Abraham Abulafia & Ecstatic Kabbalah 

Thanks to ESOTERICA for this wonderful collaboration! Link to his video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--u-ldZKTrao.html Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion

Wonderful to work together, Filip - these collaboration episodes are just the best!

Thirty years ago, I was introduced to the Kabbalah because I was looking for explanations after having been in a 3 car crash while going 65mph on a snowy interstate. One car hit my right side, sending me into a skid to hit the car to my left. A split second in, I realized I was involved in a situation a whole lot bigger than my human ability to handle. A "voice" rose up from within, equally everywhere present, supremely calm and knowing, that said, "Let go." This went against all my training of driving in snow, but I had no question in my human mind that it was the right course of action. So I did let go. Literally and emotionally. Took my hands off the wheel, feet off the pedals and calmly watched events unfold. Time slowed down as my car did two 360 degree turns on the snowy interstate and eventually ended up in the grass median between the north and southbound lanes. During it all, everything around me emanated Light, even my hands and the dashboard of the car. There was only what is best described as Unconditional Love. Words are too small, really, to contain the grandeur of it all. In that moment, though, I suddenly understood beyond the shadow of human doubt what all the great sages throughout time have tried to tell us: We are One in the Light. I also understood that it wasn't yet my time to leave. I'd come for a reason and I still had a long road in front of me. That's what brought me to delve deeper into the study of different ancient texts, modern sciences, and religions, including the Kabbalah. Listening to you quoting Abraham Abulafia in his description of the different intellectual layers to our connection with God, I get it. They're not the words I use, but I get it. And it's not difficult to understand why his work would've been-and still be-so threatening to others. It's so far "outside the box" of conventional thinking, one needs to let go of favored ideas in order to perceive his core "roadmap to God" (for want of a better phrase). I can attest from my experiences along the way that it isn't always easy, but it's definitely worth it! :-) Thank you so much for the work that you do and your sharing with others.

I am truly happy to have found this channel. While I go about with menial tasks I can find joy in education. Thank you.

Epic job Filip on bringing out the complexity and yet keeping it understandable, truly artful and particularly with such a complex subject. Exciting also to see such dope collabs happening 👌🏻😉

I would be really happy if you could make a video about Al-ma’ari and his biography and philosophy. He is a remarkable enigma, he’s a critic of Islam and yet one of the most beloved Arab poets.

Abulafia: I will convert the pope The pope: dies Abulafia: clearly my job here is done

There are no words in my poor vocabulary to make comment on this man Mr. Filip & his great words of simple explanation. With lots of love 💗 from a Indian sufi student.

Can you do a video on Eastern Orthodox mysticism (hesyschia)? Keep up the good work Filip, loving these videos.

I'm a simple man. I see a Let's Talk Religion notification, I tap.

Thank you for including a Jewish topic

I remember learning Ecstatic Kabbalah in college, the stories were out this world

Hooray for Esoterica/ Let's Talk Religion Collabs!

I'm an atheist, but have a bone-deep love of western esotericism and the study of the occult as significant cultural phenomena. I've heard of Abulafia through Umberto Eco's work, but never knew much about the man besides the fact that he was a Jewish Mystic. Thank you for making quite a complex topic engaging and easy to understand for a rank amateur.

Thank you for this good explanation of Abraham Abulafia. My favorite part was the strategy in prayer of not emptying it but oversaturating it with intellectual processes which make for a full mystical experience.

The apocalypse began the day one is born. One is always moving towards the end of this but not the end of one.

This was an absolutely amazing finding! Thank you very much!

The context in which Abulafia used the term "Messiah" reminds me a lot of the use of "enlightened" in dharmic religions

The first time I finished one of Abulafia texts my life changed forever. It's real.

Excellent talk. His similar practices to Indian Yoga came from the Spanish Sufi influences.

Every path seems to lead back to magic.

