These feelings, this sense of movement – up, down – it's not just about our physical lives. In Kabbalah, these directions take on a whole new, spiritual meaning.
We often talk about "above" and "below," "ascent" and "descent." But what do these terms really mean when we're talking about the spiritual realms? Are we picturing angels on clouds and demons in fiery pits? Well, not exactly. According to the Sulam Commentary, these aren't literal places. Instead, they're actually "measures of opacity and purity."
Think of it this way: "Ascent," in this context, isn't about physically moving up. It's about purification. It's about shedding the layers of ego and negativity that cloud our inner light. The more we purify ourselves, the closer we become to the Divine.
And what about "descent"? That's the opposite. It signifies an "increase in opacity," a thickening of the veil that separates us from spiritual truth. It's when we get caught up in our own desires and illusions, losing sight of the bigger picture.
So, when we say that a "lower level ascends upward," it means something quite profound. It means that the lower level – perhaps a part of ourselves that feels stuck or limited – has undergone a process of purification. It has become "as purified as the upper level." And here's the key: this purification allows it to connect. "The equating of form attaches spiritual entities to one another." When two things share a similar level of purity, they naturally gravitate towards each other.
Now, here's where it gets even more interesting: the idea of "enclothing." When we say that a lower level "enclothes" an upper level, we're talking about a specific kind of connection. It means that the lower level has developed an "equating of form with the external aspect of the upper level." It's like admiring someone from afar. You're drawn to their outer qualities, their achievements, their charisma. You’re connecting to their external manifestation, not necessarily their inner essence. The Sulam Commentary calls this kind of attachment "the enclothing of the upper level."
The important takeaway here is to remember this is a spiritual metaphor for the relationships and connections we have with others and with the Divine.
So, next time you hear about "above" and "below" in a Kabbalistic context, remember that it's not about physical location. It's about the state of our souls. It’s about purity and impurity, clarity and opacity. And it's about the constant, ongoing process of ascent – of striving to purify ourselves and draw closer to the light.
And really, isn't that what we're all striving for, in our own way? To shed the things that hold us back and to connect with something greater than ourselves?