Da'at and the Four Levels of Pain in Kabbalah
According to Rabbi Michael Macks, Da'at דַּעַת refers to the way we connect through levels of consciousness to events we experience in life, how we percieve them, and how we allow these events to shape our awareness. There are four levels of Da'at, each reflecting a deeper connection to our perception of reality, how we experience pain, and meaning to such pain in life.
Level 1: Da'at at Taḥton - (Lower Awareness)
At this state of self-consciousness towards one's pain, the individual sees pain as random, meaningless, and disconnected from a higher purpose. Basically, this means that I'm here, my pain is mine and only mine, and nothing higher is causing it. Pain becomes a vacuum void, existing without meaning. Pain at this may lead to a person feeling atsuv (depressed, abandoned) rather than sameach (happiness - having reliable support networks and to be relied upon). In addition, on this level exists a level of disconnection, "I am alone, and my suffering has no meaning."
Level 2: Da'at Beinoni - (Intermediate Awareness)
At this level, pain transitions from meaningless randomness to purpose. For example, when someone goes through a divorce and someone attempts to comfort them by saying, "Everything happens for a reason." Imagine being held by someone when you're going through that pain. This level of consciousness of pain, an element of cognitive or affective empathy is expressed to and from others, which brings comfort and re-frames one's pain as non-random, especially when in group settings such as when people share similar past traumas. At this level, pain still relies on external reinforcement and validation, sometimes comforting or sometimes abandoning (similar to trauma bonding or intermittent reinforcement) Pain is acknowledged as sometimes collective and purposeful, despite maybe not internalizing it with meaning yet. At some point at this level, the individual learns to trust that life has some pattern and order, even if not fully understood.
Level 3: Da'at Elyon - (Higher Awareness)
At this higher level, pain itself becomes transmutating lessons for growth and wisdom. The suffering teaches something about oneself and one's capabilities. Pain provides proof of inner strength and resilence, a turning point for life direction towards self-awareness and understanding of the world. This level of pain becomes a catalyst to changing your life. The individual develops a bigger picture sense. Out of suffering one develops affective and not just cognitive empathy, paying-it-forward to help others through offering compassion and wisdom from life's painful events.
Level 4: Da'at Od Milvado - Absolute
This is the highest level that transcends thought itself. Pain is no longer just meaningful or with purpose, it i recognized as purely an expression of Divine. One experiences awe of the Creator and even gratitude for pain itself, without needing to justify or seek purpose. Suffering is seen as oneness with G-d's presence, not separated.
In addition, this level embodies teachings of the sages, such as Rabbi Akiva, who says, " All that G-d does is for the good." Rabbi Akiva's teacher Rabbi Nachum Ish Gamzu states, "This too is for the good." I remember when the Roman soldiers came to execute Rabbi Akiva, he would not fear because he would say the Shema prayer.
So the levels of pain are from disconnection > to trust > transformation > oneness
Da'at is the knowledge of the spiritual spectrum of how we connect life's events, especially when faced with challenges such as pain.
Macks, M. (Host). (2025, June 5). Ep 9 – 4 ways to relate to pain [Audio podcast episode]. In Practical Spiritual Tidbits. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6IEEcvHfoKtyxvMoeXt3E3?si=0785f07b65394f30
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