Introduction
The purpose of this article is to both present some basic understanding of two key concepts in kabbalah, how they relate and how we can incorporate these principles in a useful way into our lives to better ourselves (‘tikkun middot’).
The main concepts and outline for this are:
- The Tree of Life
- The Four Worlds of Existence
- The Tree in Each World
- Principles for Tikkun Middot
Basically, the “Tree of Life” is a representation of certain emanations/characteristics of G-d in terms we can relate to. The Four Worlds are a way ‘existence’ is understood, in terms of three levels contained within Creation; physical, angelic, heavenly as well as that which ‘existed’ prior to Creation.
PART 1: TREE OF LIFE
Why a diagram?
Why 10 circles?
What do their name mean?
What does their position on the tree mean?
- Horizontally
- Vertically
How do they relate to each other?
- Directly, one on one
- Each having aspects of all the others (i.e. Omer count)
Examples of relationship
- Pairs
- Triads
Other traditions:
- Bahir
- Sha’are Orah
- Toledano
PART 2: FOUR WORLDS
Why 4 worlds?
Characteristics and entities
What about the 5th?
What do their names mean?
How are the worlds divided/connected?
PART 3: THE TREE IN EACH WORLD
How do the Sefirot function in each world?
How spiritual principles function in each world
PART 4: TIKKUN MIDDOT
- Physically
- Emotionally
- Intellectually
- Spiritually