12. Where the Analogy Breaks Down

Up until now, we’ve used one central metaphor:That the universe exists in G‑d’s mind, just like an imagined world exists within your mind.

It’s a powerful comparison.It helps us relate to abstract Chassidic ideas about G‑d’s oneness, the illusion of separation, and our identity as images of the Divine.

But at some point, like all metaphors for G‑d—it breaks down.

And understanding where it breaks down is actually a step deeper in understanding the truth.

The Limits of Human Thought

Let’s start with how it works for you.

You can imagine a vivid scene. Let’s say you picture yourself walking through a forest. You hear the birds, feel the crunch of leaves, see the sunlight filtering through the trees.

But what’s happening?

Nothing.It’s all in your head.That forest doesn’t actually exist. The image, the sound, the feeling—it’s all a product of your mind, and it stays there.

Even your most powerful thoughts—your deepest dreams or ideas—don’t become real unless you express them outside yourself: with your words, your actions, your art.

Your imagination doesn’t create new realities.It only simulates them.

G‑d’s Thoughts Create Reality

Now here’s the big difference—and it’s huge:

When G‑d “thinks,” reality is born.

When G‑d imagines a world, that world exists.Not symbolically. Not psychologically.Tangibly. Objectively. Physically.

• You imagine a tree → no tree.

• G‑d imagines a tree → tree.

His thoughts are not just mental pictures or inner movies. His thoughts are forces of creation.

This is the concept of Yesh Me’Ayin—creation of something from nothing.G‑d doesn’t need to act externally to bring something into existence. His thought is action.His mind is not separate from His will, from His speech, or from His creative power.

Unlike you, He doesn’t have to “take His thoughts out” to make them real. They are already real within Him.

Dream vs. Reality – A Divine Twist

So, is the world still like G‑d’s dream?

Yes—but it’s more than that.

When we dream, nothing real is created. It’s all temporary and fades away when we wake up. But when G‑d “dreams,” that dream takes on real substance and structure—even though it’s still taking place within Him.

This is the paradox:

So Why Use the Metaphor at All?

If it breaks down, why use it?

Because metaphors build bridges.

Our minds are created in G‑d’s image. They are not copies of Him, but they are reflections of the way He creates.By studying ourselves, we gain insight into something infinitely higher.

We learn that:

• G‑d “thinks” and “imagines” us into existence.

• We are within Him.

• He is not like us—but we are like Him.