But Jewish mystical tradition, particularly the Kabbalah, doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of creation.

Today, let's delve into something called "the brains of the back" – a rather curious phrase, isn't it? It comes to us from the Introduction to the Sulam Commentary, a vital resource for understanding the intricate system of Kabbalistic thought.

Now, picture this: when these "brains" – really, aspects of divine intellect – first emerge, there's... well, a bit of a squabble. A dispute. The right and left sides just can't seem to agree.

Why the disagreement? The Sulam tells us that the left side, which carries the illumination of Ḥokhma (wisdom), has a tendency to negate the right side. And the right side? It's the bearer of the light of giving. Think of it as a tension between receiving and bestowing.

This tension, this push and pull, this "beating of right and left against each other," is why they're called "the brains of the back." It’s a vivid image, isn't it?

The Sulam, in sections 29-30 (and surrounding sections) uses the terms "face-to-face" and "back-to-back" to describe the dynamics of conflict and harmony. When things are "face-to-face," there’s unity, alignment. But when they're "back-to-back"... well, you get the picture. There's opposition.

So, these "brains," because they're in conflict, are described as being "of the back." The right and left fail to work together harmoniously, hindering the flow of illumination to the levels below. It's like a cosmic traffic jam! : harmony is key. When different aspects of a system are at odds, the whole system suffers.

We've now touched on three key aspects: gestation, infancy, and these "brains of the back." Each represents a stage in the unfolding of the divine process.

And what does it all mean? Perhaps it's a reminder that even within the grand scheme of creation, there's struggle, there's tension, there's the need for resolution. Maybe understanding these "brains of the back" can help us better understand the challenges we face in our own lives, and the importance of striving for balance and harmony within ourselves and in the world around us.