Make Sure to Subscribe & Consider supporting Esoterica by becoming a monthly Patron - www.patreon.com/esotericachannel or a one time donation - www.paypal.me/esotericachannel Your support is profoundly appreciated!
I be honest i feel welcome from you for.me to study the qabalah...i was told.only men can read it.. so i am woman and not jewish so i try yo study qabalah by Dion Fortune..i will see you soon in your classes...i like philosophy and science so i do understand analigical
i guess im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a tool to get back into an Instagram account? I stupidly forgot the account password. I love any tricks you can give me
Speaking as an academic, I view this channel and Dr. Sledge as a gift to the world. I'm so delighted that this channel exists and that I happened upon it. Thank you very much, Dr. Sledge.
hey im an arab and i never realized how similar our languages are between hebrew & arabic before i started hearing you speaking some terms in hebrew - (literally same phonetics & pronouciations for the same meanings) incredible.
We, Jews, Muslims, and Christians are, together, the People of the Book. All of our religion is from the Middle East. So it makes sense that Hebrew, Aramaic, and Arabic come from the same roots. I wish more people from all 3 religions understood and celebrated this. There is no need for hostility between these beliefs. In reality, we should learn about how they each work, what is in common, so that we may one day find peace. You, Justin, and I are cousins.✌️♥️
I've promised myself that I will read the Zohar one day, but it does feel like a very daunting undertaking. Just the size of the text alone (and how much it would cost to get all volumes) stresses me out. But some of these tips are great, and does give me some extra motivation!
Well, I think the price is quite ok for such a monumental work. The Pritzker edition is available for about 50€ per volume. I purchased mine one volume per month and one year later I was very happy to have all of them in my library.
I have been trying to read that book for years. It's not just that it's dense and complicated, it's that he drags on so long I get bored and my mind turns off while I read on auto pilot. By the time it turns back on because it's hit something it doesn't understand I have no idea if i'm confused by what he's saying or if I just glossed over something important in a few paragraphs back he's relying on me remembering. Someday Kant, someday I'll make it more than a third of the way through.
@@potandpoliticswithmr.broph1420 I agree that he sometimes drags on for too long on a seemeingly unimportant subject, however let's have also in mind that the text was supposed to be read by people with degrees and deep knowledge in philosophy and that's why Kant felt obligated to make himself very clear, something that for us mortals and unenlightened makes us feel like he takes too long to get a point across. Having read Kant twice, I can tell you that the second time is a whole lot easier and you actually feel like his style of writing is necessary to truly understand whatever he is trying to say. Give it another try and most importantly, go slow and if you dont understand, whether it be a word or concept or even a whole idea, dont be afraid to stop there and look for help in other introductory texts or if you know someone, ask them personally.
@@julianv1828 I'll give it another go this summer, take it camping with us when my fiancee and I do our couple of weeks vacation in the local State Forest.
@@TheEsotericaChannel Thanks Justin! I'd love to do some kind of collab, even if just having you come on to talk about all things Kabbalah and Renaissance which is mostly where my mind is at these days. I'm just wrapping up some big (Ficino related) projects at the moment but let's keep in touch!
@@TheModernHermeticist That would be great. I just worked through the Platonic Theology so I've had Ficino on the mind as well. But for sure, let's be in touch! Thanks for the work you do!
It has been my experience that studying the Sefer Yetzirah is imperative to understanding the Zohar, the Sephiroth itself, placement of the Spheres, what they mean, and their element in regard to Creation. It has helped me tremendously.
One of the main reasons I have held myself back in my studies is the intimidation I get from the vast depth of knowledge needed to understand it all. I appreciate you making encouraging videos like this. I'm lucky to be alive in this Era, however, because like you implied in this video, we got more resources available than at any other point in history. Can't even imagine how difficult these things were to dive into in the pre-internet eras
ESOTERICA I’m planning on it! It’s hard to find good online voices on traditional Jewish kabbalah. I usually run into Christian occultists practicing “Quabalah” which isn’t what I wanna learn. While I see u study hermetics and Christian occultism, u aren’t trying to sell it as traditional Jewish kabbalah and u separate it clearly from what is actually Jewish!
@@jacobm.f.2451 Yep, I study all forms but try to treat each of them on their own terms - it does a disservice to all of them to confuse them with each other. But, I'll be covering traditional Kabbalah on this channel at length!
At my very first introduction to philosophy course, the teacher said: ‘there is one way to read philosophy-slowly’. I appreciate your invaluable insights on not only how to study this text, but I think I can apply it to any dense work. I also suffer from the dis-ease associated with a frantic sense of urgency around learning, which is actually counter-productive, and doesn’t facilitate deep retention. Thank you for reminding me of the best way to approach reading!
I cannot describe how much this UA-cam page is what I've wanted since I was a kid. Thank you so much, praise and thanks to the Eye-in-the-sky for this golden age of the esoteric study! Holy Holy holy! Whooop!
After I got used to the Jewish style of dialectic, I liked it immensely. Dialectic as Europeans did it was simple, two voices, and simple. Occasionally, there were three voices. Jewish style was a wild debate with the Rabbis sometimes agreeing, sometimes confused, and sometimes an apprentice has the real understanding. It tells you, by its example, that spiritual matters have to be struggled with by yourself in concert with others.
I think you capture it well and your point about the communal nature of learning is key. We often have the idea of the magus alone in their study unlocking the secrets, etc., but especially in Judaism that process is a symphony. Hope the episode was helpful!
