We're plunging into some deep Kabbalistic waters today, so hold on tight.
We're going to explore a concept from the Sulam Commentary, specifically point 41 from its introduction. It deals with the intricate structure of Bina, a crucial aspect of the divine realm of Atzilut. Don't worry, we'll break it down.
Okay, so what exactly is Bina? In Kabbalah, Bina (Hebrew for "understanding") is one of the ten Sefirot, the emanations through which the divine reveals itself. Think of them as blueprints for creation.
Now, this Bina isn't a monolithic thing. It has layers, aspects, nuances. The text mentions the "first three of Bina." What's that about?
Well, these "first three" are referred to as Abba and Imma in the partzufim. Partzufim (Hebrew for "faces" or "personae") are complex configurations within the Sefirot, kind of like different arrangements of the same basic building blocks. Abba (father) and Imma (mother) represent the intellect and intuition, the masculine and feminine principles within Bina. They are sometimes called Abba Ila'in and Imma Ila'in, meaning "supernal father" and "supernal mother."
And here's where it gets really interesting. This aspect of the "first three" is described as the Ḥokhma of the right. Ḥokhma (wisdom) is another of the Sefirot, and it's associated with the right side. So, in essence, this part of Bina is connected to the flow of divine wisdom.
But why is this important? Because, as the text reminds us, the Bina of Arikh Anpin – that's the "Long Face" or "Long Patience," a specific Partzuf – was displaced due to the ascent of Malkhut (kingship, the final Sefirah) during the second constriction (tzimtzum). The tzimtzum is a complex idea, but basically, it refers to the initial act of divine self-limitation that allowed for creation to occur. Because of the ascent of Malkhut, Bina was somewhat altered in its place within the divine structure.
The Sulam Commentary explains that Bina has a higher aspect - the "first three," Abba and Imma Ila'in that we've been discussing - and a lower aspect, represented by Yisrael Sabba and Tevuna.
So, what does all this mean for us?
Well, it illustrates the incredible complexity and dynamism within the Kabbalistic understanding of the divine. It shows us that even within a single Sefirah like Bina, there are multiple layers, interconnections, and movements. It’s a reminder that the spiritual realms are not static, but constantly evolving and interacting. And perhaps, in understanding these complex structures, we can gain a deeper insight into the nature of reality itself.