Question: A scientific mathematical device makes it possible to accurately and adequately describe our reality. For example, quantum electrodynamics describes the properties of an atom with fantastic accuracy through a mathematical method.
Can Kabbalah explain the adequacy and effectiveness of the mathematical apparatus? Many mathematicians and theoretical physicists think that mathematics in itself is a separate reality.
Answer: Mathematics doesn’t talk about things directly; on the other hand, it is a very concrete discipline. It is really impressive! In other words, mathematics is a language that suits absolutely all sciences.
The wisdom of Kabbalah [1], in practice, too, is built on calculations of heights and levels and grades similar to grading electronic charges, photons, etc. In Kabbalah, everything is built on the units of energy that constantly mix with and contact each other, connect with and detach. As a result, it creates in the observers (us) the sensation of this world.
That’s why mathematics serves as a basis for Kabbalah. On one hand, the word “Sefira” means “to shine”, but on the other hand it can be translated as “to calculate.” So in Kabbalah, as in all other disciplines, everything is built on calculations. It’s impossible to abide without calculations.
Kabbalah uses terminology that seems to be borrowed from psychology, philosophy, and even fairy tales: such as a mysterious transformation with a wave of a magic wand.
In fact, it is just a convenient description of a transformation of certain materials into another, an example of transition between different levels, etc., because such a language is more concise and clear to scientists. However, if it is translated into a mathematical language, one sentence can turn into a big book.
Kabbalah doesn’t relate to the Torah [2] as a regular narration (story). For example, if it says, “Moshe took something and went somewhere…” it denotes a certain energy level at which human sensation rises from one level to another. Changing the properties of a person begins to expand in the description of something really huge.
Sometimes, in order to resolve a small mathematical problem, it is necessary to write a book that presents the problem in a way that the readers understand what the problem is about. The same applies here.
That’s why in Kabbalah the mathematical device is not obvious or clear. Gematria (numeric values of letters and words) is a different story. When an ordinary man reads books that are solely based on the language of Gematria [3], he won’t understand a thing, just as he cannot understand higher mathematics.
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From KabTV’s “Kabbalah and Science” 10/7/15
Related Material:
The Measuring Unit Of Bestowal: The Ten Sefirot [4]
Kabbalah – The Science Of The Future [5]
A Kabbalist Is His Own Lab [6]