@@TheEsotericaChannel All I could add to any of your points would be sequence of different stories to illustrate the same points. Although, I need to recommend "The Chicken Qabalah of Rabbi . . ." as very important for those moments you are trying to avoid making the book into a missile. www.amazon.ca/Son-Chicken-Qabalah-Cliffords-Practical/dp/1578636159/ref=pd_lpo_14_t_0/134-8345078-6341703?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1578636159&pd_rd_r=6f87828c-4c6e-4c6d-8ac2-27800ed66f8e&pd_rd_w=5ckXt&pd_rd_wg=NKtb6&pf_rd_p=256a14b6-93bc-4bcd-9f68-aea60d2878b9&pf_rd_r=YYP4PGNHRZ7STVCJV3GF&psc=1&refRID=YYP4PGNHRZ7STVCJV3GF
I already have been loving these videos but the final fantasy reference sealed the deal. Incredible content, really easy for outsiders and newcomers to learn.
Thanks so much for this, Brother. I've been reading The Zohar for a few months now and have gained more than I could've ever anticipated. I went with The Kabbalah Center editions, 22 big red intimating books. I have to admit, I look at them sometimes and wonder how I will ever make it through them all...lol The first volume that completely read, I probably went halfway through it before it started to coming together for me. I had a few brief moments of enlightenment, amongst many pages of confusion. I wish that I had found this video before today, but am very thankful for this nonetheless. I've heard many positive reviews of Matt's translation and I will most likely invest in those one day as well, as I have mucho respect for Daniel Matt. I just wanted to leave this comment to let your other viewers know that if they're interested, they just need to go ahead and dig in. The Zohar is on a whole other level, to the point that I always pray and ask for a little piece of that חכמה & בינה, of the wise men who wrote it. Much Love!
Though I'm a christian, and find the Bible to be very enlightening and wise, there is something about Jewish mysticism, and jewish texts that has a very strong appeal to me, like non others. It sort of feels like you're eavesdropping on an adult conversation you weren't supposed to listen to when you were a kid. You'll get some bits and pieces, but leave feeling all weird and with more questions than answers. Than, as you grow, and life teaches you, you start to understand some of these things and why you weren't ready to.
When you read the source material in Hebrew and Aramaic is different than the modern languages. The Torah for example Is much more powerful and get the insights from it in Hebrew rather than in English. Because is written by the god given language .so is divine .
I only discovered your channel recently, but I’m working my way through from the very beginning. I also believe in empowering people by providing them with the information they need to get started. That is the best kind of teaching, in my book. Your students are very, very lucky.
I have no plans to study the Zohar, but found this video fascinating. It got me thinking about how I get more enjoyment and understanding from reading when I am willing to set aside my "get to the point!" reading style and adapt myself to varying writing styles of different authors.
When I was first introduced to the Kabbalah, it was with a book, simplified magick by Ted Andrews. It opened my mine and desire to learn more, I found that meditations and incantations only added to my spirituality to grow closer with the divine. I like your style and personal opinions you express and look forward to expanding my studies thanks to your guidance and resources you have provided. Awesome and excellent presentation. Thank you.
Your concluding statement, "… many of these tips apply to reading many mystical or esoteric texts", frames an extremely helpful approach for other study. Your outline of suggestions would seem to be helpful toward studying any text of philosophy or religion. While the character of the Zohar is very different than Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, using and adapting your pointers to the study of such analytic texts would be immensely profitable. In fact I have a friend who, later in life, is beginning their own study of philosophy and religion. I plan to recommend this video to them framing it ahead of time with your statement about applying these tips more generally to one's study. Also, I truly appreciate your statement about avoiding many gatekeepers seeking to establish their own position as a dominant interpersonal power. Unfortunately esotericism with its concealing nature is a fertile field for these individuals to operate without interference. Cheers
Good afternoon Dr Sledge. I am by no means an academic, but I often find myself feeling enthousiasmos by philein sophos (excuse my peasant greek). The very first time I remember feeling this way was, after years of private catholic schooling, when i first discovered the general idea(s) of gnosticism. Which led, of course, to gnosis, christian mysticm and left me standing at a gaping fissure of a rabbit hole. I came across this by accidentally mistyping something to do with agnoticism. My parents are non-religious and not interested in the topic, while at school the teaching around religion was dogmatic. Just a glance at this alternate perspective (I'm pretty sure at the time i only read the Wikipedia page and a couple of basic summaries) was absolutely mind blowing as a teenager. The greater appreciation of religion and philosophy this experience led me to have has profoundly changed my life in many ways. Like i said I'm not an academic i just do my "research" in my spare time after work. Your channel is an amazing resource, thank you brother 🙏🏻
I love that you bring up just letting it speak. When you just fall into whichever section it gives you, it almost feels like a song or it was for me, or poetry, that was willing to share interpretations of things I was observing along my way. I would have never seen it without this text asking me to look around.
Confusion is a powerful learning state. For so many many reasons sitting in our confusion grows us. One of my favorite secondary benefits to confusion is that I get to ask for help. I have found that asking for help is a powerful practice. Most experts love people who are interested
Sledge this is one of my absolute favorites. Pardon me for trying to be all grand and reach for a $.25 word but I think what you’re talking about here is a histology. How we learn. I don’t think there is anything more valuable to learn than how to learn. Especially, when the learner gets instilled with patients and with comfort and with encouragement. So this is one of your most stellar lectures as far as I am concerned. You must’ve really been soaking up the stellar rays to be inspired to give this lecture. I am so grateful , and I deeply appreciate the work that you do. Your true talent is really for demonstrating Adamick integrity. And being transparent about how to be a scholar and about how to go about thinking in A scholarly way. I know that with esoteric information or data or texts that they have been hidden, people haven’t had access to them, so the fact of the matter are important, but to me the most important thing to learn is methodology and how to learn. And you really manage to fit in to every lecture to some extent. today was the seven days of Hanukkah all at once in this regard. Grateful to you.
