We have explained that the vessels continued to exist during the time when they were not functioning, and later (Opening 57) we will discuss how this came about through the order of the 288 sparks. We must now explain some general matters that need to be understood first. (For an explanation of the four main expansions of HaVaYaH, see the note at the beginning of Opening 22.)
The proposition consists of two parts. Part 1: When two or more... This sets forth the general principle involved here. Part 2: And the truth... This explains how that principle applies in the matter under consideration.