Very well done. Those who live as students of kabbalah will appreciate such a efficient yet comprehensive commentary

Great video. I'd just point out as a Catalan, that he wasn't from Catalonia, but the neighbor region, Aragon. At that time they were politically unified though, so the confusion is normal

Sir you have enlighten me on different aspects of religion and made it very fun and interesting to learn thank you

One note - In 6:17 he writes about Ishmael and Esau. In medieval Jewish writing (and probably earlier than that too) "Esau" is a euphemism for Christendom, while "Ishmael" is for Arabs and/or Muslims. Whem a rabbi writes about wars between Ishmael and Esau, this means wars between Muslim and Christian forces; usually crusades. This is also evident in the Zohar, where opression of Jews by "Ishmaelites" is mentioned as particularly harsh.

Very clean approach into the thoughts of Abulafia's Kabbalah. Also the depictions about his life or the mini biography you presented here about Abulafia is remarkable. Thank you for this video.

A really amazing and detailed outlook on Ecstatic Kabbalah.. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

And you shall feel another spirit awakening within you......amazing i have felt sonething similar to this when i see or hear something amazing that stirs my soul, a song, a poem, standing atop a mountain, watching the moon or stars at night, mainly in Awe of God the rush is exhilirating, this is absoloutely fascinating this man abulafia was on the right track me thinks. Thankyou Mr for this video i shall intend to sign up to you as a patron ss soon as i know how to do it.

Many, many thanks for posting a suggested reading list!

Great video bro ... May Allah grant you peace and success in your life ... Indeed getting ilm is very important in life and you are the one of those who are providing some of the best knowledge to your viewers like me and i just can say SHUKRAAN to you for this ... May Allah bless you ❤️

I'd love to see a video on Gregory Palamas and Eastern Orthodox hesychasm. It would be a fitting next stop on your exploration of the mysticisms of the world.

Another very interesting person is Rabbi Moshe Haim from Luzatto Also of course - Isaac Luria

Your videos are very clear and concise and of course scholarly objectiveness. Its great you have now teamed up with Esoterica to further enhance knowledge.....

Thanks for bringing to our attention this bold and original mystical teacher.

Super interesting and relevant book: Harvey Hames - Like Angels on Jacob's Ladder (links Abulafia and Joachimite apocalypticism/spiritual Franciscans).

followed for your call out of Justin and Esoterica. Great video and thank you for spreading the word about @Esoterica!

Filip , this is a brilliant video , great work. With my background in basic theological studies and occult sciences , I gotta say I'm loving every second of this even though I don't have a belly full of the tora I am over 40 . I find abu more interesting than zevi but both made major contributions to the art. I also like the dervishes as well when it comes to reaching that state. Thank you for this beautiful lecture on these qabbalist.

Excellent research and I liked your angle on this era very much. Much appreciated to see your understanding of mysticism like I witnessed in your Eckhart video

Thank you so much for this interesting, wonderful lecture.

I’m always excited to see your content, and very happy to see you including yet another perspective on mysticism from Abrahamic traditions!

Fantastic synopsis- WELL DONE! Thank you for your assiduousness & diligence-

Thanks for the great work. I really had trouble finding info on Abulafia and Isac louria.

Thank you for this video! I've been interested in Sufism for a long time so I love your many videos on that, but it's great to see something within the Jewish tradition of "mysticism" here as well. No better place to get a nuanced insight into a complicated topic than Let's Talk Religion. Cheers Filip!

Amazing video, thank you Filip, I hope you'll consider making a program on the French Mystic/Philosopher Henry Corbin

Thats the best Video I ever saw about Abulafia 🙏🏾

this was fun and so educational thank you♥️

Thanks for this segment. I was not aware of this early explorer of Omnist principles and revelation.

I have experienced many mystical experiences. I call it pealing the onion. I live in a transcendental state. Since I heard the voice of God 8.4.2015..He enlightened me like the Buddha and Yeshua of Nazareth. I was just sitting in the grass in the morning drinking chair and getting ready to do a crossword puzzle. I usually see an eye behind my eyes and the a beautiful swirling tunnel that makes me feel like I'm being pulled forward. Sometimes prescient visions appear. Sometimes images, sometimes words, sometimes numbers. Sometimes all. Lchaim from Jacova born March 11th in a Bethlehem.

Thanx dude, scholarly thorough as usual. Great channel. Congrats.

I'm glad to see you again

Wow enlightening stuff and great format! Would be interesting to see how you'd cover Abdu Rozik and his following.

