The Universes of Kabbalah in Relation to Humans

   In Kabbalah there are 5 universes which constitute a descending order of revelation.  G_d becomes more concealed at every descending level.  The levels are:  Adam Kadman (Will), Atzilut (Mind), Beriyah (Thought), Yetzirah (Speech), and Asiyah (Action).
      Per Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan's "Inner Space": "It is this concealment that allows for the possibility of a finite continuum of distinct and separate worlds to exist.  In this sense, all the universes were created as vehicles through which we may draw close to G_d.  They act as filters, allowing us to draw near and still not be obliterated by His Infinite Light.
     "To illustrate this, imagine an architect planning a large building complex.  First he decides what kind of buildings will fit his needs,  He draws up a basic blueprint and contemplates how each building will best fulfill its function in relation to all the rest.  He then gives orders to his workers and begins construction.
     "In this analogy, the level of Adam Kadmon is represented by the decision of the architect who has to know what he wants to build before he starts planning.  Atzilut would then parallel the comprehensive plan and design of the project.  At this point, a complete idea has taken form which can be represented by drawing abstract technical symbols on paper.  The architect is still very far, however, from the finished product.  These two stages therefore can be said to take place 'in his office,' before he begins the actual construction.  What is needed now is to translate these all-inclusive symbols into the details of physical reality.
     "At the building site itself, the architect's job will involve thinking (Beriyah) how to implement the general plan, speech (Yetzirah), where he is transmitting instructions to his workers, and action (Asiyah), where things get done and the architect's entire purpose is finally realized."


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