Dictionary of all Scriptures & Myths

BINAH, THE SEPHIRAH, OR IM-MAH THE MOTHER-UNDER-STANDING 

A symbol of the principle of matter in which Spirit (Hokhmah-wisdom) becomes involved. The Understanding is receptive of Wisdom.

"For Divine Matter receiving that which defines and bounds it, possesses a definite and intellectual life." PLOTINUS, On Matter, § 5.

"From the bosom of this Unity (Kether), two parallel principles proceed in apparent opposition, but which in reality are inseparable; one is female, passive, negative, called Binah, Understanding; the other male, active, positive, called Hokhmah, i.e. Wisdom." – ISAAC MYER, Qabbalah, p. 193.

"The universal spiritual passive matter of Ibn Geberol is paralleled by Binah. In the Qabbalah matter always corresponds with the female passive principle, to be influenced by the active, or male, the forming." - Ibid., p. 261.

At the manifestation of a solar universe, the Absolute outbreathes the Relative, which is dual as Spirit and Matter. The first is the active informing agent, and the second the passive, receptive condition.  

See Also

HEAVEN AND EARTH
HOKH-MAH
MALE-FEMALE
MALKHUTH
MATTER
MAYA
OCEAN (feminine)
PRAKRITI
SEPHIROTH
SHEKINAH