Kabbalah has been in my family for a documented 500 years. I am likely a descendant of Sabbatai Sevi. Please do not equate what Madonna does to my mystical family tradition. My father taught this mystical practice on three continents and passed away in October 2020. His name was Rav Yishak Benforma . Myself and my brother are in the process of publishing his writings.

Abulafia''s attempted embassy to the Pope provides a striking contrast to something which happened earlier in the 13th century: Francis of Assisi journeyed to Egypt to meet the Sultan al-Kamil, whose forces were battling those of the Fifth Crusade. A halt in the fighting was agreed to, so that Francis could go across the front line. The Sultan's men were very impressed by Francis. They took his simplicity and unworldliness as signs that he was a true holy man, who had been touched by God, and they treated him respectfully. The Sultan liked him very much and asked him what he could do for him. Francis replied that the Sultan must immediately lay down his arms and convert to Christianity. The Sultan sadly replied that he could not do this. Francis was offered many precious gifts, all of which he refused, he returned to the Crusaders' side, and the fighting continued.

Yes coming here from Esoterica. Dr. Justin says hi.

man, this is great! thank you so much!

I love both these channels love the collab

Wonderful video! I love so much that you are talking about Kabbalah! Will you do also a video in which you'll talk about the difference with XX century Hermetic Kabbalah like the Golden Dawn's & Thelema's one? By the way, can I ask you if you can talk about Wicca? And/or about Fairy Faith (which sometimes is seen as a Pagan Survival) in folk Europe? Thank you!

Perfect unison with Esoterica channel! 😉

Keep making such excellent videos . Thanks for such informative narration . 👍👍👍

Bro i love your channel. 😍 Keep it up

I appreciate the actual reading sources 🖖🏿🤞🏿✊🏿

Excellent introduction... Really well done... THANK YOU for detail understanding...Gd Bless❤

Great analysis as always

The depths of his teachings are slowly being unfolded

This is very interesing, I am self taught on energy work and I have been seeking unity with God for years (14 to be exact) and all of the steps that abulafia described I went through them. I am not at the very end of the things that were described but currently working upen complete unity with God. The most recent thing in the best way i can describe is I united with what i can only call as the holy spirit and now I am working towards uniting with God. Somehow that also led me to working on opening the heart and asking first Jesus to open it and be then and then God to bless it and reside within it. Currently I am just working upon that second part. But this indeed seems really interesting and intruiging

thank you for the video. wish there were more mystical quotes from this Holy man.

So fascinating! Love this chanel 🤩

Thank you Filip for the passion

i cant wait for you to do a video on new age stuff like a course in miracles and law of one This is fantastic

Would love to see a video about the difference and similarities between Sufism and Shia Irfaan/Gnosticism

Thank you, my friend. You are a force of The Almighty.... 🌌

These videos are amazing thanks

This is wonderful. can you do videos on Christian religious minorities of the Middle East? The Greek Orthodox/Catholic, Maronites, Syriacs...have belief systems that interact with their histories and experiences with outside forces.

Fascinating! Thank you. ☀️

Very True people don't understand the mystical experience. The pleasure and Enlightened feel is after the storm . Nice video very insightful. 👍🏻🙏🏻

