Evil, Darkness & the Adversary
The reality of opposition, evil, and darkness as either metaphysical forces or consequences of ignorance. Traditions grapple with evil's origin and ultimate defeat.
“Two primordial spirits exist from the beginning: the Holy Spirit brings order and righteousness; the Destructive Spirit brings chaos and evil.”
“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world.”
“I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.”
“Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of the daybreak from the evil of that which He has created, and from the evil of the darkening dawn.”
“Do not follow evil; do not live heedlessly. Do not follow false views. Be not heedless in the pursuit of truth.”
“The divine qualities lead to liberation; the demonic qualities lead to bondage. Know that the godly are destined for freedom.”
“The Demiurge, an inferior creator, brought darkness and matter into being; the divine spark in humans calls them to transcend this realm.”
“The other side (sitra achra) represents separation from divine unity; through tikkun (restoration), darkness returns to light.”