Mysticism and Spirituality

The Human Soul

Contrary to many modern [prevailing] ideas about the soul, the Bible teaches that the human soul is more complex than we are aware. The soul is comprised of levels and sub-levels that all influence the (3) modes of human expression; Thoughts, words, and deeds.

The Hidden Orchard

08 Sep 2022 — 3 min read

Photo by Marek Piwnicki / Unsplash

The human soul is more complex than many are aware, comprised of levels and sub-levels that all influence the (3) modes of human expression in this world; Thoughts, Words, and Deeds.

The Hebrew Bible employs (5) different words to distinguish the various levels of the soul, according to the Midrash.

"By five names is the soul called: Nefesh, Ruach, Neshamah, Chayah, Yechidah..."
- Midrash Rabbah, Genesis 14:9

The Sages have spent a considerable amount of time, and for good reason, dissecting and understanding the differences between these levels. These levels represent a virtual ladder of which humankind can develop their consciousness to seek the Creator.

Hebrew	Meaning	Expression	Psychological Understanding
Yechidah*	Singular, Unification	n/a for this article	Spiritual intelligence
Chayah*	Life [eternal]	n/a for this article	Consciousness, awareness of inter-connectedness
Neshamah	Breath	Thoughts	Mind/Egoic intelligence, Divine intellect
Ruach	Wind/Spirit	Words, emotions	Heart. Speech, emotional intelligence, Love and Fear. Can be fine-tuned toward divinity and deeper insights.
Nefesh	"That which has come to rest", aka 'Life force'	Deeds	Body consciousness/Autonomic functions, Parasympathetic/sympathetic systems. Animals also have a Nefesh, an animating force.

Given that these represent our level of consciousness, one will come to understand the depths of Torah according to the level of their unique soul. For instance, someone just beginning the process will read a given text on a plain level (Peshat) and nothing else, whereas, someone with more development will begin to grasp deeper concepts and hidden insights.

Understanding the ways to refine a particular level can enable one to begin to develop a spiritual acuity to perceive the Creator. The inverse is also true. Through misdeeds, careless words, and negative thoughts one will descend the ladder.

Aside from a myriad of potential vulnerabilities that come with a pattern of descension, a downward spiral is manifested as a dulling of the spiritual senses. In this state, one may begin to feel 'cut-off' or disconnected from the Creator. Perhaps, a worse outcome is that one may walk through life without awareness that they have fallen at all.

For those who seek to learn and grow, understand these well and how our thoughts, words, and deeds can be optimized to accelerate our growth process, unlocking new levels along the way.

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