Kether | כתר
Kether, or Crown, is the first of the ten Sefirot and is associated with the highest part of the subconscious. It is described as emerging from Ein Sof, and although it comes from this infinite source, Kether itself is not Ein Sof. It's like an aura surrounding the mind, located at the top of the Tree of Life. Kether is linked with Malkuth in the structure of the Tree of Life, indicating a direct connection between the first and highest Sefirah, Kether, and the last, Malkuth.
Kether unfolds through two Partzufim. The outer Partzuf is called Arich Anpin, known as the "Long Face," embodying the superconscious "Ratzon" (will) of the soul. This "Ratzon" is expansive and limitless, recognizing no barriers in its drive to create and encompass new realities. Arich Anpin manifests the soul's will to give goodness and love infinitely, exemplifying boundless generosity and patience.
On the other hand, the inner Partzuf is called Atik Yomin, or the "Ancient of Days." This represents the superconscious "Taanug" (pleasure) of the soul, a form of delight perceived as a state of "Ayn" (nothingness), filled with serenity and bliss beyond the known. In Atik Yomin lies the spark of the Messiah, initially unaware of its potential and unrecognized by others.
Within Kether's complex structure, three "heads" symbolize different degrees of connection with the divine:
- Reish DeArich, the "long head," refers to infinite will (Ratzon). From the existential feeling of nothingness (Ayn), the experience of limitless expansion emerges, the force of "Ratzon" to forge a renewed and rectified reality.
- Reish DeLo Ityada, the "unknown head," suggests that this level of Kether is neither self-aware nor known by any external consciousness. It represents the source of the soul of the Messiah and symbolizes absolute faith in G-d residing in every Jew, along with the ultimate pleasure (Taanug) anticipated in the world to come.
- Reish DeAyin, the "head of nothingness," is generally associated with the seven lower Sefirot of Atik Yomin, which "clothe" in Arich Anpin. This "head" embodies the ultimate pleasure and tranquility the divine soul experiences as "Ayn." This state of Kether is the origin of intuitive wisdom, a flash of understanding that encompasses a point of the superconscious experience of "Ayn."
These three heads of Kether reflect the multiple meanings of the term Kether in Hebrew. Apart from crown, it also means to wait and to surround. The idea that Kether will become more apparent through Chokhmah and Binah indicates an expectation of future influence and cognition. This process of revelation is crucial in the spiritual experience, promising a deeper connection with the Divine as time unfolds. The "crown" of Kether relates to the spiritual capacity to receive and discern the divine "Taanug" in the soul, while "waiting" is linked to the anticipation of a future manifestation of the divine. Finally, "surrounding" is associated with the omnipresent influence of the divine "Ratzon," guiding and directing all other aspects of the soul, from wisdom to Malkuth.
Kether is more than just a decoration on the head; it is the channel through which the infinite energy of the universe flows into our limited lives. It is cautioned not to delve too deeply into the nature of Kether, as its true understanding is beyond our current human reach.
Kether is the beginning of everything, the first breath of existence. Another Sefirah, Chokhmah, also has this attribute. Chokhmah is also called Reshit, which is the first word of the Torah, Bereshit, meaning "in the beginning." But without Kether, Chokhmah would lack the energy and vitality to expand.
To truly understand Kether, we need to place it within our cosmic framework. It is on the edge of the infinite, representing a concept so vast and abstract that our limited minds struggle to grasp it. This does not mean that Kether is infinite, but that it acts as a bridge between the infinite and our limited understanding.
This linking role makes Kether a symbol of pure life and a hint towards the ultimate reality.
From our limited perspective, true infinity remains a mystery, always just out of reach. Thus, Kether becomes the ultimate symbol of all that exists, even though it is not actually part of it.
On one hand, Kether symbolizes everything good and positive at an unimaginable level of perfection. Yet, it also represents the negation of all qualities. Whatever we say it is, it immediately contradicts. This paradox is part of Kether's dual nature, showing both the near and distant aspects of the divine.
One aspect of Kether dives into non-existence, contemplating what has not yet been revealed—the very essence of the divine, the true being of the eternal. This side of Kether is closely related to the Hebrew word Ayn, meaning "nothing." But this "nothing" is not emptiness; it is a type of void filled with energy waiting to manifest. It is a state beyond being, the highest level of unused energy according to modern physics. Here is where all light begins, the source of the hidden divine.
On the other hand, the other aspect of Kether observes all that has been manifested and presents itself as total perfection. This side of Kether is a constant flow of divine goodness, from which everything emerges. It symbolizes a state of complete abundance: the Supreme Good, where all worlds have existed, exist, and will exist, never depleting the divine essence.
