Materialisation in Kabbalah exemplified by water

[sephir]

This topic has emerged from an interesting quote, brought by Celtaur Aumystical in this topic.

Here the material world is described as a tree whose roots are upwards and brances are below. We have experience of a tree whose roots are upward: if one stands on the bank of a river or any reservoir of water, he can see that the trees reflected in the water are upside down. The branches go downward and the roots upward. Similarly, this material world is a reflection of the spiritual world. The material world is but a shadow of reality. In the shadow there is no reality or substantiality, but from the shadow we can understand that there are substance and reality. In the desert there is no water, but the mirage suggests that there is such a thing as water. In the material world there is no water, there is no happiness, but the real water of actual happiness is there in the spiritual world.

the Baghavad Gita

I have no doubts, the entire quote emerged from kabbalistic teachings, and what I'm mainly going to talk about is the meaning of water in this context. In order to understand how deep and meaningful this quote is, it's necessary to delve in the principles of materialisation, in other words, relation between two worlds, "the roots" (causes), and "the branches" (results).

Components of the universe

There are only two components of the Universe : desire and pleasure. Everything in the world consists of a variety of desires, characterized by its strength ("capacity" of desire, capability to receive a certain amount of pleasure) and quality (intention of reception : egoistic and altruistic, also expressed in its strength). The intention of desires defines their "electric charge" (plus/minus). As we were born with egoistic desires only, our essence is negatively charged. Meanwhile, the nature of the second component (pleasure) is that it always remain positively charged. Kabbalists depict it like that :



Please note, there is a difference between the charge of desire and pleasure. I'm sure you know what happens when you fullfil your desires :




The desires are in fact our senses of perception. There are two states we can sense within our desires : pleasure (fullfilment) and suffering (when desire is empty). The bigger desire is, the more suffering we have to get through to get the fullfilment.

If desire and pleasure are charged differently, desire is being destroyed by pleasure. As we cannot sense pleasure without a desire, we sense nothing, and feel empty. For example, you have been dreaming about buying a new car for many years. Finally, you get that chance, making your dream come true. You feel truly happy for the first day. You keep enjoying your car next day, week, and finally, your pleasure disappears and you feel empty again. Your desire has been destroyed by pleasure due to difference in charge. You'll be given a new desire soon, which is going to be a little bigger than the previous one. You'll spend plenty of time trying to fullfil your desire, and what is going to happen is pretty predictable - as soon as interaction between negatively charged desire and positively charged pleasure occurs, the desire (and thus pleasure) will disappear.

Is there any example of altruistic model of fullfilment? In our world - practically there isn't. Some sort of similarity can be found when it comes to mother and her child. Although we still deal with egoistic desires, it's worth to notice that mother can sense pleasure when her child's desires are fullfiled, thus her desire cannot be distroyed by pleasure, as they are similar.



This sort of desire is not considered to be spiritual, as it's an inborn desire, that hasn't been consciously developed.


As above, so below

This single statement refers to correspondence between the level of roots (desire and pleasure) and the level of branches (the matter, physical world). The point is, the world we live in can be described as manifestation of the essense throughout the matter, which is obviously a subjective way we perceive the essence. Note, there are four levels of life : human, animate, vegetative and inanimate. The only difference between them on the level of roots is a strength of their desires to fullfil. Variety of strenght causes many diferent forms of desires (to food/sex/power/knowledge etc.), and most of all, defines the level of life (human being/a dog/a tree/a stone etc...). For example, if we had been able to add a certain amount of desire to a tree, we would have created an animal, like a cat. If we had added some desires to a cat, we would have created a human being. Obviously, it's a purely theoretical example depicting the principle of correspondence between the level of roots and the level of branches :



What is worth to emphasize, all levels except human level are positively chared, when it comes to their essence. When we take a look at the desires of animals, plants, and inanimate level, we will find no egoistic intention at all. It doesn't mean those levels are spiritual - they are just simlar to a mother's desire regarding her child. In other words, they remain unconciously similar to pleasure, and this is why their desires don't grow up, as human's desires do. Thus all levels except the human level hasn't been developing almost at all, meanwhile the human desires are developing faster and faster.

