Cabala
Cabala (also spelled Kabbalah, Qabalah, or Cabalah) is a form of Jewish mysticism that seeks to explain the relationship between the unchanging, eternal God, the mysterious Ein Sof (The Infinite), and the mortal, finite universe (God's creation). It forms the foundation of mystical religious interpretations within Judaism.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The term "Cabala" is derived from the Hebrew word "קַבָּלָה" (Qabbalah), which means "reception" or "tradition." It refers to the esoteric teachings that were received by the Jewish mystics.
Historical Development[edit | edit source]
Cabala has its roots in early Jewish mysticism, but it became more systematized in the 12th and 13th centuries in Provence and Spain. The most influential work in Cabala is the Zohar, a mystical commentary on the Torah written by Moses de León in the late 13th century.
Key Concepts[edit | edit source]
Ein Sof[edit | edit source]
The term Ein Sof refers to the infinite and unknowable aspect of God. It is beyond human comprehension and is the source of all creation.
Sefirot[edit | edit source]
The Sefirot are the ten attributes or emanations through which Ein Sof reveals itself and continuously creates both the physical realm and the chain of higher metaphysical realms. The ten Sefirot are:
- Keter (Crown)
- Chokhmah (Wisdom)
- Binah (Understanding)
- Chesed (Kindness)
- Gevurah (Severity)
- Tiferet (Beauty)
- Netzach (Eternity)
- Hod (Glory)
- Yesod (Foundation)
- Malkhut (Kingship)
Tree of Life[edit | edit source]
The Tree of Life is a symbolic representation of the Sefirot and their connections. It is used as a map of the spiritual universe and the path to spiritual enlightenment.
Practices[edit | edit source]
Cabala involves various practices, including meditation, prayer, and the study of sacred texts. One of the key practices is the use of gematria, a method of interpreting Hebrew scriptures by computing the numerical value of words.
Influence[edit | edit source]
Cabala has influenced various aspects of Jewish thought, including Hasidism, and has also had an impact on Western esotericism, including Hermeticism and Theosophy.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
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