@32:00, re: studying in community. I'm often reminded of the lyrics: "Angel, angel, what have I done? I've faced the quakes, the wind, the fire I've conquered country, crown, and throne Why can't I cross this river? Pay no mind to the battles you've won It'll take a lot more than rage and muscle Open your heart and hands, my son Or you'll never make it over the river It'll take a lot more than words and guns A whole lot more than riches and muscle The hands of the many must join as one And together we'll cross the river"
When you were saying that it's ok to be mystified I started chuckling. Reminds me of my favorite philosophical comedian, Robert Anton Wilson, in Religion For The Hell Of It talking about Fred Mertz from I Love Lucy being a bodhisattva.
The most I have attempted on this subject so far was to read Dion Fortune's " Mystical Kabbalah" and it left me with the sense that I was given an illustration of an island I had yet to visit
Very helpful! You have provided some great tips for advancing the understanding of the Zohar. I recently started studying with Daniel Matt's Zohar group and his commentaries are extremely helpful. I really appreciate your insight.
3:09 the picture pretty much sums up my highschool salvia experiences. But in all seriousness it's wonderful and another brilliant video. I have been haphazardly hopping around your channel from video to video for the past few weeks. I very much appreciate what you do. Thanks :)
Thank you very much. This is so helpful. Your idea of not trying to approach this text analytically but more as a conversation is especially useful. And your last piece of advice is golden; applicable to any course of study and more importantly, kind.
So my jest to my brother years ago, recommending his popular copy of Zohar by Yehuda Berg, was true when I punned, "..but it's Zohar! (so hard) and many years and paradigm shifts later, here I am, at Esoterica: "Now I am the master!" (D. Vader) I think one of if not the most encouraging video on Studying the Kabbalah, as the contextualization is transcendent. Don't miss out on the Zohar!
What a fantastic video. As someone who is not familiar with Jewish religious texts I found this video very engaging and it made want to dive in deeper!
Thank you Dr Sledge for this helpful and illuminating video! I have been puzzling over a much shorter but equally enigmatic text for years, the Dao De Jing by Laozi. But also been putting of approaching the Zohar. Your encouragement to approach it slowly, humbly, from the shallow end is just what I need. Greetings from Western Australia.😊
It's really funny what you say about Aramaic adn the Zohar is what I was told about Pali and the Theravada "Pali Canon". Though I think it is more akin to the Talmud? More than one Buddhist monk has encouraged me to just learn Pali because you get deeper insight into the text, but don't let that stop you from reading the English translations that exist, few that there are. I think I need to finish Japanese first! But learning Pali is supposed to help with Sanskrit (or is it the other way around?) Also, some Buddhist texts do this thing too, where there is commentary on commentary. Often a sutra is just a 10 page thing with a 40 page commentary from 1000 years ago, and a more recent commentary by the translator padding it out another 20.
It is nice when one has had the time and finances to get a PhD, but I have learned most of what I know through travel and self study. So thank you for expressing this sentiment, I, too have said this. If you wish to learn, then do so. No one can hold you back.
The zohar is more than a book,is a direct spiritual channel to the mind of god. So the insights are different,is very life-changing book,not only affects your personal life also affects your spiritual environment,for the better. Owning the book and reading it you transform your life when the miracles become the norm.from small things to bigger things.
The beauty of reading in groups is Everyone is at a different place in life with their own personal experiences, What one person understands another may not and so forth . That's why I read comments. To hear other perspective and knowledge. Speaking of 👍 Thanks!
That was a terrific presentation. Even if you removed all the topic specific details, the advice, and the character behind the advice were some seriously condensed wisdom on study and humanity. Happy Julian New Year and my best wishes your way.
I've wanted to tackle the Zohar for years, so thank you for this. Also, I came from this with a mental image of "Don't Throw the Zohar Through the Drywall" on the cover of a book. Maybe I should put this on the cover of my study notebook.
I mean this with great honor but, so I hope you take it as so; Your like the Jewish Aliester Crowley in a much more mannered & modern form. Your doing the world and Judaism such an extreme service and in such a bulletproof/academic way that ever so necessary for the greatly intelligent yet "proper/gentlemen-ly" types who are binded to the high society-discrimination and rhetoric norms that keep them far from anything that could even resemble "Witchcraft" or "Magick" or really any religion that isn't mostly a formality. And for them to see the rich and bottomless texts in their knowledge, but in a way that holds to their ideals of academic standards, is a huge benefit in exposing great minds to the true limitless value found in these cultural gifts which captured the gnosis of the of those who gained insight into the fundamental workings of the universe and its secret keys to co-creation. Thank you man Your Authenticity is noble and needed now
I recently finished 'Origins of the Kabballah' by Gershom Scholem - I definitely didn't get everything out of it that I could have, and I think that's because I have zero knowledge of the Talmud, so that's next on the list. There is an awful lot of good advice in this video.
