Abraham Abulafia & Ecstatic Kabbalah

Abraham Abulafia (d. 1291) is one of the most fascinating jewish mystics of all time, who is credited with founding the "Ecstatic/Prophetic Kabbalah".

Sources/Suggested Reading:
Hames, Harvey J. (2007). “Like Angels on Jacob’s Ladder”. State University of New York Press.

Ide, Moshe (1988). “The Mystical Experience in Abraham Abulafia”. Translated from the Hebrew by Jonathan Chipman. State University of New York Press.

Idel, Moshe (1988). “Studies in Ecstatic Kabbalah”. State University of New York Press.

Wolfson, Eliot R. (2011). “Abraham ben Samuel Abulafia and the Prophetic Kabbalah”. In Jewish Mysticism & Kabbalah (ed. Frederick E. Greenspahn). New York University Press.

#Abulafia #Kabbalah #Mysticism

[LetsTalkReligion]

Thanks to ESOTERICA for this wonderful collaboration!

[TheEsotericaChannel]

Wonderful to work together, Filip - these collaboration episodes are just the best!

[glenn-younger]

Thirty years ago, I was introduced to the Kabbalah because I was looking for explanations after having been in a 3 car crash while going 65mph on a snowy interstate. One car hit my right side, sending me into a skid to hit the car to my left. A split second in, I realized I was involved in a situation a whole lot bigger than my human ability to handle. A "voice" rose up from within, equally everywhere present, supremely calm and knowing, that said, "Let go." This went against all my training of driving in snow, but I had no question in my human mind that it was the right course of action. So I did let go. Literally and emotionally. Took my hands off the wheel, feet off the pedals and calmly watched events unfold. Time slowed down as my car did two 360 degree turns on the snowy interstate and eventually ended up in the grass median between the north and southbound lanes. During it all, everything around me emanated Light, even my hands and the dashboard of the car. There was only what is best described as Unconditional Love. Words are too small, really, to contain the grandeur of it all.

In that moment, though, I suddenly understood beyond the shadow of human doubt what all the great sages throughout time have tried to tell us: We are One in the Light. I also understood that it wasn't yet my time to leave. I'd come for a reason and I still had a long road in front of me.

That's what brought me to delve deeper into the study of different ancient texts, modern sciences, and religions, including the Kabbalah. Listening to you quoting Abraham Abulafia in his description of the different intellectual layers to our connection with God, I get it. They're not the words I use, but I get it. And it's not difficult to understand why his work would've been—and still be—so threatening to others. It's so far "outside the box" of conventional thinking, one needs to let go of favored ideas in order to perceive his core "roadmap to God" (for want of a better phrase). I can attest from my experiences along the way that it isn't always easy, but it's definitely worth it! :-)

Thank you so much for the work that you do and your sharing with others.

[wrenlittle]

I am truly happy to have found this channel.
While I go about with menial tasks I can find joy in education.
Thank you.

[esotericpilgrim]

There are no words in my poor vocabulary to make comment on this man Mr. Filip & his great words of simple explanation. With lots of love 💗 from a Indian sufi student.

[ihabahmad]

I would be really happy if you could make a video about Al-ma’ari and his biography and philosophy. He is a remarkable enigma, he’s a critic of Islam and yet one of the most beloved Arab poets.

[BillyMcBride]

Thank you for this good explanation of Abraham Abulafia. My favorite part was the strategy in prayer of not emptying it but oversaturating it with intellectual processes which make for a full mystical experience.

[IkisDragonFist]

One note -
In 6:17 he writes about Ishmael and Esau.

In medieval Jewish writing (and probably earlier than that too) "Esau" is a euphemism for Christendom, while "Ishmael" is for Arabs and/or Muslims.
Whem a rabbi writes about wars between Ishmael and Esau, this means wars between Muslim and Christian forces; usually crusades.

This is also evident in the Zohar, where opression of Jews by "Ishmaelites" is mentioned as particularly harsh.

[SeekersofUnity]

Epic job Filip on bringing out the complexity and yet keeping it understandable, truly artful and particularly with such a complex subject. Exciting also to see such dope collabs happening 👌🏻😉

[queennwanna]

I remember learning Ecstatic Kabbalah in college, the stories were out this world

[goblin]

I'm an atheist, but have a bone-deep love of western esotericism and the study of the occult as significant cultural phenomena. I've heard of Abulafia through Umberto Eco's work, but never knew much about the man besides the fact that he was a Jewish Mystic. Thank you for making quite a complex topic engaging and easy to understand for a rank amateur.

[cofyrights]

Abulafia: I will convert the pope
The pope: dies
Abulafia: clearly my job here is done

[levyyitzhak]

The first time I finished one of Abulafia texts my life changed forever. It's real.

[NYCMDE]

Thank you for including a Jewish topic

[changer]

Hooray for Esoterica/ Let's Talk Religion Collabs!

[richardbaroff]

Thanks for bringing to our attention this bold and original mystical teacher.

[elioftheforest]

Can you do a video on Eastern Orthodox mysticism (hesyschia)? Keep up the good work Filip, loving these videos.

[zeemo]

And you shall feel another spirit awakening within i have felt sonething similar to this when i see or hear something amazing that stirs my soul, a song, a poem, standing atop a mountain, watching the moon or stars at night, mainly in Awe of God the rush is exhilirating, this is absoloutely fascinating this man abulafia was on the right track me thinks. Thankyou Mr for this video i shall intend to sign up to you as a patron ss soon as i know how to do it.

[lloydabrams]

Excellent talk. His similar practices to Indian Yoga came from the Spanish Sufi influences.

[eliseorodas]

Very clean approach into the thoughts of Abulafia's Kabbalah. Also the depictions about his life or the mini biography you presented here about Abulafia is remarkable. Thank you for this video.