גן עדן התחתון (Gan Eden HaTachton) is the Lower Garden of Eden, one of two general categories of Gan Eden, where souls ascend after death to experience the radiance of the Shechinah as a reward for their performance of מצוות in this world.[1][2]
This entry is severely incomplete.
Definition
The myriads of levels in Gan Eden are generally divided into two categories: the Lower Garden of Eden and the Upper Garden of Eden (גן עדן העליון).[3][4] Some souls' ascents are solely within the Lower Garden of Eden, and they do not merit to ascend to the Upper Garden of Eden, which is a level and category unto itself.[5]
Nature of the Realm
The Lower Gan Eden is the spiritual counterpart and antecedent to the physical world of עשיה.[6] It is a realm of utmost refinement that cannot bear the existence of sin, which is why Adam was banished from it.[7] It is also called the "clear world" (Olam Barur), a world where everything is in its proper place and order. For this reason, תשובה (repentance) is no longer effective there, as repentance involves transforming from one state to another, which is inapplicable in this ordered realm.[8]
The Experience of the Soul
After death and purification, a soul enters Gan Eden to enjoy the pleasant consequences of its good deeds.[9] The garments that clothe the soul in the Lower Gan Eden are a result of its performance of *מצוות*.[10] The soul experiences an awareness of G-d's being, described as "enjoying the radiance of G-d's presence."[11] The delight of the souls derives from apprehending the secrets of the Torah with which they busied themselves in this world.[12] This consciousness of G-dliness is not static; souls constantly progress from level to level, as it is stated, "They go from strength to strength."[13][14]
The Divine Revelation
The revelation in Gan Eden is of the aspect of G-d's light that fills all worlds (אור הממלא כל עלמין).[15][16][17] This light is in a state of division, limitation, and subject to immense contractions (tzimtzum), which is why there are various levels in Gan Eden.[18][19] Because the physical body is not an appropriate vessel to receive this revelation, it is experienced only by disembodied souls.[20] This is in contrast to the revelation of the coming world (עולם הבא), which will be of the light that transcends all worlds (אור הסובב כל עלמין) and will be experienced by souls in bodies.[21]
Teachings of the Rebbeim
The pleasure of entering even the Lower Garden of Eden is so wondrous and great that it is worthwhile to endure the suffering of purgatory to experience it.[22]
An aspect of a tzaddik remains in the Lower Garden of Eden after his passing, and from there, it extends itself among his disciples.[23]
References
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5713
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5711
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5711
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717
- ↑ Sefer HaMa’amarim 5717
- ↑ Lessons in Tanya.