Kether symbolizes total unity, surprisingly combining all kinds of opposites within itself: what exists and what does not, life and death, being and non-being. This leads to a very simple state beyond dualities. Kether sits at the core of pure existence, maintaining perfect balance and happiness. It is the essence of all that is, the core of all cores.
The spiritual experience that Kether provides is profound. It connects us directly with the divine, eliminating any sense of duality. This connection extends from Kether to the domain of Malkuth, encompassing the entire divine. It helps us understand that we are just a fraction of the source of everything, and that our responsibility in this world is to reflect that immense greatness through our actions.
Kether also teaches us that our spiritual growth never ends. There is always something new to learn, another step on the journey towards infinity. Although we may never reach the end, the journey itself, with its challenges and achievements, becomes the core of our spiritual quest.
Kether is the embodiment of pure potential. It reminds us of our ability to improve ourselves and the limitless love and help we can offer others. Kether constantly pushes us in this relentless pursuit of becoming better people, urging us to use more of our latent potential in every aspect of our lives.
Thus, the crown of Kether not only represents where we want to go, but more importantly, the journey we undertake to reach it. It encompasses all our goals, framing our constant quest to be better and to give more in every aspect of life. In summary, the Ratzon in Kether motivates us to surpass ourselves, overcome our limits, and bring out the best in us.
As the initial point in the Tree of Life, Kether is not just a solitary point. It acts as the conductor of a cosmic orchestra, where each musician is a different Sefirah. This divine conductor coordinates and balances all the other dimensions, achieving a harmonious performance in which each Sefirah contributes its part to the symphony of existence.
In this way, Kether symbolizes our natural potential to grow, change, and bring infinite light into our limited world. It guides us on our journey to become better versions of ourselves, constantly pushing us to improve in all aspects of life. It’s a continuous journey of self-exploration and growth that encourages us to strive to be the best we can be. Essentially, Kether is the highest goal for anyone seeking spirituality: to reach the divine, embrace the infinite, and project that infinite light into every aspect of life.
Spiritual experience is about feeling one with everything, reaching the highest level, called Kether, in mystical spirituality. At this level, you feel completely connected to the divine, known in Qabalah as Devekut. Here, the idea of separation or duality completely disappears.
The Eternal is presented as a Divine Presence or "I." This concept is at the heart of the first commandment, which essentially says, "I am G-d, who freed you from slavery, so do not put other gods before me." In other words, G-d frees you from a false version of yourself and asks you to unite fully with Him.
And how is this G-d known? As "Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh," meaning "I will be who I will be." The idea is that G-d is with you everywhere and at all times. When you understand this deeply, you realize that G-d is like a greater "I" that encompasses everything.
This process of uniting with the divine is endless and boundless. The idea that you have reached some sort of final destination, like Kether, is itself an illusion. The true spiritual path is a continuous process of moving towards infinity.
At the level of Kether, the virtue is recognizing that we are in a constant quest to understand more, even though we are limited by our human nature. It is the strength of our will that drives us to keep seeking and growing. We are aware that we will never fully understand the divine truth, but that doesn't stop us from seeking meaning in our own lives. The awareness of our mortality, that our time is limited, fuels this spiritual growth and quest.
Another aspect of the virtue of Kether is understanding that G-d is a unified and endless energy. In terms of thought, Kether is the closest point to infinity, where you feel that all opportunities for intellectual growth are possible.
However, thinking that you have already reached Kether is a mistake known as Qlifah at this level. You must be aware that you are always on an endless journey towards deeper understanding. This journey is continuous and ever-evolving.
Some people struggle to move from Chokhmah to Kether. A failure in Chokhmah can hinder your progress towards Kether. For example, if you say you believe in one G-d but don’t understand the true nature of G-d, you become stuck. The same happens if you inherit your belief in G-d from your parents but don’t feel a personal connection to the divine energy.
On the downside, Kether can make you feel like you know everything, which is dangerous. The infinity of Kether can cause you to get lost in endless thoughts, leading to inaction. The solution is to have clear life goals to avoid wasting energy.
Furthermore, if you reach Kether believing that your wisdom will make you advance, you are mistaken. Even if you are wise compared to others, that wisdom means nothing in the context of G-d's infinity. The true key to entering Kether is recognizing that in the face of G-d's greatness, you are nothing.
In Kether, you realize that you are part of something greater. It’s not that you cease to exist, but you become one with a greater divine energy. In this state, you experience a sense of emptiness that is actually a form of fullness and unity with all that exists.