Correspondence exemplified by water

I don't want to delve deeply in details, but here is a brief explanation of the root of water. This example simply depicts the process of materialisation, the descent of spiritual "code" from the upper level of causes to the lower level of matter.

The desire to receive pleasure has been developing throughout 9 steps, called sephirot. This development has been emerged from the 10th sephira, called KETER, which is a desire to bestow. Although all steps of development are in fact beyond time and space, the projection of them in our world is perceived in time and space.

There is no necessity to describe all the complex process of development. Let's just focus on the root of water, sephira BINA, which is a 2nd step of growing desire to receive.



To briefly clear up the picture : KETER - the desire to bestow - creates a desire to receive (HOHMA). This state is similar to a little baby while breast-feeding - it's unconscious receiving pleasure, as a baby don't really know what's going on. This state is turning into the next one, as soon as HOHMA realizes, that there is a giver of pleasure (KETER), what makes HOHMA feel "ashamed". Hence HOHMA begins to desire to become a giver as well. (I realize it might sound a little silly, but it's my attempt to describe the complicated forces as simply as possible).

The state following HOHMA is called BINA, and it's totally opposite state when compared to the previous one. It's a desire to become similar to a giver (pleasure), so it's a root of tendency towards spiritual development. The BINA consists of three sub-states :



1) a desire to receive (coming from HOHMA) and sensation of the source of pleasure - relation between the giver and receiver.
2) a desire to become equal with the giver - the "core" of BINA.
3) at this stage, BINA 'realizes', that there is nothing to give, and the desire to give can be manifested only through intention of receiving. It's a temporary state between BINA and the next sephira.

Finally, we've got to the point. Take a look at the physical structure of water (H2O):



Isn't it similar to BINA? Yes, BINA is a spiritual root of water. In other words, BINA is a spiritual quality (altruism) we all have to reach one day (the growing suffering will force us to do it). It's a source of life, and the only way of endless fullfilment with pleasure. Now let's go back to the quote we started with :

(...) In the material world there is no water, there is no happiness, but the real water of actual happiness is there in the spiritual world.

No more comments...

[Haruth]

Wow! Thanks for that Sephir. That's a lot to take in, and I'll be revisiting here often to get my head around the concepts.

In the meantime, I have one question if I may, regarding in particular the following:

3) at this stage, BINA 'realizes', that there is nothing to give, and the desire to give can be manifested only through intention of receiving. It's a temporary state between BINA and the next sephira.

Can I assume that the phrases and terms you use are very precise in their nature?

The reason I ask is a particular phrase sprang to mind on reading this section:
Acts20:35 "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."

I wondered if the phrasing has a common root?


I can also see (apparent) connections between:
Revelation 22:1 "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." in this image:

I'm probably completely off track. Feel free to turn me round and point me in the appropriate direction...

Namaste

[Celtaur]

the root of water, sephira BINA, which is a 2nd step of growing desire to receive.

I am no expert and possibly I'm far off target here, but this information has me thinking much of the associations discussed in this thread, especially that of the Hohma as the receiver (feminine) and that of the "core" of Bina desiring to become equal to the giver.

It's a desire to become similar to a giver (pleasure), so it's a root of tendency towards spiritual development.

The symbolism of Lucifer as the fallen angel, descent from the higher realm to the lower physical aspect associated with the desire to be equal to God (the source: that which bestows). Also the neutralizing aspect of giver and receiver, positive and negative you presented - symbolized as the hermaphroditic lucifer.

From my understanding, the tree of life in Kabbalah is symbolic of the descent from the higher spiritual realms, manifesting into form the lower physical realms, and the desire of humanity is to climb the tree of life to unite again with the higher spiritual realm.

[sephir]

Acts20:35 "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."

I wondered if the phrasing has a common root?

The certain sources make us believe that Jesus was a member of Sanhedrin (kabbalistic school), hence he was a kabbalist. I don't know well the New Testament, but I'm sure you'll find there, as well as in Torah, a plenty of mentions about water, giving/receiving. You are certainly on the correct track, the quote you brought up clearly pertains to Kabbalah. Obviously, it's not about any physical activity (giving and receiving). Kabbalists don't refer to physical world at all. The whole Bible is about the level of roots - the forces beyond matter, space and time.

