According to the science
of Yoga, beneath a human being’s physical frame is a subtle field of energy
centers. These centers infuse the physical form with life and consciousness. In
Sanskrit these centers are called chakras.
In the Kabbalah, the
mystical teachings of Judaism, we find a similar description of a network of
energy centers…In Hebrew, these energy centers are called sefirot…The centers, or sefirot,
have two major functions. First and foremost they are conduits for the
passage of energy. Every living thing is composed of energy. There is a dynamic
exchange of spiritual power flowing back and forth all the time. Everything is
emanating and absorbing the life force at every single moment. Each sefirah is composed of a particular
energy, and this energy is of a grosser or more refined nature depending on our
state of evolution. Our goal in life is to develop our centers until they are
composed of pure spiritual force. We then become effective instruments for the
distribution of this refined energy into the greater world around us. The
second function of the centers, or sefirot,
is to establish the nature of our consciousness.
--from Walking the Path of the Jewish Mystic, by
Rabbi Yoel Glick
