גן עדן העליון (Gan Eden HaElyon), or the Upper Garden of Eden, is the higher of two general categories of גן עדן (Gan Eden), a level which a soul merits to ascend to based on its כוונה (kavanah - intention and dedication) in performing מצוות (mitzvot) and studying תורה (Torah).[1]
This entry is severely incomplete.
Definition
In general, גן עדן is a spiritual realm where the soul, after the death of the body, enjoys the pleasant consequences of its good deeds in its physical life.[2] In גן עדן, the soul experiences what is described as "enjoying the radiance of G-d's presence,"[3] which is the delight of studying the spiritual form of the הלכות (Halachot) of תורה that were learned during one's lifetime.[4] The תורה one studied לשמה (for its own sake) becomes the nourishment for the soul, while the מצוות one performed become its garments.[5]
While there are myriads of levels in גן עדן,[6] they are generally divided into two main categories: the Lower Garden of Eden (גן עדן התחתון) and the Upper Garden of Eden (גן עדן העליון). The difference between them is likened to the difference between the concealed world (עלמא דאתכסיא) and the revealed world (עלמא דאתגליא).[7]
Distinction from גן עדן התחתון
The level a soul reaches is dependent on its service of G-d during its life. A soul ascends to the Lower גן עדן as a reward for the performance of מצוות.[8] To ascend to the Upper גן עדן, which is a level and category unto itself, requires the merit of proper כוונה (intention and dedication) in one's divine service.[9] Not all souls merit to ascend to this higher level.[10]
The revelations in גן עדן are an expression of the Divine light that fills all worlds (ממלא כל עלמין). Since this light is characterized by divisions and levels, גן עדן itself contains many levels, with the primary distinction being between the Upper and Lower realms.[11] This is in contrast to the עולם הבא (the coming world), which is generally considered one level.[12]
Teachings of the Rebbeim
The delight of גן עדן is described as "a very great and wondrous delight to no end." It is considered so precious that it is worthwhile to endure all the sufferings of purgatory, even if only to enter into the lower Garden of Eden, and certainly to enter the upper Garden of Eden.[13]
The ability to experience these revelations comes specifically through the study of תורה in this world. This is in accord with the teaching, "Happy is he who arrives here with his learning in his hand."[14]
References
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717
- ↑ Tanya, Chapter 5.
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717, citing Talmud Bavli, Brachot 64a.
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717, citing Talmud Bavli, Pesachim 50a.