From my understanding, the tree of life in Kabbalah is symbolic of the descent from the higher spiritual realms, manifesting into form the lower physical realms, and the desire of humanity is to climb the tree of life to unite again with the higher spiritual realm.

Well, yes, when it comes to such symbols as Lucifer, God, Angels, etc, they are undoubtedly coming from Kabbalah, however Kabbalah itself has not much to do with symbolism.

[Haruth]

Thanks for that Sephir. I'll go out on a limb now...

I've been struggling with a process that is described in the New Testament for over 15 years. At last I may have found someone who can give me the pointers I've been desperately seeking!

The Christ's first miracle is described as occuring at a Marriage Feast in Cana (a location of great significance, as it alludes directly to the King making rituals of Egypt). This miracle is described as the "turning of water into wine".

The Christ's 'last' miracle, performed at the Passover Feast, is described as "turning wine into blood". (Given the focus on blood within the Law, I feel there is a much greater significance here than the Christian interpretation of it).

I would then argue that a much overlooked reference points to the culmination of this process. At the crucifixion, the Roman Centurion who confirm's the Christ's death, impales his side with a spear. From the wound issues "blood and water".

The full process, as I see it, then becomes:

(Water) into (Wine) into (Blood) which separates into (Blood and Water).

There are obvious alchemic associations, which are rather incomplete in the picture I have managed to piece together thus far. So any clues from the Kabbalah would be much appreciated.

Namaste

[sephir]

I think it's really pointless to delve in the translated texts, unless you're willing to rely on your imagination and belief. I haven't read the New Testament in Hebrew, so I can't help you out with that, sorry.

[Haruth]

Point taken Sephir...

And since the originals are in Aramaic and Greek, direct application within Kabbalah may not be possible anyway: even turning to a Hebrew version, is to effectively rely on translation.

No, I was just wondering, if there are any correspondences water-wine-blood within the Kabbalah system that may provide some clue to it's importance (or otherwise) within the Aramaic tradition that gave rise to Christianity...

Failing that, another 15 years struggle may well be on the cards...

Namaste

[litewave]

Thanks for that Sephir. I'll go out on a limb now...

I've been struggling with a process that is described in the New Testament for over 15 years. At last I may have found someone who can give me the pointers I've been desperately seeking!

The Christ's first miracle is described as occuring at a Marriage Feast in Cana (a location of great significance, as it alludes directly to the King making rituals of Egypt). This miracle is described as the "turning of water into wine".

The Christ's 'last' miracle, performed at the Passover Feast, is described as "turning wine into blood". (Given the focus on blood within the Law, I feel there is a much greater significance here than the Christian interpretation of it).

I would then argue that a much overlooked reference points to the culmination of this process. At the crucifixion, the Roman Centurion who confirm's the Christ's death, impales his side with a spear. From the wound issues "blood and water".

The full process, as I see it, then becomes:

(Water) into (Wine) into (Blood) which separates into (Blood and Water).

There are obvious alchemic associations, which are rather incomplete in the picture I have managed to piece together thus far. So any clues from the Kabbalah would be much appreciated.

Namaste

The water-wine-blood sequence seems like stages of materialization to me. Water is pure and simple, which might represent "lighter" or less definite matter; wine is more complex, which might represent "denser" or more definite matter as well as plants; and blood represents animals and humans, the most complex and intricate matter. Blood and water flowing from Jesus's wound might signify the union of the light and the dense in him.
Just my intuitive two cents, I'm no expert in the bible or kabbala.

[Mohandas]

I think it's really pointless to delve in the translated texts, unless you're willing to rely on your imagination and belief. I haven't read the New Testament in Hebrew, so I can't help you out with that, sorry.

