עתיק יומין (Atik Yomin) is a level of כתר (Crown) that represents the aspect of תענוג (pleasure) and is considered the end of the עולם האין סוף.
Etymology
The name עתיק יומין means "The Ancient of Days," as stated in the book of Daniel.[1] The word עתיק (Atik) means antiquity, indicating the eternity of the Essential Self of the limitless light of the Unlimited One as it radiates within the chaining down of worlds.[2] It also shares a root with the word for "removes" (as in המעתיק הרים), signifying that this level is removed from the "days of the world."[3]
Definition
עתיק יומין and אריך אנפין are the two aspects of כתר, representing pleasure (תענוג) and desire (רצון) respectively. They are considered one entity, as one cannot exist without the other.[4] The source of this pleasure is in the Essential Self of the light of The Unlimited One (אור אין סוף), a level called "the Delight of the King in Himself" (שעשועי המלך בעצמו).[5]
Relationship to the Worlds
עתיק יומין is considered the end of the World of The Unlimited One (אין סוף), while אריך אנפין is the beginning and root of the Emanated worlds (אצילות).[6]
The first three ספירות of עתיק יומין are separate and exalted, not becoming invested within the emanated worlds. This is the meaning of the phrase, "The King who alone is exalted… who transcends the days of the world."[7] However, the seven lower ספירות of עתיק יומין do become invested within אריך אנפין. For example, the חסד (Kindness) of עתיק יומין vests within the גולגלתא (Skull) of אריך אנפין, and the גבורה (Severity) of עתיק יומין vests within the מוחא סתימאה (Hidden Brain) of אריך אנפין.[8]
Atika D'Atikin
In the general totality of the chaining down of worlds, this level is called עתיקא דעתיקין (The Ancient of the Ancients).[9] More particularly, it is called עתיק יומין.[10]
Eternity and Time
The term עתיק indicates eternity. When the Essential Self of the limitless light of the Unlimited One, which transcends even the time of "the Preceding Days" (ימי קדם), radiates within time, then time itself becomes eternal and is called עתיק יומין. This is contrasted with the idea that there is no "old age" before the Holy One, blessed is He.[11]
References
- ↑ Daniel 7:9.
- ↑ Shaar HaYichud (The Gate of Unity), ch. 24.
- ↑ Iyov 9:5.
- ↑ Shaar HaYichud (The Gate of Unity), ch. 24,
- ↑ Shaar HaYichud (The Gate of Unity), ch. 24.
- ↑ Etz Chayim, Shaar 42, Chapter 1.
- ↑ Shaar HaYichud (The Gate of Unity).
- ↑ Etz Chaim, Shaar 13, Chapters 6 & 7.
- ↑ Zohar (Idra Rabba) Naso 128a.
- ↑ Shaar HaYichud (The Gate of Unity), ch. 24.
- ↑ Shaar HaYichud (The Gate of Unity), ch. 24, citing Tractate Yevamot 16b.