God is a Verb

Summary

This transcript explores the mystical and philosophical views of Kabbalah, contrasting it with mainstream interpretations of God in traditional Judaism. It discusses God as a process or verb rather than a static noun, emphasizing the boundlessness and universality of the divine. The conversation touches on the paradox of non-duality and duality within Jewish thought, mystical practices, and the evolution of Kabbalah, highlighting its broad appeal beyond Judaism. Additionally, the discussion connects these mystical ideas with political and ethical concerns, particularly in relation to the State of Israel, suggesting that deep spiritual practices can influence personal beliefs and political engagement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kabbalah views God not as a noun, but as a verb, representing boundlessness and an ongoing process rather than a defined entity.
• 😀 The concept of God in Kabbalah is deeply different from traditional religious views, with God being described as 'I am Who I am' in the Hebrew Bible, indicating a process of becoming.
• 😀 The English term 'God' is an oversimplification, as the original Hebrew Torah uses many names for the divine, each representing different characteristics or aspects.
• 😀 Kabbalah embraces a universal approach, suggesting that all aspects of existence, including good and evil, are unified under one divine umbrella.
• 😀 Kabbalah is not just for Jews; it has been embraced by Christians, as well as other spiritual traditions, and focuses on the mystical side of any religion.
• 😀 Kabbalah, meaning 'to receive', is about creating a container within oneself to receive mystical knowledge from the universe.
• 😀 Authenticity in Kabbalah practice, according to certain rabbis, means engaging with the divine in a way that feels true and unselfish, avoiding ego-driven motivations.
• 😀 Mystical practices, such as Kabbalah, often face opposition from more traditional, orthodox strains of religious communities, but they are also part of the universal human experience.
• 😀 There are different schools of Kabbalah, including a traditional one focused on studying sacred texts and a more contemplative approach pioneered by Abraham Abulafia, who emphasized ecstatic experiences.
• 😀 While Kabbalah may seem similar to Buddhist practices, it remains deeply tied to Judaism, often working with Torah teachings and Hebrew texts in a contemplative and meditative manner.
• 😀 Kabbalah can be applied in various areas of life, including politics, as it helps individuals understand the workings of their own minds, promoting maturity, compromise, and informed decision-making in public affairs.

Q & A

What is the core concept of God in mystical Kabbalah?

In mystical Kabbalah, God is viewed not as a static being or noun, but as a boundless, formless process. The divine is omnipresent and characterized by constant presence without a fixed description, and it's understood more as a verb, something that is continuously unfolding.

How does the Hebrew Bible describe God, and what is its significance in Kabbalah?

In the Hebrew Bible, God identifies Himself with the phrase 'I am Who I am' (Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh), which can be interpreted as 'I am' or 'I will be'. This reflects the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the divine, emphasizing God as an ongoing process rather than a static entity.

What is the significance of the word 'God' in English translations of the Torah?

The word 'God' in English translations simplifies a much more complex set of divine names in the original Torah. Each of these names represents different qualities of the divine, such as kindness, jealousy, or even what might be considered negative traits. This translation can be confusing as it overlooks the nuances of the divine's multifaceted nature.

How does Kabbalah address the concept of good and evil?

Kabbalah rejects the dualistic view of good versus evil. It teaches that all forces, both positive and negative, are unified under one umbrella in the divine process. This reflects the universalism of Kabbalah, which transcends conventional ideas of good and evil.

Can Kabbalah be practiced by non-Jews?

Yes, Kabbalah is not limited to Jews. While it originates in Judaism, it has been adopted by mystics from various religious traditions, including Christians and others, throughout history. Kabbalah is seen as a universal mystical tradition rather than a strictly Jewish one.

What is the meaning of the term 'Kabbalah'?

Kabbalah literally means 'to receive'. From a mystical perspective, it refers to the process of receiving divine wisdom or mystical teachings from the universe, and is about cultivating a container (spiritual vessel) to be receptive to this wisdom.

What is the relationship between mysticism and ego in Kabbalah?

Kabbalah, like other mystical traditions, warns against using mystical practice for ego-driven purposes. The focus is on transcending the ego and aligning with divine will. A genuine mystical experience comes from feeling that one is serving a higher purpose, not personal gain.

How does Kabbalah reconcile the universal God with the particular God of Torah?

Kabbalah views the universal God as inclusive of everything, and emphasizes that both the transcendent and imminent aspects of God are one. The particular God of Torah, who is tied to the history of the Jewish people, is seen as part of this greater whole. Kabbalah recognizes the limitations of traditional dualistic thinking and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of the divine.

What is the role of the mystical tradition in Jewish history?

Mystical traditions within Judaism, such as Kabbalah, have faced opposition, especially when they diverged from the scholarly focus of traditional Judaism. There has historically been tension between Kabbalists and more traditional Jews who prioritized studying Torah and maintaining strict practices. However, mystical Judaism has been an important part of Jewish spiritual history.

How does the practice of Kabbalah differ from traditional religious study?

Traditional Kabbalah often involves deep scholarly study of the Torah, including the numerical and symbolic significance of Hebrew letters. In contrast, the practice discussed in the transcript emphasizes a more contemplative approach, where individuals meditate on Hebrew letters and symbols to experience direct communion with the divine, as initiated by Abraham Abulafia's ecstatic Kabbalah.