Tsimtsum is a Kabalistic* term. It is the first act of God (The Infinite) in the creation. It is the retraction of God’s light from a certain space and encircling it, so as to reduce its intensity and allow created beings to exist. After this contraction, a ray of His light entered this empty space and formed the first Sephirot**.
By these boundaries, He revealed the concepts of rigor and limit needed by the created beings, and gave a space for all the created to exist.
Psychologically, tsimtsum relates to the shrinking of the self and the understanding that power does not make an individual infallible or the same as God. The act of tsimtsum in an individual through meditation might bring about a zen-like state of mind, thereby elevating the mind over matter.
(Compare to the Tree of Life of Yin & Yang.)
Tsimtsum highlights how faith must be felt rather than just iterated. Many consider themselves to be religious when in reality their hearts and minds are void of true belief. On the other hand, there are just as many who steadfastly claim to be agnostic or atheist but who are full of love and compassion for other living creatures and live their lives in a way that could rightly be called “religious.”
*The Kaballah is the mystical and explanation of the Torah
** Enumeration or attribute of Kaballah. (There are ten total, through which God reveals Himself.)
Sources: realm.org.uk and kabbalah5.com.
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Lessons in Literature
One: Most things in literature are intentional. Even when this may not seem to be the case, it very well may be. That said, not all things mean more than what they initially seem. But again, it might. Sometimes water is just water. Other times, though, water is not just water, it's the Ocean of Notions, or the Dull Lake. Take Away: As readers, we must assume that writers are smart, know what they’re doing, and have done so with intention.
Three: Literature is full of contradictions, paradoxes, oxymorons, and ironies. So, too, is life. This doesn't make one thing right and the other thing wrong. Both can exist and be in simultaneous harmony and tension. Take away: Embrace multiple perspectives.
Four: Every interpretation is not correct. Without substantial textual support and a clearly articulated, rational analysis, an interpretation is only as good as a guess. Back up your opinion. Validate it. Take Away: Take us there--to the text, that is.
- Addendum A: Rain usually means something. (But not always the same thing.)
- Addendum B: Names do, too. Like Haroun, Kahani, Mali, Bezeban, and Khattum-Shud.
Three: Literature is full of contradictions, paradoxes, oxymorons, and ironies. So, too, is life. This doesn't make one thing right and the other thing wrong. Both can exist and be in simultaneous harmony and tension. Take away: Embrace multiple perspectives.
Four: Every interpretation is not correct. Without substantial textual support and a clearly articulated, rational analysis, an interpretation is only as good as a guess. Back up your opinion. Validate it. Take Away: Take us there--to the text, that is.
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