The core ideas from Tanya offer us a revolutionary perspective on reality. When we look at the world around us, everything seems to exist independently. But is this really the case? The ancient wisdom of Hasidism reveals an amazing truth – everything we see is a manifestation of a single Divine force.
What Are Higher and Lower Unity in Ideas from Tanya?
The book of Zohar speaks of two levels of understanding Divine unity. The first level, called “higher unity,” is expressed in the prayer “Hear, O Israel.” The second – “lower unity,” is reflected in the words “Blessed be the name of His glorious kingdom forever and ever.”
Interestingly, the word “forever” (vaed) when its letters are rearranged becomes the word “one” (echad). This is not just wordplay, but a profound hint at the hidden connection between the two levels of Divine presence in the world.
Why Does the World Seem Separate from the Creator?
The sages explain that the purpose of creation is the manifestation of Divine kingship. But “there is no king without a nation”! The very word “nation” (am) is related to the word “hidden” (omemot). Subjects must perceive themselves as separate beings, otherwise royal authority would have no meaning.
Thus, the Creator designed the world in such a way that we perceive ourselves as independent beings. For this, He used the attribute of Malchut (Kingdom) and the name Adnut (Lordship), through which the concealment of infinite light occurs.
Time and Space: Key Ideas from Tanya on Limitation
What makes our world a world? First and foremost – space and time. Space includes six directions: east, west, north, south, up and down. Time is divided into past, present, and future.
But the higher attributes of the Creator are beyond these limitations! Only through the attribute of Malchut (Kingdom) can we say that the Almighty reigns “above without end and below without limit” and in all directions. Only in relation to time can we say: “G-d reigns, G-d has reigned, G-d will reign.”
Two Ways of Divine Presence in the World
Divine presence manifests in the world in two main ways:
- “Encompassing all worlds” — The Creator remains in His infinity, not limited by the framework of creation, similar to how a person’s thought encompasses an object but does not become it. However, unlike human thought, Divine knowledge actually creates and maintains the existence of all creatures.
- “Filling all worlds” — The Creator limits His light and life force so they can be clothed in specific creations according to their nature. Each creation receives exactly as much vitality as necessary for its existence.
Contraction of Divine Light
To create a finite world, the infinite light had to “contract.” This doesn’t mean that the Almighty literally removed Himself from the world – such an understanding is mistaken. Rather, it’s a concealment of the manifestation of His power to give place to the apparent independence of creations.
Imagine the sun, which is 167 times larger than Earth. Its light can spread over vast distances, but not infinitely, since it is itself finite. Similarly, the life force that descends from the Almighty passes through numerous contractions until it becomes so diminished that it can clothe itself even in a stone.
Divine Knowledge: Profound Ideas from Tanya on Creation’s Paradox
A question arises: if before the creation of the world only the Creator existed, doesn’t the appearance of the world mean a change in His absolute unity?
The answer lies in the special nature of Divine knowledge. Unlike human knowledge, which is acquired and changes, the Almighty’s knowledge is absolutely one with His essence. When a person learns something new, knowledge is added to his soul. But for the Creator, knowledge is not something separate from Himself.
As Maimonides explained: “He is the Knower, He is the Known, and He is Knowledge itself.” The Creator knows all beings through knowledge of Himself, as everything comes from Him and is part of His design.
The Uniqueness of Divine Presence
Unlike the human soul, which is affected by the body, the Almighty does not change due to changes in the world. In summer and winter, day and night, He remains unchanged. As it is said: “Even darkness is not dark for You, and night shines as day.”
Moreover, He is present within every creation, down to the smallest worm and insect, but is not limited by it. The book of Tikkunim states: “There is no place devoid of Him, neither above nor below.”
Practical Ideas from Tanya for Daily Life
Understanding the true nature of reality changes our perception of the world. These powerful ideas from Tanya teach us that what seems separate and independent is actually deeply connected to the Divine source. Every object, every phenomenon is a manifestation of a single creative force that constantly maintains their existence.
This knowledge encourages us to treat everything that exists with greater respect and awareness, understanding that behind external diversity lies deep unity – one of the most transformative ideas from Tanya for our everyday consciousness.
This article is based on the seventh chapter of the book “Tanya – Part 2 – Shaar Hayichud Vehaemunah” by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Chabad movement and one of the greatest Hasidic thinkers. For those seeking deeper spiritual growth, exploring the original ideas from Tanya is highly recommended.
Afterword: The text of this article has not been approved by any sage, Torah scholar, or rabbi and is merely a simplified adaptation of the sacred text for general understanding. For comprehension of true wisdom and a deeper understanding of the original text, you should refer to the sources.
This and all other article texts of the Mega-Charity.Org resource express only the personal opinions of the authors who compiled them. They are intended only for general and superficial understanding of the real sources of wisdom. References to which are provided.
