Ohr Yashar (Direct Light)
Ohr Yashar (Direct Light) is the revelation and drawing down of illumination from the name Havayah to be the source for the creation of worlds, as Havayah is related to the term meaning "creation." This refers to the drawing down of light in the order of hishtalshelut (chain-like progression of worlds) from above to below.
There are three reasons for calling this downward flow "Ohr Yashar" (Direct Light):
- To distinguish it from Ohr HaIgul (Encompassing Light, Sovev Kol Almin), which has no beginning or end—indicating its unlimited nature. Ohr Yashar, which flows from above to below, has a beginning and an end, as it shines from the Source to the created beings to give them life, and it is a light that comes with limitation.
- To distinguish it from Ohr Chozer (Returning Light), which shines from below to above, from the transformation of darkness into light, which is the ultimate purpose. Therefore, the light shines there with greater intensity, in the aspect of the Supernal Will—Ein Sof, blessed be He.
Whereas Ohr Yashar—although it is light that comes from the essence of the Source (unlike Ohr Chozer, which is merely reflected from an essence that does not shine on its own)—nevertheless comes with limitation.
- Because it is "Yashar" (straight/direct)—without change in its inner essence. Just as it was before the world was created, when it was G-dly light—contained within its root and source, the Ein Sof, blessed be He—like the sun's light within the sun, where it was completely nullified and united with its source, so too after the world was created. Even though the light was drawn down after the tzimtzum (contraction) in a limited form, nevertheless—in its inner essence it did not change, and it remains G-dly light. As it is written, "I, Havayah, have not changed"—I have not been altered, and it is "yashar" (straight/direct)—as it is above, so it is below.
See also
- Ohr Chozer (Returning Light)