The Work of the Kabbalist

226 Pages·1986·37.486 MB·English

by  Z'ev ben Shimon Halevi

Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi
the
work of the
abbalist
The Work of the Kabbalist
By the same author
Adam and the Kabbalistic Tree
Kabbalah and Exodus
A Kabbalistic Universe
Psychology and Kabbalah
School ofthe Soul (School of Kabbalah)
Tree of Life: Introduction to the Cabala
The Way of Kabbalah
Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi
SAMUEL WEISER, INC.
York Beach, Maine
First American edition published in 1986 by
Samuel Weiser, Inc.
Box 612
York Beach, Maine 03910-0612
99 98
11 10 9 8 7
Copyright © 1985 Warren Kenton
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, without per­
mission in writing from Samuel Weiser, Inc. Reviewers
may quote brief passages.
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 85-51910
ISBN 0-87728-637-X
BJ
Cover illustration is titled “Aaron the High Priest filling
the Menorah.” Reproduced here by kind permission of the
British Library, London.
Printed in the United States of America
The paper used in this publication meets the minimum
requirements of the American National Standard for Per­
manence of Paper for Printed Library Materials Z39.48-
1984.
For
Moses Cordovero
1. THE WORK OF THE KABBALIST
Standing amid the four elements with the mineral, vegetable and animal
realms on the left, and the works of mankind on the right, the Kabbalist,
dressed in garments of the soul and spirit, raises the hands in a receiving and
imparting gesture, while occupying the Kingdom position of a Tree made up
of the moon, sun and planets. Above the canopy of stars, the angelic and
archangelic worlds headed by Metatron, hovers the radiance of the Divine.
Contents
List of illustrations ix
Preface xi
Introduction xiii
1. Origin oft he Work 1
2. Ladder and Descent 5
3. General Evolution 9
4. Individual Development 13
5. Different Worlds 17
6. Different Bodies 21
7. School 25
8. Prerequisites 31
9. Aim 36
10. Vehicle 39
11. Elements 44
12. Imagination 48
13. Preparation 52
14. Ritual 55
15. Contemplation 59
16. Devotion 64
17. Ego 68
18. Imagery 72
19. Excursion 77
20. Tradition 81
21. Day 85
22. Festivals 89
23. Sabbath 93
24. Journey 97
25. Captain 102
26. Inner Teacher 106
27. Memories 110
28. Daily Life 115
29. Fate 119
30. Trials 124
Contents
31. Providence 128
32. Psychic Faculties 133
33. Entities 137
34. Integrity 142
35. Companions 147
36. Upper Room 151
37. Chariot 155
38. Instrument 161
39. Vision 167
40. Chariot Rider 171
41. Interpretation 176
42. Meditation 181
43. Self 186
44. Universe 191
45. Work 196
46. Completion 201
Glossary 206
Index 207
Illustrations
1. The Work of the Kabbalist vi
2. Jacob's Dream xii
3. Name 2
4. Jacob's Ladder 6
5. Levels within Man 10
6. Body and Psyche 22
7. Kabbalistic School 26
8. Upper and Lower Halls 32
9. Manifestation 40
10. Geometry 60
11. Inner School 156
12. Psychological Steps 162
13. Ascension 172
14. Jerusalem 191