Da'at

**Da'at** or **Daas** ("Knowledge", Hebrew: דעת‬) is a word in the Hebrew language. In the branch of Jewish mysticism known as Kabbalah, Da'at is the location (the mystical state) where all ten *sefirot* in the Tree of Life are united as one.

In Da'at, all *sefirot* exist in their perfected state of infinite sharing. The three sefirot of the left column that would receive and conceal the Divine light, instead share and reveal it. Since all sefirot radiate infinitely self-giving Divine Light, it is no longer possible to distinguish one *sefira* from another; thus they are one.

Da'at is not always depicted in representations of the *sefirot*; and could be abstractly considered an "empty slot" into which the germ of any other sefirot can be placed. Properly, the Divine Light is always shining, but not all humans can see it.

The concealment or revelation of the Divine Light shining through Da'at does not actually happen in Da'at itself. It only appears that way from the human perspective within Malkuth. The *perception of change* can only occur in Malkuth. Humans who become self-giving (Altruism), like the Light, become able to see it, and for them the benefits of Da'at's light seem "revealed". However, humans who remain selfish (Selfishness) cannot see it, and for them its benefits seem "hidden".

## As a representative sefirah

Properly, Da'at is not a sefirah, but rather is all ten sefirot united as one. Nevertheless- Da'at is sometimes counted as a sefirah instead of Keter, from the perspective of finite creation, using Da'at to represent the "reflection of" (the "inner dimension" of) the infinity of Keter. Thus Da'at appears in the configuration of the sefirot along the middle axis, directly beneath Keter. It corresponds to the image of God. Alternate countings of the sefirot produce 10 powers ("10 and not 9, 10 and not 11" - *Sefer Yetzirah*) by either including Keter or Da'at. Cordovero describes the sefirot as one light in ten vessels. Luria follows this, but lists sefirot beginning with Chokhmah (Wisdom) to describe their outer dimensions.

## As spiritual state

The kochos hanefesh "spiritual state" corresponding to the sefirah of *Da'at* is *yichud* ("unification").

In the occult belief-system of Thelema, the Night of Pan is related to the progression through Da'at. The City of the Pyramids and Babalon is on the "other shore".

## As aspect of intellect

According to the *Tanya*, Da'at is the third and last conscious power of intellect. But in this context, it is actually the lower Da'at of the *partzuf* of *Zer Anpin* (not upper Da'at of Adam Kadmon).

*Zer Anpin* refers to the 'personification' (*partzuf*) of six sefirot from Khesed to Yesod - and as a whole embodies its own ten sefirot and its own Da'at. Zer Anpin personifies the revelation of the Torah and relates to the second level of the human soul called "spirit" (*ruach*), that corresponds to mental aspects, including reason and emotion.

Accordingly, Da'at is associated in the soul with the powers of memory and concentration, powers which rely upon one's "recognition" (*hakarah*) of, and "sensitivity" (*hergesh*) to, the potential meaningfulness of those ideas generated in consciousness through the powers of *Chokhmah* ("wisdom") and *Binah* ("understanding").

## Levels

Da'at operates on two levels. The higher level, referred to as *Da'at Elyon* ("higher knowledge") or *Da'at hane'elam* ("the hidden knowledge"), serves to secure the continuous bond between the two higher powers of intellect -- *chokhmah* and *Binah*, wisdom and understanding. This is Daat within Keter.

The lower level, referred to as *Da'at Tachton* ("lower knowledge") or *Da'at hamitpashet* ("extending knowledge"), serves to connect the intellect as a whole with the realm of emotion; thereby enhancing one's determination and resolve to act in accordance with the essential truths that one has integrated into consciousness. This is Da'at as the third power of the intellect.

### Lower level

Of this level of Da'at it is said (Proverbs 24:4): "And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches." "The rooms" are the chambers of the heart, the emotions of the soul (as alluded to by the word *cheder*, "room," which is an acronym for *chesed din rachamim*, the three primary emotions of the soul). The inner consciousness of Da'at fills these rooms and enlivens them as does the soul to the body.

In the Zohar, this level of Da'at is referred to as "the key that includes six." The "key" of Da'at opens all six chambers (attributes) of the heart and fills them with life-force. Each of these six chambers, when filled with Da'at, is referred to as a particular *dei'ah* ("attitude," from the root of Da'at) of the soul.

Da'at corresponds with the interstitium, in the human body. In the brain, Da'at is represented by the claustrum. Though their form is seemingly separate and dissimilar, their function is fairly similar.