There are a number of ways to count and categorize the sefirot. The most well-known count is that of ten, including Keter, Hokhma, Bina, Hesed, Gevura, Tiferet, Netzah, Hod, Yesod and Malkhut. This count can be thought of as the “core” sefirot, the root ingredients of everything in existence. However, an alternative count of ten sefirot removes Keter and adds the sefira of Da’at after Bina. Da’at is not a true substitute for Keter, as it is not one of the core sefirot. Instead, it is a pseudo-sefira formed during a process called the “rectification of lines.” During this process, and as a result of the second constriction, two columns of light are formed, one associated with the right (the light of giving), and one associated with the left (the light of Hokhma, able to be received only by vessels formed of the will to receive). These two columns are described as in conflict, unable to “work together” and therefore unable to serve their function of merging and transmitting supernal light to lower levels. The rectification of this conflicted state comes through a middle line or column of light that ascends from below and mediates between the two sides. The root of this middle column is Ze’er Anpin, the partzuf below, and its ascended form is Da’at, the pseudo-sefira meant to unite the opposing sides.
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