So dialectical mode is for lack of better terms, quantum in nature? The distinguishing from linear is what brought me to this question! Lol The temples in my area have no systems in place for esoteric courses or Hebrew classes however I'm extremely interested in learning all of this. I began to study the world of alchemy just over a year ago and I have been passionate about all things Hebrew related for over two decades now (basically since I was in my late teens). ✡
That was a very clear and informative video. I am not into the mystical interpretation at all but even so, that really helped to get a perspective on how the Zohar is viewed. I tend to think it is preferable to have a translation rather that struggling to read the Aramaic. The text is corrupt and full of problem words, so it helps that someone more expert has done the deciphering - as long as that is made clear in the translation. MZL for example - no clue to what it means. For me, Sassoon's Kabbalah Decoded is unique.
Thanks - my channel focuses primarily on the academic study of topics in esotericism and want it to be helpful anyone interested in the topic. But yes, Zohar is difficult though I think the word you have mind here might just be מזל like in "Mazel Tov!" In the Zohar there are several important discussions of the role and power of mazel.
@@TheEsotericaChannel I note Jastrow lists MZLA as 'luck' but also as 'running motion', as with liquids. Is this a possible interpretation perhaps referring to the oil of the 13 parts of the beard?
On the subject of Islamic Magick, there have been some steps in the right direction in particular there's Jinn Sorcery by Rain Al Alim published by Scarlett Imprint
Thank you sir, I've been trying to understand the Kabbalah and like you said it's like walking in a never ending maze. I'll definitely take your approach on the studying process and see how it goes.
Twelve volumes! Blimey! I've got Daniel C. Matt's translation on my bookshelf from when I attempted the Zohar. There where only 5 volumes then (at least I never found more) and barely got through the first of them. It still has a prominent place though, a constant reminder that I have to have an other go at it.
I was just about to comment that you make learning Hebrew sound like a dungeons and dragons campaign when you dropped the Final Fantasy joke. Well played sir, well played.
There is abstract knowledge which allows you to make miraculous changes and beatiful things, And then there is dimensional knowledge which shows you the working natures... And the damage being done A little bit of knowledge is a very dangerous thing... Which is why it is extremely wise to...
Final advisement --- circumspection with gatekeepers --- so, so vital to maintain in all pursuits dependent on close pedagogy: yoga, martial arts, music, physical training, visual and performance arts --- especially when pedagogue derives personal power or compensation from prolonged engagement rather than demonstrable results.
i want to thank you for your POV...if you prsent a point you will not be blocked..or burnt to the steak...jailed or collection collected and burned....you are brave...
I thought history was bad for 100 doors of exploration opening up with each question you ask, but esotericism?! Each book read or video watched results in a multiplicity of fields of expertise to master, never mind topics to explore! It's overwhelming! Learning French was hard enough and I'm no spring chicken! 😕
Make Sure to Subscribe & Consider supporting Esoterica by
becoming a monthly Patron - www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
or a one time donation - www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Your support is profoundly appreciated!
I be honest i feel welcome from you for.me to study the qabalah...i was told.only men can read it..
so i am woman and not jewish so i try yo study qabalah by Dion Fortune..i will see you soon in your classes...i like philosophy and science so i do understand analigical
Does anyone really know???
Thanks man ❤️
i guess im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a tool to get back into an Instagram account?
I stupidly forgot the account password. I love any tricks you can give me
@Fletcher Giovanni instablaster ;)
Speaking as an academic, I view this channel and Dr. Sledge as a gift to the world. I'm so delighted that this channel exists and that I happened upon it. Thank you very much, Dr. Sledge.
Me 2. Thank you 🙏🏼 💜
hey im an arab and i never realized how similar our languages are between hebrew & arabic before i started hearing you speaking some terms in hebrew - (literally same phonetics & pronouciations for the same meanings) incredible.
We, Jews, Muslims, and Christians are, together, the People of the Book. All of our religion is from the Middle East. So it makes sense that Hebrew, Aramaic, and Arabic come from the same roots.
I wish more people from all 3 religions understood and celebrated this. There is no need for hostility between these beliefs. In reality, we should learn about how they each work, what is in common, so that we may one day find peace.
You, Justin, and I are cousins.✌️♥️
I've promised myself that I will read the Zohar one day, but it does feel like a very daunting undertaking. Just the size of the text alone (and how much it would cost to get all volumes) stresses me out. But some of these tips are great, and does give me some extra motivation!
It's a worthwhile text but all fair points - it's a lot cheaper if you just read it in Aramaic :)
@@TheEsotericaChannel Good! Too bad I only know Spanish, English and Little scottish gaelic. By the way this is my mom's account lol.
You could read it online. Zohar.com has English alongside the Aramaic.
Well, I think the price is quite ok for such a monumental work. The Pritzker edition is available for about 50€ per volume. I purchased mine one volume per month and one year later I was very happy to have all of them in my library.
What a learned man. Indeed a golden age, when he's accessible by no more than a click.
"Don't throw your Zohar through the drywall!" Wise words! But I still think Kant deserved it.
Ha! That translation of Kant certainly did!
You think you could throw the book through drywall but if you try, you find out you Kant.
/sorry
/bye
I have been trying to read that book for years. It's not just that it's dense and complicated, it's that he drags on so long I get bored and my mind turns off while I read on auto pilot. By the time it turns back on because it's hit something it doesn't understand I have no idea if i'm confused by what he's saying or if I just glossed over something important in a few paragraphs back he's relying on me remembering.
Someday Kant, someday I'll make it more than a third of the way through.
