Editing Kabbalah (section)

=== Levels of the soul ===
[[File:Abraham abulafia.jpg|120px|thumb|Building on Kabbalah's conception of the soul, [[Abraham Abulafia]]'s meditations included the "inner illumination of" the human form<ref>Otzar Eden Ganuz, Oxford Ms. 1580, fols. 163b-164a; see also Hayei Haolam Haba, Oxford 1582, fol. 12a.</ref>]]
The Kabbalah posits that the human soul has three elements: the ''nefesh'', ''ru'ach'', and ''neshamah''. The ''nefesh'' is found in all humans, and enters the physical body at birth. It is the source of one's physical and psychological nature. The next two parts of the soul are not implanted at birth, but can be developed over time; their development depends on the actions and beliefs of the individual. They are said to only fully exist in people awakened spiritually. A common way of explaining the three parts of the soul is as follows:{{sfnmp|1a1=Kaplan|1y=1990|2a1=Kaplan|2y=1995}}

* ''[[Nephesh|Nefesh]]'' (נֶפֶשׁ): the lower part, or "animal part", of the soul. It is linked to instincts and bodily cravings. This part of the soul is provided at birth.
* ''[[Holy Spirit in Judaism|Ruach]]'' (רוּחַ): the middle soul, the "spirit". It contains the moral virtues and the ability to distinguish between good and evil.
* ''Neshamah'' (נְשָׁמָה): the higher soul, or "super-soul". This separates man from all other life-forms. It is related to the intellect and allows man to enjoy and benefit from the afterlife. It allows one to have some awareness of the existence and presence of God.
* ''Chayyah'' (חיה): The part of the soul that allows one to have an awareness of the divine life force itself.
* ''Yehidah'' (יחידה): The highest plane of the soul, in which one can achieve as full a union with God as is possible.