Divine Light in Plotinus and the Sefer ha-Bahir. A Comparative Study (original) (raw)

Abstract

Taking Scholem’s famous Ten Unhistorical Aphorisms on Kabbalah as a starting point, I intend to offer a comparison between the ways in which the Neoplatonic and the Early Kabbalistic metaphysics and symbolism of light interact. Through a detailed analysis of several fragments from the Enneads and the Sefer ha-Bahir, I argue that in both cases the concept of divine light is construed analogically: First, there is a clear distinction between the transcendent Principle and its manifested, immanent light. This primordial light however, is considered to be superior to a secondary spiritual light which guides this world, either through philosophy or the Torah, and is accessible to the human mind. Eschatologically significant, the first, brilliant light has to be diminished in order to penetrate the human realm, but will be attainable in the afterlife. Thus, the mind's union with the first light and its ascent to the transcendent God is nevertheless possible for both Plotinus and the Bahir.

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