These are none other than the garments, which are considered the feet of Atzilut. For we have already discussed above (Opening 31) how all of the various orders are included under the order of the Ten Sefirot. Thus even though the body itself is a complete array of Ten Sefirot, when we also consider its garments with it, the body is like nine Sefirot and the garment stands as their Malchut, the tenth Sefirah.
Accordingly, as long as the lights did not reach them, there was no breakage. It was when they reached there that breakage took place. They then turned around and departed from even the highest parts. For then the Mind decreed that since it was impossible for the light to be joined with the vessel because of this aspect contained in the vessel, it would be best to allow the vessel to do all in its power, and then afterwards the light would enter into it and be joined with it in a perfect bond.