To: K-list
Recieved: 2001/08/21 21:55
Subject: [K-list] Merkabah Mysticism- Leaf
From: Anne North
On 2001/08/21 21:55, Anne North posted thus to the K-list:
Hello to everyone on the list
I was suprised by the great meditation that catalin linked us to on the
spirit-web. It was a lovely meditation, yet it had little to what I thought
"Merkabah" was about. Are there two separate concepts of this word?
I will try to be as succinct as possible, and give my own understanding of
Merkabah.
First of all "Merkabah" means chariot in Hebrew. The symbol of the chariot
is important to the esoteric teachings of the Jewish tradition. Ezekiel (in
the Old Testament) had a vision of the chariot when he received his
knowledge. From that time onwards "Merkabah mysticism" was the name given to
visions connected to Godhead knowledge in the Hebrew tradition.
Merkabah mysticism is essentially linked to the study of the Cabalah. I will
not go into any detail about this-there are plenty of good books and sites
to tell you more. The true study of the Cabalah will eventually lead to the
ascension of the human self to the Godhead or Divine Man. The chariot is the
vehicle (Divine Throne) that you ascend the Cabalistic 'ladder' with.
Merkabah mysticism is also associated with the literature from which the
Cabalah has its base. There are 4 major books which are considered classic
Hebrew Merkabah liturature.
1. Heikalot Books : Hebrew Book of Enoch.
2. Sepher Yetzirah (Book of Formation)
3. Zohar (Book of Splendor)
4. Bahir (Book of Brilliance)
All 4 books can be difficult to read if you have little knowledge of Hebrew
(even if they are translated!!) or if you find 'Bible type' books tiring.
Although most of these books where put into writing around the start of the
first millennium, it is acknowledged that the oral tradition goes way back.
Hebrew Book of Enoch : the story of Enoch, who was a simple man who through
being righteous and living a life of piety was taken by God and made a high
rank angel called Metatron. The book describes the visions Enoch/Metatron
had - all full of Cabalistic levels of Angels and other realms. Very
interesting.
I was going to give a review of the other books but I feel I am being boring
and that this is far too much for an e-mail.
Here are some good books that I would suggest:
The Mystical Cabalah by Dion Fotune (great if you are just beginning to
study the Cabalah).
Cabalah Primer by Bernstein.
Omens of Millennium by Harold Bloom.
hope this has not been too painful
Blessed be Dishpan.
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