Nefesh HaChayim and Tanya

Both texts accept tzimtzum as operative in creating distinct spiritual-material levels. Text 1 emphasizes the line (קו) of divine light that doesn't reach the lowest boundary, focusing on continuity of flow and hierarchical connection (כח פרטי לפי מדרגתו). Text 2 emphasizes sequential, cumulative tzimtzumim that progressively diminish vitality (צִמְצוּמִים רַבִּים וַעֲצוּמִים מִמַּדְרֵגָה לְמַדְרֵגָה) enabling manifestation in inanimate matter. Text 1 stresses integrative hierarchy; Text 2 stresses restrictive descent. Both implicitly reference memale/sovev distinction, but Text 1 privileges continuous channeling while Text 2 privileges the concealment-enabling function of tzimtzum.