Specifically, let's explore point 47 from that commentary.
We're talking about the "second level of brains of maturity." What does that even mean? Well, in Kabbalistic thought, it refers to the seven lower sefirot (divine attributes or emanations) of Bina, which are established in Yisrael Sabba and Tevuna. These are complex terms, I know. Think of Yisrael Sabba and Tevuna as archetypal figures embodying aspects of the divine intellect.
These seven lower sefirot of Bina, residing within Yisrael Sabba and Tevuna, they need Ḥokhma—wisdom—in order to transmit the light of Ḥokhma to Ze’er Anpin and Nukba. Now, Ze’er Anpin and Nukba are often understood as representing the masculine and feminine principles, or even the more manifest aspects of creation that we can relate to. So, the wisdom needs to flow down to them.
And how does this transmission happen? According to the Sulam Commentary, at the "phase of maturity," the yod (a letter in the Hebrew alphabet, often associated with the divine spark) exits from the avir—the "air" or inner space—of these seven lower sefirot. Then, the light of Ḥokhma returns to them. Imagine it like a cosmic reset button, recalibrating the flow of wisdom.
But here's the kicker: Yisrael Sabba and Tevuna don't actually receive the Ḥokhma for themselves. Why? Because they are of Bina, which is all about giving. As the text states, all of Bina, whether the first three sefirot or the lower seven, is from the "light of giving." They're like cosmic conduits, channeling wisdom without retaining it.
Remember, as the Sulam Commentary and other sources explain, Yisrael Sabba and Tevuna are part of the partzuf (divine countenance or configuration) of the seven lower sefirot of the level of Bina of Arikh Anpin, which is the first partzuf of the world of Atzilut (the world of emanation). That's a mouthful! But essentially, we're talking about the very structure of the divine realm. None of the level of Bina of Arikh Anpin receives the light of Ḥokhma for its own sake. Its purpose is to transmit that light to the lower levels, to Ze'er Anpin and Nukba.
This idea, that Bina only contains the light of giving, is crucial. It highlights a fundamental principle in Kabbalah: that the higher realms are constantly working to support and nourish the lower realms. As we see in section 36 and beyond, there's a whole complex relationship going on between Yisrael Sabba and Tevuna and Ze'er Anpin and Nukba.
So, what does this all mean for us? Perhaps it's a reminder that true wisdom isn't about hoarding knowledge, but about sharing it, about being a conduit for light and understanding. Maybe it's about recognizing the divine flow that's constantly moving through the universe, connecting us all. And perhaps, just perhaps, it's about striving to embody that spirit of giving, just like Bina itself.