Fiftieth Gate" edition of the Zohar,
Introduction To return to the previous article in this series, "Forming Time and Space," click here.
This ends our basic introduction to the idea of Worlds. To learn about the nature of sefirot in Kabbala, click here.
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