@@potandpoliticswithmr.broph1420 I agree that he sometimes drags on for too long on a seemeingly unimportant subject, however let's have also in mind that the text was supposed to be read by people with degrees and deep knowledge in philosophy and that's why Kant felt obligated to make himself very clear, something that for us mortals and unenlightened makes us feel like he takes too long to get a point across. Having read Kant twice, I can tell you that the second time is a whole lot easier and you actually feel like his style of writing is necessary to truly understand whatever he is trying to say. Give it another try and most importantly, go slow and if you dont understand, whether it be a word or concept or even a whole idea, dont be afraid to stop there and look for help in other introductory texts or if you know someone, ask them personally.
@@julianv1828 I'll give it another go this summer, take it camping with us when my fiancee and I do our couple of weeks vacation in the local State Forest.
I just shilled your channel on my twitter after listening to you talk with Rev. Erik. Hopefully it sends a few subs come your way! Cheers.
Thanks for the link and checking out the channel! Would be great to work together on something - also thanks so much for your work on the Picatrix!
one sub from that share allready , thank you both very much. Frank Bakker (NL)
@@TheEsotericaChannel Thanks Justin! I'd love to do some kind of collab, even if just having you come on to talk about all things Kabbalah and Renaissance which is mostly where my mind is at these days. I'm just wrapping up some big (Ficino related) projects at the moment but let's keep in touch!
@@frankbakker2301 Welcome!
@@TheModernHermeticist That would be great. I just worked through the Platonic Theology so I've had Ficino on the mind as well. But for sure, let's be in touch! Thanks for the work you do!
Wow! Thanks so much. As a non-Jewish seeker, I found your explanation of "Jewish text" clear and very helpful.
This is a truly amazing take. Thank you for all your service.
Thanks for the kind donation!
It has been my experience that studying the Sefer Yetzirah is imperative to understanding the Zohar, the Sephiroth itself, placement of the Spheres, what they mean, and their element in regard to Creation. It has helped me tremendously.
One of the main reasons I have held myself back in my studies is the intimidation I get from the vast depth of knowledge needed to understand it all. I appreciate you making encouraging videos like this. I'm lucky to be alive in this Era, however, because like you implied in this video, we got more resources available than at any other point in history. Can't even imagine how difficult these things were to dive into in the pre-internet eras
❤
You have no idea how much I appreciate you promoting the anti-gate keeper attitude
I found you on reddit and now I’m geeking out, your a religious Jew...who studies occultism...who is also a professor?!?!? Yesssssssssss!!!!
Yep, those things. Welcome, hope you stick around!
ESOTERICA I’m planning on it! It’s hard to find good online voices on traditional Jewish kabbalah. I usually run into Christian occultists practicing “Quabalah” which isn’t what I wanna learn. While I see u study hermetics and Christian occultism, u aren’t trying to sell it as traditional Jewish kabbalah and u separate it clearly from what is actually Jewish!
@@jacobm.f.2451 Yep, I study all forms but try to treat each of them on their own terms - it does a disservice to all of them to confuse them with each other. But, I'll be covering traditional Kabbalah on this channel at length!
At my very first introduction to philosophy course, the teacher said: ‘there is one way to read philosophy-slowly’.
I appreciate your invaluable insights on not only how to study this text, but I think I can apply it to any dense work.
I also suffer from the dis-ease associated with a frantic sense of urgency around learning, which is actually counter-productive, and doesn’t facilitate deep retention.
Thank you for reminding me of the best way to approach reading!
Thanks!
I cannot describe how much this UA-cam page is what I've wanted since I was a kid. Thank you so much, praise and thanks to the Eye-in-the-sky for this golden age of the esoteric study! Holy Holy holy! Whooop!
After I got used to the Jewish style of dialectic, I liked it immensely. Dialectic as Europeans did it was simple, two voices, and simple. Occasionally, there were three voices. Jewish style was a wild debate with the Rabbis sometimes agreeing, sometimes confused, and sometimes an apprentice has the real understanding. It tells you, by its example, that spiritual matters have to be struggled with by yourself in concert with others.
I think you capture it well and your point about the communal nature of learning is key. We often have the idea of the magus alone in their study unlocking the secrets, etc., but especially in Judaism that process is a symphony. Hope the episode was helpful!
@@TheEsotericaChannel All I could add to any of your points would be sequence of different stories to illustrate the same points.
Although, I need to recommend "The Chicken Qabalah of Rabbi . . ." as very important for those moments you are trying to avoid making the book into a missile.
www.amazon.ca/Son-Chicken-Qabalah-Cliffords-Practical/dp/1578636159/ref=pd_lpo_14_t_0/134-8345078-6341703?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1578636159&pd_rd_r=6f87828c-4c6e-4c6d-8ac2-27800ed66f8e&pd_rd_w=5ckXt&pd_rd_wg=NKtb6&pf_rd_p=256a14b6-93bc-4bcd-9f68-aea60d2878b9&pf_rd_r=YYP4PGNHRZ7STVCJV3GF&psc=1&refRID=YYP4PGNHRZ7STVCJV3GF
That this is exactly the same way one should approach reading Finnegans Wake says a lot. Very helpful advice. Thank you for that, too.
I already have been loving these videos but the final fantasy reference sealed the deal. Incredible content, really easy for outsiders and newcomers to learn.
Awesome stuff, Dr. Justin Sledge. You are amazing on this channel and I've devoted many hours to your content. You do not disappoint
Thanks so much - hope you stick around
Gosh; where were teachers like you when one needed them thirty years ago
Much appreciated
Dhanyavaad
Thanks so much for this, Brother. I've been reading The Zohar for a few months now and have gained more than I could've ever anticipated. I went with The Kabbalah Center editions, 22 big red intimating books. I have to admit, I look at them sometimes and wonder how I will ever make it through them all...lol
The first volume that completely read, I probably went halfway through it before it started to coming together for me. I had a few brief moments of enlightenment, amongst many pages of confusion. I wish that I had found this video before today, but am very thankful for this nonetheless.
