Kabala
16.02.2006., četvrtak
Značenje kabale
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First of all, it must be pointed out that the purpose of the Kabbalah is often misunderstood, and sometimes even deliberately misrepresented. A popular misconception is that the study of Kabbalah will turn you into a psychic (or at least a clairvoyant!) capable of otherworldly abilities. Frankly, this is hogwash, along with the other numerous false notions. The ultimate purpose in the study of Kabbalah is the perfection of the self. Making one's self into a better person -- more G-dly, more attuned to one's essence and roots. That's what Kabbalah comes to offer those who truly wish to receive it. The Written Torah and its accompanying interpretation is the "body" of Judaism, while Kabbalah is the "soul." "Kabbalah," which means "reception," implies two things: 1) The Kabbalah is a tradition that was received by one master and transmitted to his students, from generation to generation, and 2) in order to understand and appreciate Kabbalah, one must become a "receiver" and empty one's self of all preconceived notions. The soul of Judaism is not an entity separate from the Torah. Rather, it has always been an intrinsic part of the Torah as a whole. It is the mystical dimension of the Torah, which glorifies the exterior. The early Kabbalists were known as "men of toil." Their exertions were not of the physical sort, though they labored throughout their lifetimes to improve themselves and elevate their consciousness to the point of being able to physically perceive the spiritual within the physical. With the arrival of the Baal Shem Tov this notion took on fresh meaning. The founder of Chassidism made the path of personal improvement a practical, hands-on possibility to all Jews, not just the intellectual elite. |