The author of Zohar: The Book of Enlightenment has written an essential guide to Jewish mysticism--"a striking anthology, an original meditation, and a mystic philosophy of life" (David Wolpe, author of The Healer of Shattered Hearts: A Jewish View of God).
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Excellent for opening one's mind from a spiritual perspective:
This book is excellent in opening the mind to positive human potentialities. Sure, it is a great introduction to Kabbalah and getting "close to God" from a Jewish perspective and as an aid to approaching the Torah. But, it is much more. Whether one has a traditional understanding of what God is, or not, it can be stipulated that there is some force or set of forces, or some order, be it mathematical, or whatever, which is worth pondering in order to add to one's current knowledge or understanding of the... more info
A beautiful cross section, that scintillates the Whole:
This small book is a wonderful cross-section of some of Kabbalah's most important writings. Containing sections of the cornerstones of mystical Judaism, including those giants: the Zohar, the Sefer Yetzirah, the Sefer Bahir, the Orot ha-Qodesh, and others, it spans more than 700 years of oral tradition and contemplation. With words from the pens of illustrious seers such as Moses de Leon, Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, Rev. Kook, Azriel of Gerona, Maimonides, Isaac of Akko, Hayyim Vital, Abraham Abulafia, among... more info
Important contribution to nondual Judaism:
I'm interested in the nondual expression contained in this book. Nonduality is the teaching that there is no separation from God, Self, or Truth. Nonduality is most openly revealed within the traditions of Buddhism and Hinduism (Advaita Vedanta). However, nondual teachings are found in all major religious traditions. In Judaism, nonduality is expressed explicitly in the Kabbalah. Daniel C. Matt's treatment of nonduality is uncompromising: "Do not say, 'This is a stone and not God.' God forbid! Rather,... more info
Excellent Book:
Daniel Matt did an excellent job in writing The Essential Kabbalah. The book opened many doors of my imagination and also many other doors of my rational mind. I will definately read it many more times in an attempt to grasp it's concepts.
