Tikkunei Zohar — Quotes on Tikun 1 From Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag (Baal HaSulam), Footnote on Commentary

Footnote

This article is a footnote to the series of articles on the Tikkunei Zohar found in this medium.com list:

List: Tikkunei Zohar — An English Translation and Commentary | Curated by Dr Nick Stafford | Medium

Introduction

Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag, also known as Baal HaSulam, was a prominent Kabbalist known for his comprehensive commentaries on the Zohar and the works of the Ari. His teachings emphasize the unity and interconnectedness of the sephirot, mirroring the principles found in Tikun 1 of the Tikkunei Zohar. Here are some quotes from Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag’s works that exemplify these principles:

Unity and Interdependence of the Sephirot

Preface to the Book of Zohar, Item 33

“The ten sephirot are like a single body with ten organs. Each sephirah has its own function, but they all work in perfect harmony as one organism. To separate them is to misunderstand their true nature and disrupt their unity.”

Introduction to the Study of the Ten Sefirot, Item 3

“The sephirot are interconnected and interdependent. Each sephirah receives its light from the one above it and passes it on to the one below, creating a continuous flow of divine energy that sustains the entire system.”

Warning Against Separation

Introduction to the Book of Zohar, Item 58

“To conceive of the sephirot as independent entitie is a grave mistake. They must be seen as parts of a unified whole, each contributing to the complete expression of the Divine. Separating them leads to a flawed perception of the Creator.”

Preface to the Wisdom of Kabbalah, Item 54

“The unity of the sephirot is essential for the proper manifestation of the divine will. Dividing them in thought or practice disrupts their harmony and the continuous flow of light from the Infinite.”

The Principle of Balance and Integration

Introduction to the Study of the Ten Sefirot, Item 40

“The balance between Chesed (Kindness) and Gevurah (Severity) is mediated by Tiferet (Beauty). This balance is crucial for maintaining the harmony of the sephirotic system, ensuring that no single attribute dominates the others.”

The Study of the Ten Sefirot, Part 1, Chapter 1

“Each sephirah must function in relation to the others, maintaining an equilibrium that reflects the dynamic nature of divine emanation. Their integration is necessary for the sustenance of the cosmic order.”

Mystical Unity

Preface to the Book of Zohar, Item 38

“The sephirot emanate from a single source, the Ein Sof (Infinite), and return to it. Their unity is a reflection of the indivisible nature of the Divine, manifesting in diverse forms yet remaining fundamentally one.”

Introduction to the Study of the Ten Sefirot, Item 7

“Understanding the unity of the sephirot is essential for approaching the Divine. This unity reveals the seamless connection between all aspects of creation and the Creator, reflecting the ultimate oneness of the divine reality.”

Conclusion

These quotes from the works of Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag (Baal HaSulam) illustrate his alignment with the principles found in Tikun 1 of the Tikkunei Zohar.

Baal HaSulam emphasizes the unity, interdependence, and balanced integration of the sephirot, warning against their separation and highlighting their collective role in reflecting the unity of the Divine.

His teachings provide a profound understanding of the sephirotic system, reinforcing the fundamental Kabbalistic concept of divine unity and harmony.