I've heard many positive reviews of Matt's translation and I will most likely invest in those one day as well, as I have mucho respect for Daniel Matt.
I just wanted to leave this comment to let your other viewers know that if they're interested, they just need to go ahead and dig in. The Zohar is on a whole other level, to the point that I always pray and ask for a little piece of that חכמה & בינה, of the wise men who wrote it. Much Love!
Just starting my journey of study and so lucky to have found this video! Thank you. I love the metaphor of a mystical picnic.
Though I'm a christian, and find the Bible to be very enlightening and wise, there is something about Jewish mysticism, and jewish texts that has a very strong appeal to me, like non others. It sort of feels like you're eavesdropping on an adult conversation you weren't supposed to listen to when you were a kid. You'll get some bits and pieces, but leave feeling all weird and with more questions than answers. Than, as you grow, and life teaches you, you start to understand some of these things and why you weren't ready to.
When you read the source material in Hebrew and Aramaic is different than the modern languages.
The Torah for example Is much more powerful and get the insights from it in Hebrew rather than in English.
Because is written by the god given language .so is divine .
It makes sense-Jesus was Jewish. Studied the Jewish teachings along with John the Baptist.✌️♥️
"Final Fantasy Zohar" If I'd been drinking coffee it would have come out my nose at that line. Beautifully hilarious.
ha! glad you appreciate my 'sense' of humor!
I only discovered your channel recently, but I’m working my way through from the very beginning. I also believe in empowering people by providing them with the information they need to get started. That is the best kind of teaching, in my book. Your students are very, very lucky.
I have no plans to study the Zohar, but found this video fascinating. It got me thinking about how I get more enjoyment and understanding from reading when I am willing to set aside my "get to the point!" reading style and adapt myself to varying writing styles of different authors.
This is great advice for almost any text. All of this advice would be a great way to approach the Hebrew Bible or Greek New Testament. Great advice
When I was first introduced to the Kabbalah, it was with a book, simplified magick by Ted Andrews. It opened my mine and desire to learn more, I found that meditations and incantations only added to my spirituality to grow closer with the divine. I like your style and personal opinions you express and look forward to expanding my studies thanks to your guidance and resources you have provided. Awesome and excellent presentation. Thank you.
Your concluding statement, "… many of these tips apply to reading many mystical or esoteric texts", frames an extremely helpful approach for other study. Your outline of suggestions would seem to be helpful toward studying any text of philosophy or religion. While the character of the Zohar is very different than Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, using and adapting your pointers to the study of such analytic texts would be immensely profitable. In fact I have a friend who, later in life, is beginning their own study of philosophy and religion. I plan to recommend this video to them framing it ahead of time with your statement about applying these tips more generally to one's study.
Also, I truly appreciate your statement about avoiding many gatekeepers seeking to establish their own position as a dominant interpersonal power. Unfortunately esotericism with its concealing nature is a fertile field for these individuals to operate without interference.
Cheers
I've been working my way backwards through all of your lovely videos, Doctor, and your sense of humor is greatly appreciated!
Good afternoon Dr Sledge.
I am by no means an academic, but I often find myself feeling enthousiasmos by philein sophos (excuse my peasant greek).
The very first time I remember feeling this way was, after years of private catholic schooling, when i first discovered the general idea(s) of gnosticism. Which led, of course, to gnosis, christian mysticm and left me standing at a gaping fissure of a rabbit hole.
I came across this by accidentally mistyping something to do with agnoticism.
My parents are non-religious and not interested in the topic, while at school the teaching around religion was dogmatic.
Just a glance at this alternate perspective (I'm pretty sure at the time i only read the Wikipedia page and a couple of basic summaries) was absolutely mind blowing as a teenager. The greater appreciation of religion and philosophy this experience led me to have has profoundly changed my life in many ways.
Like i said I'm not an academic i just do my "research" in my spare time after work. Your channel is an amazing resource, thank you brother 🙏🏻
your tips on how to go about studying the Zohar are just good tips for life in general man
I love that you bring up just letting it speak. When you just fall into whichever section it gives you, it almost feels like a song or it was for me, or poetry, that was willing to share interpretations of things I was observing along my way. I would have never seen it without this text asking me to look around.
Confusion is a powerful learning state. For so many many reasons sitting in our confusion grows us.
One of my favorite secondary benefits to confusion is that I get to ask for help.
I have found that asking for help is a powerful practice.
Most experts love people who are interested
I am so glad I found this channel!
Sledge this is one of my absolute favorites. Pardon me for trying to be all grand and reach for a $.25 word but I think what you’re talking about here is a histology. How we learn. I don’t think there is anything more valuable to learn than how to learn. Especially, when the learner gets instilled with patients and with comfort and with encouragement. So this is one of your most stellar lectures as far as I am concerned. You must’ve really been soaking up the stellar rays to be inspired to give this lecture. I am so grateful , and I deeply appreciate the work that you do. Your true talent is really for demonstrating Adamick integrity. And being transparent about how to be a scholar and about how to go about thinking in A scholarly way. I know that with esoteric information or data or texts that they have been hidden, people haven’t had access to them, so the fact of the matter are important, but to me the most important thing to learn is methodology and how to learn. And you really manage to fit in to every lecture to some extent. today was the seven days of Hanukkah all at once in this regard. Grateful to you.