It may well be that there is much lost in translation, especially since Hebrew is irreplaceable in that each letter is also a number. I have met a few Israeli Kabbalists in my time and most were quick to profess that the only true tradition is in Hebrew and were very closed minded to the material I had learned from writers in English whom I had studied, mostly from around the turn of the twentieth century. For any system not to become stagnant dogma it must be a living evolving system and if it finds it's way into other cultures in order to evolve in different ways, so be it. I find the whole elitist, chosen race mentality a bit hard to swallow, from whatever corner it might emerge and though I respect the origins of the system which I have learned, I don't think that the lack of knowledge of Hebrew cuts one off from God's grace any more than being born a Jew, Hindu Christian or any other, entitles one to special favor.
I do appreciate your knowledge and that you take time to explain from the view of a traditional Kabbalist, this certainly assists in my own vision of the cosmos. Thank you for that.
Mohandas

[sephir]

I get your point, and agree almost in whole. Obviously, Kabbalah isn't exclusively meant for Jews. There were great kabbalists (if not greatest) of not Jewish descent, take for instance rabi Akiva (a Greek), the teacher of Rashbi (the author of Sefer ha Zohar).

Furthermore, Kabbalah appeared before Jewish people. According to the scientific research, there is no such a nationality (genetically) as Jewish. Jews emerged from people living in ancient Babilon on ideological principle only. The first kabbalists abandoned Babilon, and hence those people (a few hundreds) was named HEBER (Jews), what can be translated as "transition", or "to cross". The meaning of that word can be understood both physically and spiritually : as abandonment of Babilon, as well as commencement of spiritual (altruistic) development in costrast to the other people, who started egoistic development. Thus we can understand, it's not that Jews, as a special nation, was "given" (whatever it means) Kabbalah. Quite the contrary - those who felt (and feel) a need to delve into Kabbalah and attain the upper World is called "a Jew".

Obviously, nowadays there is very few kabbalists, and there isn't many Jews who know their roots. Jewish nationality has gained political autonomy (Israel) as well, and hence we got used to think of Jewish as a distinct nationality. Nevertheless, even today it remains a group of people coming from ancient babilon, genetically identical with population still living in Iranian mountains (ancient babylonians).

As for Hebrew language - it has been created by kabbalists, in order to describe their spiritual attainments. Similarly to musicians using Italian as music notation, Kabbalists use Hebrew in their science. As you know, hebrew letters are unique, and not only because of their numeric meaning. Each letter graphically depicts the spiritual state, thus throughout the letters you can understand the spiritual meaning (the roots) of any word describing physical thing (the branches). Kabbalah is written using so-called "the language of branches", so that it describes spirituality using physical language. If you cannot see throughout the kabbalistic text its spiritual meaning, it would look like a fairy story. Let's take some short example :

It's said in "The book of Creation" (Bible) : "The ground blessed by the Creator".
The ground is what kabbalists call Shahina (interaction between a man and the Creator).
Sometimes, the ground (sade - שדה) appears to be "a lie" (sheker - שקר). The letter Hei ה consists of two letters : Vav ו and Dalet ד. Vav ו inside Hei ה means the soul, and Dalet ד itself means Shahina (interaction bet. a man & Creator). When the man's soul is "covered" by Shahina, the Hei ה letter appears. When a man wants to receive more egoistic pleasure, the stroke in Vav ו is lengthening down (meaning : to the egoistic forces), so that Hei ה turns into Kuf ק, and Dalet ד turns into Reish ר.

Because of egoistical rise of Dalet ד (Dalet means "poor, modest"), its property becomes Reish ר, as it's said : "And he, ruling over all, was born as poor. " [Koelet 4:14]. Thus the word Dal' דל (poor) turns into Rash רש (beggar).

It's said "The Creator is blessed forever", what refers to the lowest egoistic states that a man descends to. He loses his life force, in order to strengthen his desire to become similar to the Creator, similarly to "The ground blessed by the Creator".

Perhaps it was a little incoherent example, but I hope you get my point regarding translations. I'm very glad though, that there appears more and more translated sources, that can help people to take a decision, whether Kabbalah is worth to study, or not. Hebrew isn't a difficult language to learn (in fact, it's primitive) - it might take about 1-2 years to become familiar with it. If someone is truly interested in attaining spirituality, it's not much time.

Regards

-------
sorry for my English, still learning...