2. Divinity in Exile
The Holy Zohar says: “He is Shochen (Dweller), and She is Shechina (Divinity).” We should interpret its words: It is known with regard to the Upper Light, that they say that there is no change, as it is written, “I the Lord change not.” All the names and appellations are only with respect to the Kelim (vessels), which is the will to receive included in Malchut – the root of creation. From there it hangs down to this world, to the creatures.
All these discernments, beginning with Malchut, being the root of the creation of the worlds, through the creatures, is named Shechina. The general Tikkun (correction) is that the Upper Light will shine in them in utter completeness.
The Light that shines in the Kelim is named Shochen, and the Kelim are generally named, Shechina. In other words, the Light dwells inside the Shechina. This means that the Light is called Shochen because it dwells within the Kelim, that is, the whole of the Kelim are named Shechina.
Before the Light shines in them in utter completeness, we name that time, “A Time of Corrections.” This means that we make corrections so that the Light will shine in them in completeness. Until then, that state is called “Divinity in Exile.”
It means that there is still no perfection in the Upper Worlds. Below, in this world, there should be a state where the Upper Light is within the will to receive. This Tikkun is deemed receiving in order to bestow.
Meanwhile, the will to receive is filled with ignoble and foolish things that do not make a place where the glory of Heaven can be revealed. This means that where the heart should be a Tabernacle for the Light of God, the heart becomes a place of waste and filth. In other words, ignobility captures the whole of the heart.
This is called “Divinity in the dust.” It means that it is lowered to the ground, and each and every one loathes matters of Sanctity, and there is no desire whatsoever to raise it from the dust. Instead, they choose ignoble things, and this brings on the sorrow of the Shechina, when one does not make a place in the heart that will become a Tabernacle for the Light of God.