Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, offers us a glimpse into those very secrets. Today, we're diving into a fascinating concept: the Bina of Arikh Anpin, specifically as understood through the lens of the Sulam Commentary.
Now, Arikh Anpin – often translated as "Long Face" or "Long Patience" – is one of the Partzufim, or Divine Personas, in Kabbalistic thought. It represents a high level of Divine manifestation, characterized by immense compassion and forbearance. Bina, meaning "understanding," is one of the ten Sefirot, the emanations through which God reveals Himself. Think of them as aspects of the Divine personality, if you will.
So, what's the deal with this Bina of Arikh Anpin being divided? The Sulam Commentary explains that it’s split into two levels: the first three and the lower seven. Why this division? It all goes back to a certain… well, let's call it an "impairment." According to Kabbalistic teachings, when this Bina emerges from the "head" of Arikh Anpin, it experiences a lack of Ḥokhma, or "wisdom."
But here's the crucial point: this lack of Ḥokhma doesn't affect the first three Sefirot of Bina at all. The Sulam tells us they remain in a state of pure giving, a state beautifully alluded to in the verse from Micah (7:18): “For He delights in mercy.” These first three don't actually need the light of Ḥokhma. They are all about bestowing, about pure, unadulterated giving.
Even when Bina was within the "head" of Arikh Anpin, these first three would only receive the light of giving, not the light of Ḥokhma. It's like they're designed for this specific purpose.
So where does this light of giving come from? It’s drawn, we’re told, from the Bina of the direct light. This "direct light" – in Hebrew, Ohr Yashar – is the initial emanation from the Creator, comprised of the ten Sefirot. It’s the root of all creation. And according to Petiḥa LeḤokhmat HaKabbala (section 5), the very essence of this Bina within the direct light is pure giving, devoid of Ḥokhma. The Bina we're discussing here, the one within Arikh Anpin, "yearns" for this very light of giving.
In essence, the first three Sefirot of Bina in Arikh Anpin represent a powerful force of pure altruism, untouched by the lack of Ḥokhma and constantly drawing from the ultimate source of giving. It makes you think, doesn’t it? What does it mean to be a source of pure giving? How can we cultivate that within ourselves? It's a question worth pondering, as we continue to explore the intricate pathways of Kabbalah.