It speaks of an all-encompassing presence, a light that's both intimate and infinite. It’s called the Inner and Encompassing Light, and it's a mind-bender.
The Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, a profound work of Kabbalah, delves into this very idea, exploring these two levels of light that form the foundation of the Sefirot. Now, the Sefirot (singular: Sefirah) are, in Kabbalistic thought, the ten emanations of God's creative power. Think of them as the blueprints of reality, the divine attributes through which the Infinite becomes manifest. And the Inner and Encompassing Light? It’s the power source.
So, what exactly is this Inner and Encompassing Light?
The Zohar, that foundational text of Kabbalah, puts it beautifully in Raya Meheimna (Emor 109b): "He is inside every Sefirah and outside every Sefirah." It’s a paradox, isn’t it? How can something be both internal and external simultaneously?
Think of it like this: Imagine a stained-glass window. The light shining through the glass, giving it color and vibrancy, is like the Inner Light. It permeates every facet, every detail. But there's also light that surrounds the window, bathing it in a glow, setting it apart. That's the Encompassing Light.
According to the Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, the "Line" (a Kabbalistic term referring to the initial act of creation) governs the "Residue" (another Kabbalistic concept referring to the created world) with limitless perfection. This means that every single level of existence is under the constant watch of Eyn Sof – that’s the Infinite, the ultimate source – in all its inherent perfection. Everything that exists, exists solely because Eyn Sof willed it so.
This is why we say that Eyn Sof is found within every single Sefirah, on every side. The Sefirah's very existence, its function, everything, stems from that divine presence. It's not just about creation; it's about constant, unwavering sustenance.
It's a powerful idea, isn't it? That the divine isn't some distant, uninvolved force, but is intimately woven into the fabric of reality, both within and without. It invites us to see the world, and ourselves, in a new light… literally.