The relationship between the Neshama (soul or spiritual component of the person) and the body (physical component) is similar to what we discussed previously. The Neshama is the bestower; the body is the vessel which receives its light.
Our initial understanding is that each of these is a half and the two halves, when combined, form a whole. The Neshama cannot shine below if it has no body; the body would be lifeless without a Neshama and could do nothing at all. Therefore, they are each half which, when united, form a complete being. This viewpoint presents us with two equal halves which contribute to make a whole.
However, the reality is that the relationship is that of a light and the lamp which contains it.These are not two halves that form a whole, but one holistic object. This is a completely different viewpoint, and it is the basis to understanding the relationship between man and Hashem.
In the first understanding each half has its own existence, but with the view of light and a containing vessel, the light is all and the vessel is nothing without the light. The existence of the vessel is solely to serve as a receptacle for the light and thereby to enable it to shine upon its surroundings. In this way they form a complete object.
Without the vessel the light cannot shine, it would be like a flame without a wick. But as it has a vessel from which to shine it is complete. The vessel is merely serving the light to enable it to shine and has no separate significance. The vessel fulfills its purpose by receiving the light and not in any other way. The complete unit is formed by the vessel serving the light and the light attaching itself to the vessel.
Our initial understanding is that each of these is a half and the two halves, when combined, form a whole. The Neshama cannot shine below if it has no body; the body would be lifeless without a Neshama and could do nothing at all. Therefore, they are each half which, when united, form a complete being. This viewpoint presents us with two equal halves which contribute to make a whole.
However, the reality is that the relationship is that of a light and the lamp which contains it.These are not two halves that form a whole, but one holistic object. This is a completely different viewpoint, and it is the basis to understanding the relationship between man and Hashem.
In the first understanding each half has its own existence, but with the view of light and a containing vessel, the light is all and the vessel is nothing without the light. The existence of the vessel is solely to serve as a receptacle for the light and thereby to enable it to shine upon its surroundings. In this way they form a complete object.
Without the vessel the light cannot shine, it would be like a flame without a wick. But as it has a vessel from which to shine it is complete. The vessel is merely serving the light to enable it to shine and has no separate significance. The vessel fulfills its purpose by receiving the light and not in any other way. The complete unit is formed by the vessel serving the light and the light attaching itself to the vessel.
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