Shekinah – Definition and Meaning, Glory Shekina

Definition and Meaning

Shekinah or shekina is the Jewish-Kabbalistic version of Shakti; the female soul of God. The idea was the God could not be complete, whole, until he was united with her.

The Kabbalists believed that it was God’s lost of his Shekina which brought about evil. From the Hebrew Shekina means «dwelling place,» giving the concept that God had no «home» without her.

Like her Tantric counterpart Shakti, the Sh’kina was the source of all «soul» in the universe. The Gnostic Christians of the fourth century spoke of Sh’kina as a «spirit of glory» in who Beings of Light lived, as children in their mother’s body or home. Many referred to the Aeons of sh’kinas or female spirits of the sacred year.

 

The Kabbalah and Shekinah

The Kabbalists taught that it was essential to bring the male and female cosmic principles together once more. It could possibly be achieved through sexual magic, signifying the union of the sun (man) and the moon (woman). It was graphically expressed by the hexagram.

Philosophically the Kabbalists were saying the supernal mother Shekina is manifested in the earthly mother, with whom her husband should lie on the Sabbath, because «all the six days of the week derive their blessing» from this coupling.

Rabbi Eliahu di Vidas said, «Who has not experienced the force of passionate love for a woman will never attain to the love of God.»

Jewish mystics claimed the «outer garment» of the Shekina is the Torah, «Holy Law.» Man becomes a Bridegroom of the Torah by study, symbolized in erotic imagery.

He has to court her as he would a beautiful maiden:

• «She begins from behind a curtain to speak words in keeping with his understanding, until very slowly insight comes to him».
• » The Shekina as the «Indwelling One» might be compared to the Latin I-dea, or Goddess Within».
• «She opens the door of her hidden chamber ever so little, and for a moment reveals her face to her lover, but hides it again forthwith…
• «He alone sees it and is drawn to her with his heart and soul and his whole being.»

As man requires his Shekina for his enlightenment, so God requires his Shekina for his wisdom and creativity. This is a crucial tenet of Kabbalism.

 

The concept and significance of the «Shekinah Glory» in Jewish theology

It refers to the manifestation of God on Earth.It is understood as the spirit of glory and is often associated with the presence of God in the Temple.

The shekinah glory is a god manifestation on earth,the spirit of glory.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is The history and origins of the concept of Shekinah in Judaism

The history and origins in Judaism are rooted in the Jewish-Kabbalistic tradition. The word «Shekinah» comes from the Hebrew word «dwelling place» and refers to the female soul of God. According to Kabbalistic belief, God is not complete or whole without the presence of Shekinah.

 

Which is The role and significance of Shekinah in Kabbalistic and Jewish mysticism

The role is central to the understanding of the relationship between God and the universe. Kabbalists believed that it was essential to bring the male and female cosmic principles together in order to achieve union with Shekinah and attain enlightenment. They believed that the loss of Shekinah brought about evil in the world.

 

What is the relationship between Shekinah and other religious concepts such as the Torah and the idea of a «Bridegroom of the Torah»

The relationship is also an important aspect of Kabbalistic belief. Jewish mystics claimed that the «outer garment» of the Shekinah is the Torah, or «Holy Law.» Man can become a Bridegroom of the Torah by studying it, which is symbolized in erotic imagery.

 

Comparisons and connections between Shekinah and other religious figures, such as Shakti in Hinduism

There has been made comparisons and connections between it and other religious figures, such as Shakti in Hinduism. Both Shekinah and Shakti are understood as the female aspect of God. Also as the source of all soul in the universe.

 

Practical and ritualistic ways in which the Kabbalists aimed to bring the male and female cosmic principles together and achieve union with Shekinah

It include the use of sexual magic and the hexagram symbol. The union of the sun (man) and the moon (woman) was believed to represent this union.

 

What is the relationship between Shekinah and the idea of evil and the «loss» of God’s Shekinah

It is central to Kabbalistic belief. The Kabbalists taught that the loss of Shekinah brought about evil in the world, and that it was essential to bring her back to God in order to restore balance and harmony.

 

Which is the relationship between Shekinah and the concept of the «Indwelling One» or «Goddess Within»

It is also an important aspect of Kabbalistic belief. The Shekinah as the «Indwelling One» is compared to the Latin I-dea, or Goddess Within. It is understood as being necessary for both human enlightenment and God’s wisdom and creativity.

 

What is The role of sexual magic and erotic imagery in the Kabbalistic understanding of Shekinah.

It is significant. Kabbalists believed that by courting the Shekinah as one would court a beautiful maiden, man could achieve union with her and attain enlightenment. This is symbolized in erotic imagery and the use of sexual magic.

 

A.G.H.

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Source:

Walker, Barbara G, The Woman’s Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets, New York, HarperCollins, 1983, p. 932