The Abyss is the gulf separating the world of Briah (Creation) from the world of Yetzirah (Formation). It is closely connected with the pseudo-sephirah Daath. According to the legend, the demon Choronzon guards the entrance to the Abyss.
A good legend. But that is not quite how it works. There is no terrifying demon. It is the person themselves who blocks the passage through the Abyss. And as soon as someone manages to reach its threshold, fear takes hold—existential fear, far more frightening than any demon. At that moment you realise that all your ideals are foolishness. Your achievements and aspirations are dust. Crossing the Abyss becomes an ordeal of profound experiences, depression, neuroses… Old traumas rise to the surface and pull you backwards. Worldly attachments grow more intense.
Briah is the world of meanings, which I will discuss in Sunday’s lecture. Meanings free from worldly attachments and burdens. This is not merely an idea. Think of an egg: it is both a potential chick and someone’s fried breakfast, yet its meaning is life. Such things are difficult to describe in worldly language.
You do not cross the Abyss all at once, but gradually. Sooner or later, however, you will inevitably find yourself there.