Jewish mysticism wrestles with this very idea – the nature of perception, of revelation, and how we encounter the Divine. Let's dive into a fascinating passage from Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei_Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei Zohar 62, a section of the Tikkunei Zohar, which itself is a collection of commentaries on the Zohar, the foundational text of Kabbalah.
The passage opens with a distinction: seeing with eyes shut is likened to an "appearance in a dream," while seeing with eyes open is a "waking appearance." It evokes the verse from the Song of Songs (5:2): "I am asleep, but my heart is awake…" Think about that for a moment. Even in sleep, our inner awareness, our lev (heart), can be alert, receptive to messages from a deeper realm.
What does it mean to "see" spiritually? It's not just about physical sight, is it?
The text introduces us to two intriguing figures: Sagron and Patḥon. These are described as "appointees," perhaps angelic beings, who guard something vital. And then comes Metatron, a figure of immense importance in Jewish mystical tradition. Here, Metatron, who is called by the name of both Sagron and Patḥon, is said to be appointed over "these two keys." What keys? Keys to unlocking understanding, perhaps? Keys to different levels of consciousness? The Tikkunei Zohar isn't always explicit; it invites us to ponder and interpret.
Now, the passage shifts focus to the Sefirah (divine attribute) of Tipheret, often associated with the "Middle Pillar" on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. Tipheret represents balance, harmony, and beauty. From the perspective of Tipheret, the Shekhinah – the Divine Presence, often seen as the feminine aspect of God – is considered a "waking appearance."
And who embodies this "waking appearance"? Moses! The text reminds us of Numbers 12:8, where God says of Moses: "...mouth to mouth I shall speak with him, and with appearance and not with riddles, and the depiction of Y”Y will he behold.” The "depiction of Y”Y" is a reference to seeing God's "back," as it were – a glimpse of the Divine essence. This verse emphasizes the directness and clarity of Moses's prophetic vision. His experience wasn't veiled in dreams or riddles but was a clear, waking encounter with the Divine.
So, what can we take away from this brief but potent passage? It seems to be suggesting that there are different modes of accessing spiritual truth. There's the dreamlike, intuitive realm, and then there's the clear, direct vision exemplified by Moses. Both are valid, both offer pathways to understanding. But perhaps the "waking appearance," the clarity of perception, is the higher state. It is achieved through a connection to Tipheret and a direct relationship with the Divine, like that of Moses.
Ultimately, this passage from the Tikkunei Zohar reminds us that the quest for spiritual understanding is multifaceted. It requires us to be both receptive to the subtle whispers of our dreams and to actively cultivate a clear, unwavering connection to the Divine in our waking lives. What does "seeing with your eyes open" mean for you? How can you cultivate that clarity in your own spiritual journey?