Zain | ז
Zain represents the energy of movement .
It represents the force of wisdom. The number seven is the number that represents the zain, it is the number of the Shabbat where the forces are consolidated and regrouped. Because it is during the Sabbath rest when we create the energies for the future. On the seventh day (Shabbat), we accumulate the energy of the Chokmah, in order to transfer it to reality.
Therefore, the zain represents the seven days of creation, the seven days of the week, the seven heavens, the seven heavenly palaces, the seven periods of seven years to reach the jubilee and the seven branches of the menorah.
On the other hand, the zain represents the energy involved in deciding between values and reality. For that reason, in this path is where wisdom is connected with strength, because those values that are sustained in the mind must possess the strength to be practiced in reality. In this sense, the zain symbolizes a weapon, the energy of self-defense. The weapon represents the inner struggle between what we want to be (Chokmah) and what we can be (Gevurah). Thus, to get the food (Chokmah) we must work in a constant struggle (Gevurah). The strength to achieve the goals of wisdom is found in zain. One can find the balance of wisdom if one works and strives for it, placing the precise limits where they are due.
ז
Chokmah-Guevurah
Setting limits with wisdom. What a difficult task. When the "I" decides to set limits to others and to itself, many times it does not set them, but imposes them.
We must "sweeten the limits", as Isaac Luria says.
When I attain wisdom, I must recognize that in the higher levels of the dimensions I can grasp an immense light coming from the higher universe.
However, the dimension of Guevurah tells me that I must be wise even in the most serious limitations. If I reach a glimmer of the Chokmah I know that I must set limits to guard my private life, to create a desert of solitude to the "I".
The apprentice sage needs to have some time available to grow in the light, and decides to activate the limits in front of others and in front of himself.
When the apprentice sage sets aside time for his growth, he is setting clear boundaries for others. If one wishes to grow in wisdom, one cannot spend all day in connection with society and superficial matters; one must concentrate on study and growth.
This requires solitude.
The sage, therefore, must activate his Guevurah to clearly place the limits of time in front of others. Unfortunately, many waste precious introspection time in social activities, which lead to boredom.
Guevurah-Chokmah
When the energy of Guevurah crosses the abyss, it wants to inform the apprentice sage (talmid chacham) that he will never become a sage.
The emotional restraint of the Guevurah is absolutely realistic.
The apprentice sage always wants more and more light.
The dimension of the Guevurah must be activated to point out that there are limits that he must respect. If he accepts the limits of the Guevurah, the Chokmah will be able to ascend faster, because he will be focused on reality. If the apprentice sage loses the energy of the Guevurah and loses contact with reality, he can reach madness. The only way that our wisdom does not lead us to madness is that the energy of the Guevurah is activated and ascends towards the Chokmah. The Hebrew letter Zain, which corresponds to this path, shows us the inner war between the realism of the soul and the desire for spiritual growth through the Chokmah.