@32:00, re: studying in community. I'm often reminded of the lyrics:
"Angel, angel, what have I done?
I've faced the quakes, the wind, the fire
I've conquered country, crown, and throne
Why can't I cross this river?
Pay no mind to the battles you've won
It'll take a lot more than rage and muscle
Open your heart and hands, my son
Or you'll never make it over the river
It'll take a lot more than words and guns
A whole lot more than riches and muscle
The hands of the many must join as one
And together we'll cross the river"
Your channel and words are just what one was looking for thank you ,Amazing how the creator works ,very stimulating and perfect timing .
Sage advice applicable to textual study broadly. Well done.
The Sample Section of Talmud in the description is gold!
Fun isn't it?
When you were saying that it's ok to be mystified I started chuckling. Reminds me of my favorite philosophical comedian, Robert Anton Wilson, in Religion For The Hell Of It talking about Fred Mertz from I Love Lucy being a bodhisattva.
The most I have attempted on this subject so far was to read Dion Fortune's " Mystical Kabbalah" and it left me with the sense that I was given an illustration of an island I had yet to visit
Very helpful! You have provided some great tips for advancing the understanding of the Zohar. I recently started studying with Daniel Matt's Zohar group and his commentaries are extremely helpful. I really appreciate your insight.
3:09 the picture pretty much sums up my highschool salvia experiences.
But in all seriousness it's wonderful and another brilliant video. I have been haphazardly hopping around your channel from video to video for the past few weeks. I very much appreciate what you do. Thanks :)
thank you for your total honesty and i will do exactly what you suggested.......so glad you have explained this so well......
Thank you very much. This is so helpful. Your idea of not trying to approach this text analytically but more as a conversation is especially useful. And your last piece of advice is golden; applicable to any course of study and more importantly, kind.
I love how much thought you give to the questions you get!
So my jest to my brother years ago, recommending his popular copy of Zohar by Yehuda Berg, was true when I punned, "..but it's Zohar! (so hard) and many years and paradigm shifts later, here I am, at Esoterica: "Now I am the master!" (D. Vader) I think one of if not the most encouraging video on Studying the Kabbalah, as the contextualization is transcendent. Don't miss out on the Zohar!
Let it be known, this channel amoung a few others, Religion for Breakfast, Lets talk Religion etc is a pinnacle of that Gokden Era of Esotericsm
THANK YOU SO MUCH MR SLEDGE IVE BEEN TRYING TO FIGURE THIS OUT FOR THE LONGEST 💯
Thank you so much for your incredible introduction to phenomenal information and texts….
What a fantastic video. As someone who is not familiar with Jewish religious texts I found this video very engaging and it made want to dive in deeper!
Thank you Dr Sledge for this helpful and illuminating video! I have been puzzling over a much shorter but equally enigmatic text for years, the Dao De Jing by Laozi. But also been putting of approaching the Zohar. Your encouragement to approach it slowly, humbly, from the shallow end is just what I need. Greetings from Western Australia.😊
Greetings from Brazil. I love your channel! You are doing an excellent work!
Thanks so much - hope you stick around!
Dr. Sledge, you are so easy understanding, so humble ando so different than most scholars that are drowned in their arrogance!
I think though, you over kill it just a little bit
I really appreciate your approach to this and other texts!! Outstanding work!
Great video!
It's really funny what you say about Aramaic adn the Zohar is what I was told about Pali and the Theravada "Pali Canon".
Though I think it is more akin to the Talmud?
More than one Buddhist monk has encouraged me to just learn Pali because you get deeper insight into the text, but don't let that stop you from reading the English translations that exist, few that there are.
I think I need to finish Japanese first!
But learning Pali is supposed to help with Sanskrit (or is it the other way around?)
Also, some Buddhist texts do this thing too, where there is commentary on commentary.
Often a sutra is just a 10 page thing with a 40 page commentary from 1000 years ago, and a more recent commentary by the translator padding it out another 20.
The page of Talmud that you mention is incredibly fascinating on many levels.
It is nice when one has had the time and finances to get a PhD, but I have learned most of what I know through travel and self study. So thank you for expressing this sentiment, I, too have said this. If you wish to learn, then do so. No one can hold you back.
Your advice works for any difficult text. Thank you!
I read an introduction to the Zohar and it was one of the most interesting books I've read.
The zohar is more than a book,is a direct spiritual channel to the mind of god.
So the insights are different,is very life-changing book,not only affects your personal life also affects your spiritual environment,for the better.
Owning the book and reading it you transform your life when the miracles become the norm.from small things to bigger things.
The beauty of reading in groups is
Everyone is at a different place in life
with their own personal experiences, What one person understands another may not and so forth . That's why I read comments. To hear other perspective and knowledge. Speaking of 👍 Thanks!
I just started. Thank you
That was a terrific presentation. Even if you removed all the topic specific details, the advice, and the character behind the advice were some seriously condensed wisdom on study and humanity. Happy Julian New Year and my best wishes your way.
Thanks so much for saying so!
so beautiful, respectful, loving, helpful. Thank you.
Thanks to you for saying so!
Sir, you are a scholar and a gentleman, thank you.
Thank you...🌹🙏✨ for the understandably... explaining of the knowledge of the Zohar. 🌞🌔✨Sending you all.... Love❤and Lights🌹🙏✨
I've wanted to tackle the Zohar for years, so thank you for this. Also, I came from this with a mental image of "Don't Throw the Zohar Through the Drywall" on the cover of a book. Maybe I should put this on the cover of my study notebook.
