THE PARTZUFIM
After the shattering of the vessels,
the universe was reconstituted into five gestalts known as partzufim.
The first partzuf is comprised of Keter and is known
as Arikh Anpin, Long Face (see TREE 4 and
SEPHIROT INTRO). The second partzuf is comprised
of Chokmah and is known as Abba, Father.
The third partzuf is derived from Binah and is known
as Ima, Mother. The next partzuf is an amalgam of the next six sephirot
- Chesed, Gevurah, Tiferet, Netzach, Hod, and Yesod - and is known as Zer
Anpin, Small Face. Finally, Malchut forms
the last partzuf and is also known as Nukva, dervied from the Hebrew
Nekevah for "feminine".
The partzufim represent a restructured universe which is now both dynamic
and holographic. This new universe is highlighted by connectedness.
Every piece is now a part of every other piece. As a result, communication
and flow of energy can now occur safely and smoothly. Furthermore, such
a flow of energy is absolutely necessary for the health of the universe.
At all levels, as soon as the giving stops, deterioration begins. This is
just the second law of thermodynamics. We can only preserve the balance
if we take what we have been given in life and learn how to give it away
to others.