That, in a nutshell, is what we're talking about when we delve into the concept of the Eyn Sof, often translated as "the Infinite," in Jewish mystical thought. And specifically, we're considering its "simple light."
Now, what exactly is this "simple light"? Well, that's the trick, isn't it? According to the text Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, this "simple light" is precisely that which "simply cannot be described, defined or categorized in any way." Think about that for a moment. It's impossible to say anything about this light.
Why? Because any word we use, any name we apply, inherently limits it. The very act of definition creates a boundary. And the Eyn Sof, by its very nature, is beyond boundaries.
So, if we can't describe it, why even talk about it?
That's where the expression "simple light" comes in. It's a placeholder, a pointer. We use it to refer to the Eyn Sof, blessed be He, in the only way we possibly can. But – and this is crucial – we have to immediately qualify it. We have to negate any limitation that might seem to be implied by the term we've chosen.
It’s like trying to capture the ocean in a teacup. The teacup gives you something to hold, but it utterly fails to contain the immensity of the sea.
Therefore, we say that the light of Eyn Sof cannot be seen. Not in the way we see other things. This is the fundamental difference between Eyn Sof, blessed be He, and the Sefirot.
The Sefirot (spheres or emanations) are, in Kabbalistic thought, the ten attributes or manifestations through which the Eyn Sof reveals itself to the created world. They are, in a sense, a bridge, a way for the infinite to become, at least partially, comprehensible. But the Eyn Sof itself remains beyond our grasp, a radiant mystery.
This idea, that the ultimate reality is both utterly beyond our understanding and yet the source of all being, is a profound one. It challenges us to think beyond our usual categories, to embrace the unknown, and to recognize the inherent limitations of language and thought.
So, the next time you find yourself grappling with something that defies definition, remember the "simple light" of the Eyn Sof. Remember that sometimes, the most profound truths are those that can only be hinted at, never fully captured. And perhaps, in that very act of reaching for the ungraspable, we come a little closer to understanding.