Jewish mysticism, specifically the ancient text Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, uses a similar image to describe a complex spiritual state.
It speaks of a state called "Back-to-Back." Now, what does that mean? Imagine two powerful flames, each blazing intensely, yet facing away from each other. They're close, almost touching, but "each closed up in itself so that neither reveals its lights." It's a potent image, isn't it?
Why is this "Back-to-Back" state significant? Because influence, or divine flow, must come down from above. The text emphasizes that "without it, the world could not survive at that time." Think of it like rain nourishing the earth. Without that constant flow of blessing and sustenance, creation would wither. But in this Back-to-Back scenario, the flow is "incomplete and is not properly attuned." Something is hindering the connection.
What happens next is crucial. There's an "excitation," a surge of energy. But here's the catch: this surge brings with it the quality of Judgment (Din). Now, don't misunderstand. Judgment isn't necessarily negative. It's about setting boundaries, defining limits. It sustains creation, yes, but "in a limited way with no radiation of the Face whatever."
"Radiation of the Face"—that's a powerful phrase. It speaks of divine presence, of unveiled glory. Its absence suggests a hiddenness, a constriction. We’re getting only a limited, indirect sense of the Divine.
The text continues: "...but it gains sway in that mode of flashing excitation. In other words, not with a full radiation." The energy comes in bursts, flashes, but it's not a steady, illuminating radiance. The power exists, it's even surging, but it's somehow...contained, not fully expressed. The light is there, but it's not yet able to illuminate everything fully.
This idea of limited influence, of contained energy, resonates deeply. Don't we often experience moments where we sense potential, a possibility for connection or growth, but something holds it back? Perhaps it's fear, perhaps it's a lack of trust, or perhaps it's simply the inherent limitations of our human perspective.
Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah offers a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of the spiritual realm, reminding us that even in moments of separation or limitation, the flow of divine influence persists, however subtly. It challenges us to seek the "full radiation," to strive for a connection that transcends the "Back-to-Back" state and allows for a more complete and illuminating expression of the Divine within ourselves and in the world around us. How can we turn to face each other, to share our light more fully? That's the question this ancient text leaves us pondering.