We will begin this section by offering some definitions of Kabbalistic terms.
(A disclaimer: With many such concepts there are varying ways of understanding them. I do not assume that the way I am presenting is universally accepted or even that it properly conveys the understanding of the authors who I am studying. This is my understanding.)
When we speak of כלים, vessels, it is a reference to a person's (or some other spiritual being's) capacity to engage with and assimilate a particular spiritual concept. Spirituality is spoken of in terms of light, אור, and specifically the light is spoken about in terms of אור פנימי, the Inner Light, and אור מקיף, the Light which Surrounds.
The light of Hashem's spirituality is infinite and can't possibly be fully assimilated by one of His Creations. The אור פנימי is the quantity of light that a person can take within himself. It is that which can fit within his vessel. That which he can comprehend. That which is beyond his ability to conceive of remains אור מקיף, hovering about on the outside. It is there, but unattainable, and in much greater quantity than that which has been taken in.
(A disclaimer: With many such concepts there are varying ways of understanding them. I do not assume that the way I am presenting is universally accepted or even that it properly conveys the understanding of the authors who I am studying. This is my understanding.)
When we speak of כלים, vessels, it is a reference to a person's (or some other spiritual being's) capacity to engage with and assimilate a particular spiritual concept. Spirituality is spoken of in terms of light, אור, and specifically the light is spoken about in terms of אור פנימי, the Inner Light, and אור מקיף, the Light which Surrounds.
The light of Hashem's spirituality is infinite and can't possibly be fully assimilated by one of His Creations. The אור פנימי is the quantity of light that a person can take within himself. It is that which can fit within his vessel. That which he can comprehend. That which is beyond his ability to conceive of remains אור מקיף, hovering about on the outside. It is there, but unattainable, and in much greater quantity than that which has been taken in.
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