Adam Kadmon

Kabbalah

In Kabbalah, Adam Kadmon, also known as Adam Elyon or Adam Ila'ah, represents the primordial, archetypal human being from whom all creation is said to emanate.

He is not the same as the physical Adam Ha-Rishon, the first man created. Adam Kadmon is the first of the Four Worlds, a concept central to Kabbalistic thought.


Primordial Essence:

Adam Kadmon is considered the original, unified essence of all existence, from which the four worlds and the Tree of Life emerge.

Not a Physical Being:

He is not a physical, biological being, but rather an archetypal representation of the divine in the universe.

A World of Unity:

Adam Kadmon symbolises a state of unity and interconnectedness, where all things are seen as one.

Connection to the Tree of Life:

The concept of Adam Kadmon is closely linked to the Tree of Life, a symbolic representation of the unfolding of divine attributes.

Symbol of Divine Perfection:

He embodies the highest level of divine manifestation, a source of inspiration and a path to enlightenment.

Not a Divine Figure:

While Adam Kadmon represents a high level of divine creation, he is not considered a deity in himself.

Contrast to Evil:

In some Kabbalistic traditions, Adam Kadmon is contrasted with Adam Beliya'al(evil man), representing the forces of darkness and chaos.