How Divine Wisdom Manifests in the World: The Key to Understanding Life Force
Divine wisdom lies at the heart of existence itself. When we explore how the infinite manifests in the finite world, many questions naturally arise. Where does life force come from? How is it distributed? Where is its source hidden? Let’s explore these questions through simple analogies and profound ideas.
Divine Wisdom in Brain and Body: A Model of Life Force Distribution
Our body is an amazing system where each organ receives its portion of vitality. However, this distribution isn’t equal. The main concentration of life force resides in the brain. From there, like rays of the sun, energy flows throughout the body, nourishing each organ with its light.
This simple picture helps us understand how the spiritual world works. Similarly, the vitality of all worlds flows from a single source. This source, known as Shechinah, means “dwelling,” because through it the higher force dwells with us.
Divine Wisdom and Shechinah: The Beginning of All Revelations
Imagine the sun and its rays. The rays are what we see and feel, yet the source of their power hides in the sun itself. Similarly, the Shechinah represents the first manifestation of infinite light, which then extends to all created worlds.
People call the Shechinah by different names:
- “World of Revelation” – because through it the invisible becomes visible
- “Queen” – because she receives and transmits influence
- “Lower Mother” – because she gives birth to all souls
Why Worlds Don’t Dissolve in the Light
A question naturally arises: if the source carries so much power, why don’t all creations dissolve in its light? After all, it’s like looking directly at the sun – impossible because our eyes can’t withstand it.
Fortunately, the answer offers a simple yet ingenious solution: we need protection, a “garment” that softens the light. This essential garment comes to us as the Torah and its commandments.
Torah – Divine Wisdom as the Perfect Garment for Higher Light
The Torah originates from supreme wisdom, which ranks even higher than the Shechinah itself. Rather than just a book or set of rules, it embodies divine wisdom itself, which has descended through many levels to clothe itself in the material things of our world.
As divine wisdom descended through the levels of worlds, the Shechinah descended with it, clothing itself at each level. Consequently, each world contains its “Holy of Holies” – a place where this divine wisdom resides in its purest form.
How This System Works
The Shechinah, which manifests infinite light, first clothes itself in the world of Atzilut (world of emanation). Afterwards, it descends to the world of Beriah (world of creation), then moves to the world of Yetzirah (world of formation), and finally reaches the world of Asiyah (world of action) – our material world.
At each level, the process follows a pattern:
- First, the Shechinah clothes itself in the “mind” of that world
- Next, it enters its “heart” (emotional qualities)
- Finally, it expresses itself through “speech” (manifested action)
The Talmud and Mishnah – Reflections of Higher Worlds
Interestingly, our sacred texts also mirror this structure:
- The Talmud emerges from the world of Beriah and embodies deep reasoning and logic (similar to higher intellect)
- The Mishnah flows from the world of Yetzirah and presents specific laws (reflecting emotional qualities)
Moreover, all Torah laws stem from higher attributes:
- Permission comes from mercy
- Prohibition derives from severity
- Together, these elements create a harmonious system
Applying Divine Wisdom to Our Lives
Understanding this system helps us realize several important truths:
- First and foremost, all life force comes from a single source
- Additionally, each creation receives exactly the amount of light it needs
- Furthermore, when we study Torah and fulfill commandments, we connect directly to the source of life
- Most importantly, through our actions, we can elevate material things to their spiritual source
This model clearly explains why spiritual growth matters so much. As we develop our mind and heart, we increasingly perceive the higher light and divine wisdom. Consequently, we can contribute more effectively to this world.
This article is based on Chapter 52 of the book “Likutei Amarim — Tanya” by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, one of the greatest Hasidic thinkers.
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.
