The Physical World of Asiyah

The Physical World of Asiyah - Olam Ha'asiyah Hagashmi is the Kabbalistic term describing this physical world. It is explained that the physical world of Asiyah is the lowest part of the world of Asiyah, which is the fourth among the four worlds of ABY"A.

This world is the "lowest world with nothing below it" and it is "full of kelipos and sitra achra which are completely opposed to Hashem."

Its Formation

The physical world of Asiyah, being a physical world, is not formed in the manner of cause and effect. Even through many tzimtzumim (contractions) and hishtalshelus (chain-like progression), it is impossible for physicality to emerge from spirituality - this is only possible through Hashem's power and ability alone.

And although the souls of birds are drawn from the face of the eagle in the Merkavah (Divine Chariot), and the animals from the face of the lion in the Merkavah, and humans from the human form upon the Throne, all this applies only to the soul. However, the physical bodies of birds, animals, and humans were not created from any spiritual aspect but solely through the power of Ein Sof, blessed be He. The concept is that before Ein Sof, blessed be He, physicality and spirituality are equal, since He encompasses and surrounds them and provides life-force to all equally. Therefore, creation does not occur through cause and effect but is created yesh me'ayin (something from nothing). To explain: The progression of cause and effect means that from the lowest level of the higher realm emerges and is formed the level below it, but for the existence of physical "yesh" (something) there is no source whatsoever!

The Purpose of Hishtalshelus and Descent of Worlds

The purpose of the entire order of hishtalshelus and the descent of levels from world to world is the formation of this physical world. For all worlds exist in a state of concealment and descent of the Ein Sof light. But the purpose of the descent of all worlds is that in this physical world, the created being should become nullified to the true existence through the fulfillment of mitzvos. (Although the fulfillment of mitzvos also exists in a spiritual dimension, the ultimate purpose of mitzvos is specifically their fulfillment in this world).

See Also

• The purpose of the soul's descent into this world