Great video ! Thanks for the tips
thank you and i certainly am intimidated but want to learn!!!
“Go slow, don’t rush”. I have listened to this lecture at 0.75 speed and absolutely loved it. 😃
I mean this with great honor but, so I hope you take it as so;
Your like the Jewish Aliester Crowley in a much more mannered & modern form. Your doing the world and Judaism such an extreme service and in such a bulletproof/academic way that ever so necessary for the greatly intelligent yet "proper/gentlemen-ly" types who are binded to the high society-discrimination and rhetoric norms that keep them far from anything that could even resemble "Witchcraft" or "Magick" or really any religion that isn't mostly a formality. And for them to see the rich and bottomless texts in their knowledge, but in a way that holds to their ideals of academic standards, is a huge benefit in exposing great minds to the true limitless value found in these cultural gifts which captured the gnosis of the of those who gained insight into the fundamental workings of the universe and its secret keys to co-creation.
Thank you man
Your Authenticity is noble and needed now
This was so useful, thank you! I only miss some info on the contents and structure, so I can locate the parts you recommended to begin with.
I recently finished 'Origins of the Kabballah' by Gershom Scholem - I definitely didn't get everything out of it that I could have, and I think that's because I have zero knowledge of the Talmud, so that's next on the list. There is an awful lot of good advice in this video.
I found your suggestions extremely helpful and invaluable!! Thank you very much!! Greetings from Vienna/Austria!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for your desire to complete a study guide for the Zohar.
So dialectical mode is for lack of better terms, quantum in nature? The distinguishing from linear is what brought me to this question! Lol
The temples in my area have no systems in place for esoteric courses or Hebrew classes however I'm extremely interested in learning all of this. I began to study the world of alchemy just over a year ago and I have been passionate about all things Hebrew related for over two decades now (basically since I was in my late teens). ✡
I really I joy your video’s. I thank you for your time, work and insight. Blessings and good health to you.
well, glad to hear from you that it's a complicated work .....
That was a very clear and informative video. I am not into the mystical interpretation at all but even so, that really helped to get a perspective on how the Zohar is viewed.
I tend to think it is preferable to have a translation rather that struggling to read the Aramaic. The text is corrupt and full of problem words, so it helps that someone more expert has done the deciphering - as long as that is made clear in the translation. MZL for example - no clue to what it means. For me, Sassoon's Kabbalah Decoded is unique.
Thanks - my channel focuses primarily on the academic study of topics in esotericism and want it to be helpful anyone interested in the topic. But yes, Zohar is difficult though I think the word you have mind here might just be מזל like in "Mazel Tov!" In the Zohar there are several important discussions of the role and power of mazel.
@@TheEsotericaChannel I note Jastrow lists MZLA as 'luck' but also as 'running motion', as with liquids. Is this a possible interpretation perhaps referring to the oil of the 13 parts of the beard?
Its great work ,The ZOHAR.
This was such a helpful video! Thanks! I really enjoyed it alot and I saw my myself taking notes.
On the subject of Islamic Magick, there have been some steps in the right direction in particular there's Jinn Sorcery by Rain Al Alim published by Scarlett Imprint
Neat! Nice to know about this!
Good advice for reading poetry as well.
Thank you sir, I've been trying to understand the Kabbalah and like you said it's like walking in a never ending maze. I'll definitely take your approach on the studying process and see how it goes.
Absolutely - It's a lot of work but a very fascinating study. Hope my approach helps give you a handle on the material!
Twelve volumes! Blimey! I've got Daniel C. Matt's translation on my bookshelf from when I attempted the Zohar. There where only 5 volumes then (at least I never found more) and barely got through the first of them. It still has a prominent place though, a constant reminder that I have to have an other go at it.
Thank you very much for this illuminating video.
Thanks so much. I really needed this.
I was just about to comment that you make learning Hebrew sound like a dungeons and dragons campaign when you dropped the Final Fantasy joke.
Well played sir, well played.
:) Lot of dork humor around here. I also DM!
@@TheEsotericaChannel You're a gamer too? Awesome!!!
Are you at all familiar with Mage: The Ascension from White Wolf publishing?
Thank you so much!❤
I appreciate your videos so much! Thank you!
I had the same trouble with Plato's Republic you did with Kant when I was a freshman in high school. Being baffled can be the beginning of wisdom.
Yeah, at least kant actually makes sense ;)
Your Patreon tiers made me chuckle :) Will be back to get involved with that once my life stabilises a little?
Glad you liked them! Any support whatever, whenever is deeply appreciated. I think we are all looking for a little stability these days.
Excellent work!
There is abstract knowledge which allows you to make miraculous changes and beatiful things,
And then there is dimensional knowledge which shows you the working natures... And the damage being done
A little bit of knowledge is a very dangerous thing...
Which is why it is extremely wise to...
Final advisement --- circumspection with gatekeepers --- so, so vital to maintain in all pursuits dependent on close pedagogy: yoga, martial arts, music, physical training, visual and performance arts --- especially when pedagogue derives personal power or compensation from prolonged engagement rather than demonstrable results.
i want to thank you for your POV...if you prsent a point you will not be blocked..or burnt to the steak...jailed or collection collected and burned....you are brave...
It's easy to be brave these days and just want to encourage others to study these wonderful texts - thanks for watching!
I thought history was bad for 100 doors of exploration opening up with each question you ask, but esotericism?! Each book read or video watched results in a multiplicity of fields of expertise to master, never mind topics to explore! It's overwhelming! Learning French was hard enough and I'm no spring chicken! 😕