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The word “level” has multiple meanings and usages in the writings of the Sulam, though these different meanings share a common core. The main idea is a reference to a layering structure in existence. At the “top” of the layers is the Source of all existence, the endless supernal light of the Ein Sof, the Endless One. This light shines “downward” through a series of layers, barriers or filters, ultimately manifesting in the form of the world we experience. It is these layers that give rise to the diversity and multiplicity we perceive in the created world around us, as the light “appears” differently after each layer it traverses. There are many different kinds of layers in this system, and these form the different levels referred to in the text. Generally, there are five main structures of levels, which are the worlds of Adam Kadmon, Atzilut, Beria, Yetzira and Asiya. However, within each of these categories are also many levels or layers. Additionally, the sefirot, the main ingredients of all creation, are often described as “levels,” because they form the structures of the various layers of creation. Similarly, the more complex constructs of the partzufim are referred to as levels as well. In addition to these layered levels, the Sulam describes how each aspect and level within existence contains all other aspects and levels. For example, each of the five main sefirot are described as levels, and also as individually containing all five of the sefirot. Each of the five sefirot comprising one sefira are said to be five levels within that individual sefira. This structure is somewhat similar to that of fractal geometry, in which macrostructures are mirrored by microstructures, and large structures are formed of smaller, parallel structures. Thus, when the word “level” appears, it is important to be attentive to the discussion in the text, and to realize the word is used with some liberality, as opposed to one fixed type of usage. Fundamentally, it always refers to the layered structure of reality in some way, though there is variance in its application in each context.
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