According to the Sulam Commentary, this rectification, or Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">tikkun, is rooted in the idea of Malkhut – which we can think of as the Divine Feminine, or the aspect of receiving – ascending to Bina, the aspect of understanding. This ascent creates two distinct sides within the ten sefirot, the emanations of God.
Now, what do we mean by "female" in Kabbalah? It's not about gender in the conventional sense. Instead, "female" refers to a vessel, a container with limits and boundaries. When Malkhut ascends to Bina, it brings with it the limitations and judgments inherent in its nature, especially those stemming from the initial constriction, or tzimtzum. This introduces a limiting dynamic within Bina itself.
The Sulam explains that this intermingling results in each sefirah having a left and a right side. Malkhut, with its inherent limitations, becomes the left side, while the sefirah itself represents the right. And here’s the kicker: the left side, in a sense, impairs the right.
Why this conflict? In Kabbalah, "right" and "left" aren't just about physical positions. "Right" symbolizes the spiritual dynamic of giving, embodying the light of ḥassadim, the light of loving-kindness. "Left," on the other hand, represents a context where this light of giving is lacking, reflected by Malkhut, which primarily draws the light of Ḥokhma, the light of wisdom.
Think of it as a contest between two types of light. The light of Ḥokhma, drawn directly from the Creator, is the animating force of creation. It seems superior. But the light of ḥassadim represents our desire to give back to the Creator, reflecting our capacity for giving and connecting us through shared intention. One light is more about receiving, the other about giving.
So, how do we reconcile these two? How do we "rectify" these lines? The Sulam tells us it's about incorporating them together, allowing us to receive in order to give. When the supernal light engages with the limitations of Malkhut within Bina, a "fusion through collision" occurs. This collision gives rise to a middle line, uniting and balancing the two opposing forces.
Without those initial judgments in Malkhut, there would be no collision, no fusion, and the light of giving wouldn't be as abundant. This interaction leads to a surge of the returning light of giving. The Sulam describes this as an excess of the light of giving within the level, a testament to the activated role of Malkhut.
The Sulam even offers an alternative explanation for this rectification in Talmud Eser Sefirot, Vol. 7, section 56.
Now, why is this "rectification of Malkhut" sufficient at this level? Because we're dealing with the first three sefirot, which primarily require the light of giving. The lower six sefirot, the "extremities," will need the illumination of the light of Ḥokhma, so their rectification will be a bit more involved.
Ultimately, this process elevates Malkhut, the left side, to a position of equal importance with the sefirah itself, the right side. It's a powerful reminder that both receiving and giving are essential aspects of our spiritual journey. They are not mutually exclusive, but rather interconnected forces that need to be balanced and integrated for true wholeness.
So, the next time you feel that inner tension between taking and giving, remember the rectification of lines. It's a cosmic dance, a delicate balance, and a powerful invitation to find harmony within ourselves and in our relationship with the Divine.