SECRET OF LIGHT is the First Episode (of Five) and serves as the introduction to the Ma’amer Basi L’Gani 5744 (1984), entitled "MY NAME IS LIGHT." The opening offering of these textually based class provides the foundation with the study of chapter 14 of the original Ma’amer Basi L’Gani (5710). For more details on this, see below.* In this Episode the primary focus is on the concept of the immanent and infinite Divine Light that births and sustains all existence. This teaching provides a profound new dimension of comprehension to a subject most often viewed with blind faith rather than in the mind's eye. The result is a fresh intellectual appreciation of our common Creator or the gift of relating to G-d as we can 'understand' Him! In weaving together, amplifying and clarifying a range of Classic and Kabalistic Torah sources, the Previous Rebbe richly elucidates the idea of a "Continuously Creative Illuminative Force" sustaining and energizing every iota of the universe. This chapter of the Ma’amer serves to expose the concept of Creation Ex Nihilo. Yet rather than an academic exercise in mystical theology, it drives us towards the emotive contemplation of the Creative Divine Radiance's unchanging nature. Which then leads to personal change we can believe in! We will be introduced to the distinction between the distinct Divine force of Radiating Power and a Radiant Source. The point will be spelled out in the metaphorical terms of light that remains pure and unadulterated in its powerful glow. The seeming appearance of change or differentiation is merely a symptom of an external screening and diffusion. By studying this chapter of the original Basi L'Gani (5710), the foundation will be set for us to proceed on to the study of Basi L'Gani 5744. _______________________________ * The Ma’amarim of Basi L’Gani, are a collection of more than 40 uniquely themed Chassidic Discourses that were delivered by The Rebbe on, or in proximity to Yud Shvat, the Yartzeit-Hilulah of his predecessor Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson, between the years of 5711 and 5748 (1951 – 1988). All these ruminations were directly based on Ma’amer Basi L’Gani, 5710, which was released by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok on the eve of his terrestrial passing. This [original] Ma’amer is widely regarded as the Previous Rebbe’s Last Will and Testament, and our Rebbe used its themes as guiding lights for the unique mission of our Seventh Generation [of Chabad-Lubavitch] Chassidim. Kindred in containing many common concepts or ideas, each discourse incorporates a remarkably wide range of mystical Torah teachings and always radiates with multiple novel, fresh and creative insights. The original rumination contains Twenty Chapters, and for nearly four decades, annually (in orderly successive fashion) the Rebbe would elaborate on themes found in a specific chapter, by delivering one or more Ma’amarim (formal dissertations of original Chassidic Teachings) almost always opening with the Midrashic words “Basi L’Gani.” This year, 5784, we are – once again – focused on Chapter Fourteen. As such, the discourses of 5724 (1964) and 5744 (1984) are studied by the global Chasidic community during the Yud Shvat season.