Studies in Ecstatic Kabbalah

by Moshe Idel

Overview

This book presents important topics regarding the more mystical trend of Kabbalah—the ecstatic Kabbalah. It includes the mystical union, the world of imagination, and concentration as a spiritual technique. The emphasis in the text is on the interaction between the “original” Spanish stage of Kabbalah and Muslim mysticism in the East, mainly in the Galilee. The influence of the Kabbalistic-Sufic synthesis on the later developments of Jewish mysticism is traced, thereby providing a more precise understanding of the history of Kabbalah as an interplay between the theosophical and ecstatic mystical experiences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780887066054
Publisher:	State University of New York Press
Publication date:	07/08/1988
Series:	SUNY series in Judaica: Hermeneutics, Mysticism, and Religion Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.45(d)

About the Author

Moshe Idel was Centennial Scholar in Residence at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Currently, he is Associate Professor of Jewish Thought at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Abbreviations

1. Abraham Abulafia and Unio Mystica

2. Was Abraham Abulafia Influenced by the Cathars?

3. Abraham Abulafia on the Jewish Messiah and Jesus

4. The Influence of Sefer 'Or HaSekhel on R. Moses Narboni and R. Abraham Shalom

5. Mundus Imaginalis and Likkutei HaRan

6. Ecstatic Kabbalah and The Land of Israel

7. Hitbodedut as Concentration in Ecstatic Kabbalah

References

Subject Index

Author Index

Index of Works Cited

Editorial Reviews

Emphasis is on the interaction between the Kabbalah and Muslim mysticism in the East. Traces influence of the Kabbalistic-Sufic synthesis on the later developments of Jewish mysticism. Idel, (Jewish thought, Hebrew U.) has updated essays written during the last decade in accordance with recent findings and studies. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews