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In Kabbalistic philosophy and the teachings of the Zohar, the concept you are referring to is known as Olam hatTohu (The World of Chaos). It represents a primordial, temporary stage of creation characterized by immense, unrestricted spiritual energy that lacked the proper vessels to contain it, leading to a catastrophic collapse known as the "Shattering of the Vessels". [1, 2]

The Zohar and subsequent Lurianic Kabbalah framework describe this realm through several structural, psychological, and cosmic concepts: [1]

The Nature of the Realm of Chaos (Tohu)

• Immense Light, Weak Vessels: In the World of Chaos, the divine light (Ohr) was profoundly intense, but the spiritual containers (Sefirot) were completely isolated from one another. Because they could not cooperate or share the energy, they shattered under the pressure. [1, 2]
• The Kings of Edom: The Zohar and Genesis interpret the "Eight Kings of Edom" (who ruled and died before any king reigned in Israel) as a code for the unrectified forces of Tohu. Each king ruled independently saying "I shall rule," collapsed, and died due to a lack of emotional and spiritual balance. [1]
• A Temporary Necessity: Tohu was designed by the Creator to be temporary. The shattering allowed holy sparks (Nitzotzot) to fall into lower realms, giving birth to free will and providing humanity with a spiritual mission to rebuild the universe.