 Beriah |
Beriah |
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The World of Beriah or "Creation" is, as its name implies,
the first of the Created or Manifest Worlds, but it is also the region
of Archangels, and because of its proximity to Atzilut it is itself extremely
sublime and spiritual.
In keeping with general Kabbalistic cosmology, in the Lurianic system this world was identified with the occultvisionary "Chariot Mysticism" (Merkavah) of the preKabbalistic (first millienum CE) Hekhalot literature. |
Beriah being so far removed from the En Sof,
it draws its vivification through Atzilut, so that Atzilut is in a sense
the "soul" of Beriah. Thus the divine emanation or power exists in
smaller measure and less intensity than in Atzilut. Beriah is the
world where the effect of the tzimtzum is first
felt, and hence individual beings are able to exist. Thus the Lurianic
teachings speak of a Massach or Prassa (curtain, covering)
between Beriah from Atzilut, denoting the immense separation and distinction
between these worlds (Jacob Immanuel Schochet, Mystical Concepts
in Hassidism Kehot Publication Society, Brooklyn New York, 1979, p.110)
Beriah |
Lurianic Kabbalah |