Zeir Anpin’s ascent – after the Second Maturity

What Zeir Anpin receives even in the Second Maturity is not called an ascent for him. Only when he rises further afterwards is it called an ascent.

Having discussed the concept of ascents, we will now explain the significance of the Second Maturity, which is not an ascent.

What Zeir Anpin receives… Zeir Anpin receives his Mental Powers from Abba and Imma, and until he has received them it is not called an ascent. On the contrary, it is Abba and Imma who come down to Zeir Anpin, lowering their Netzach-Hod-Yesod to his level, and crowning and adorning him.

…even in the Second Maturity… As explained earlier, Second Maturity is only the conferral of mental powers, although now they are given by Abba and Imma and not merely by Israel Sabba-Tevunah.

…is not called an ascent for him. Only when he rises further… For then he no longer depends on Abba and Imma giving him, because they have already given him what he needs, and now it is Zeir Anpin that ascends. Thus:

…afterwards is it called an ascent. All that comes after the Second Maturity is considered an ascent. • “Understand this through the ascents of Shabbat: on Shabbat night Zeir Anpin receives the encompassing levels in his interior, and then attains the Second Maturity… But only in the morning is the Second Maturity altogether complete, after which he literally ascends to Netzach-Hod-Yesod of Imma during the Morning Prayer” (Pitchey Chochmah VaDaat ch. 56).