Sefer Yetzirah: The Book of Creation
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Book Overview
Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan has translated Sefer Yetzirah, the oldest and most mysterious of all kabbalistic texts, and now brings its theoretical, meditative, and magical implications to light. He expounds on the dynamics of the spiritual domain, the worlds of the Sefirot, souls, and angels. When properly understood, Sefer Yetzirah becomes the instruction manual for a very special type of meditation meant to strengthen concentration and to aid the development of telekinetic and telepathic powers.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0877288550
ISBN13:9780877288558
Release Date:May 1997
Publisher:Weiser Books
Length:474 Pages
Weight:1.50 lbs.
Dimensions:1.1" x 6.0" x 8.8"
Related Subjects
Alternative Medicine Earth-Based Religions Health, Fitness & Dieting Health, Fitness & Dieting History of Religion Jewish Life Judaism Kabbalah Literary Literary Criticism & Collections Literature Literature & Fiction Meditation Movements Mysticism Occult Orthodox Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts Philosophy Religion Religion & Spirituality Sacred Writings Spirituality Talmud Theology Wicca WitchcraftCustomer Reviews
3 ratings
Practitioner Commentary
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
Before his tragic death, Rabbi Kaplan was a practicing Kabbalist who wrote several ground-breaking books on Kabbalah. Notably, he wrote 3 books on Jewish Meditation and commentaries on both the Sefer Yetzirah and the Book Bahir. His Sefer Yetzirah provides considerable commentary and explanation of the text, though much of it is still a mystery--so don't expect a complete exposition of a definitive sort. None exists at least in English as far as I can determine. But, this one is about as good as you get today. The so-called Book of Creation (actually in Kabbalah/Hebrew it's really the book of Formation since Yetzirah is the World of Formation and Beriah is the World of Creation) is replete with esoteric symbology. Symbols (as opposed to signs) do not have a definitive meaning. They aren't supposed to. They have many "meanings." Thus, this text, though obviously very heavy duty metaphysically, is very difficult to understand today. It is also one of the 3 main texts in Kabbalah. So, this is a book for the serious student of Kabbalah to ponder and meditate upon for a long, long...time.
Must Have For Any Serious Student Of The Kabbalah
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
There is a lot of garbage that is printed on the various aspects of and subjects pertaining to Kabalistic thought and creation, but this is NOT one of them. Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan was a truly phenomenal man, worthy of praise from mystics, rabbis, and the curious alike. It is truly a wonderful coincidence for those lucky enough to meet or sit in on lectures with Rabbi Kaplan that he lived in the last century. Rabbi Kaplan made Kabala accessible to those whose only language is English. While I would recommend other books by this great man, I would also recommend, more than words can express, this work in particular. If you SERIOUSLY want to learn about the Kabalistic paths, this book is one of the best in English to help you along your journey, safely, and honestly. Good Luck!
Excellent
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Beside the Sephir Yetzirah translated by Carlo Suares and published by Shambhala Books, this is the best. I don't know if the Suares translation is available anymore, but his knowledge of the cabalistic code is how I first learned Cabala. Notwithstanding, there is nothing by Rabbi Kaplan that is not excellent. He was a great scholar. This is by far the most complete treatment of all the Yetziratic material there is. The Sephir Yetzirah is a very holy book.
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