Neshama (Kabbalah)

The light that is enclothed in the vessel of Bina is called “neshama,” in the sense of neshima, a breath, since neshama is mainly a source for Ze’er Anpin, which is an expression of light and spirit. It breathes in its life force from there, in a manner of ascent and descent, in the mystical meaning of the verse: “And the living creatures ran and returned” (Ezekiel 1:14), and as in the verse: “And He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life” (Genesis 2:7). This must be understood (Talmud Eser Sefirot, v. 2, Q & A 49).