Thank you and hello from the esoterica channel. I have found my exact experiences described here, even oil, or balm here poured over my head etc. Its been frustrating not finding my relation to all this in full by somebody! The ecstatic channeling out my mouth ( or typing too), mystic dangerous battles, the good visions of yes, writing i dont know, just artistically remember sonetimes, to down scary as hell and im crying freaked out about the bible even experiences seeing everything in the clouds, then being freaked by that. But you must stand by for all day listening, seeking, doing at least 2 things at one time sometimes yes. Depends on what how many days, by the 3rd im all focused on seeing in everything especially. Ist day is hard core info intake; all to gain entry to ecstaticness or i find no peace or good rest. All of this.... Im definitely going to try to read more of his works, for free Oh yes.... I freaked for a period saying where is my master, like a lost puppy. Then i read, when the student is ready, the master takes leave? So i fought with my master, like a relationship. Why i love i dream of Jeannie now I swear he likes the confirmation of my jealousy or whatever Then reasoning kicks in. Um no, im not going to be worse than a lonely cat lady in this already very difficult existence. Love makes it all worth it, and is manifested for me somewhere. I feel this writing is like an xbox achievement unlocking from stagnation.... Its a very long reading, and a scavenger hunt. Im a scorpio so its known when im not amused I philosophize that the begining source is more the intellect, being why comes before, then it feels more like recollecting. God is definitely spirit. The touches are spirit. Consciousness connection with fellow mortals is what i materially have proof if. Synchronistic signs all moments now. The material has become the consciousness/ intellectual waters. I am heard, even though i am always isolated. I sit on a seat, it magnetizes to me, like the empress card. Like the female praying mantis. Luckily, i see others in the light and i have eaten well lmao. You may approach (queen if swords.... Ot if thrones in the tarot but us what the meaning is. I just sit tuned in and use cerebro etc) And definitly limit the panthe9n of mythical symbolic story... Theres a lot of people and spirits everywhere, and lady justice is blindfolded, not seeing the scale, but has a sword... Was crazy for 3 years now. And from the beginning of the harassment, i keep saying its all the same dude. And i hold one in my heart, and i see only the one master in everything and everyone around me ultimately. So ... Yeah. Innocent pure this way, i still am. I say this only because everyone everywhere argues this horribly... As if im acting in abuse of this merciful grace. Sure. Im scorpio 5, and i plead the 5th! Makes sense now.. wasn't working before lol I was just going to say, being time is not much of a thing, rather intellect in the root of the tree of knowledge. Would be descending. The next instant it was better revealed! God does not leave the seeker that cleaves wondering long at all! Compete with that industry (as my spirit box app likes to put it) google and 5 g, smart phones that get slower and broken basically when internal storage is full of my screen shots! More intellect, dumbs down the smart phone to not functioning at all. Were just using simple reasoning, talking it out, to come by these truths that now spoken, become self evident

Very interested concept that was revealed the intellectual pantheism. Great video ! thank you for this

As usual very informative!

I love your videos. Hope to see you do one on Sikh philosophy and theology.

This was wonderful!!

I wonder if we might see a video on the origins of Christian mysticism. I think a really good introduction to that topic would be on the Desert Fathers and\or the philokalia?

Wow! That’s so good. First hand experience; this works!

That story about the pope...omg what great timing!

great discussion of a very dense subject .

Very good collaboration, very interesting topic

Thank you for your videos :)

Fantastic video keep it up your doing amazing job

Great work, keep it up.

thank you for the videos on jewish and muslim mysticism and magick!

Great video! Can you make videos on Mullah Sadra and his philosophy ?

That was amazing!!

I love these videos

32:50 When the mysticism hits...

Excellent video - very informative

Abulafia's use of the word intellect makes me wonder if he and Carl Jung could of come to an agreement talking about Jungs concept of the individual conscious merging with the collective unconscious/subconscious...like maybe the mutual terms they used aren't wholly out of context to a similar concept respectively?

Never take sides in a fight between fools

I always remain true to myself. I AM OVER those that oppose me and their actions. DONE! Leave me be and mind YOUR OWN already.

In Age of Empires 2 perspective, that Pope must been researched 'haresy' tech to prevent him to be converted but costing his life.

I can't believe that this guy actually thought the same things that I am thinking. I wonder if he knew the allegory of knowledge, and how being or living is equivalent to knowledge, while understanding is love, and how being itself necessitates that understanding first begot existence from non-existence (since there was a change), and, as is the ever-building-in-complexity of the universe's forms, so is the completion of God in the universe. What he was talking about with the intellection of the active intellect is the production of the understanding of life, the understanding of what knowledge is, and then we understand that we ourselves are knowledge, and, being able to understand, know that we are all coming to a greater whole in the end. Since understanding is the ability to reproduce knowledge, and to understand understanding is the ability to make new knowledge, we, like living metaphors of life itself, are building up into a greater life, until there is a Perfect Man, and God will be all in all. God is, and God intends to be, and God will be; so, it's necessary that the mind of God is one to be of not one's own self, but of others and of the greater whole. After all, we can see in this allegory of knowledge that the entropy of the universe, the fragmentation and dissolution of matter, is the end of life and of existence. However, death is necessary to make way for better things, and knowledge must be broken down so that new knowledge can be made. We're working on fitting everything together into one.

New sub, great channel!!