Well, on the advice (see comment) of Bryan Ashcroft, I took a look at Kabbalah.com, a site maintained by Kabbalah Centre International, Inc. – evidently where Madonna learns. Brian warned me that, “Serious Kabbalists all seem to regard it as a shallow faddish form of Kabbalah,” but that actually didn’t bother me. What I wanted to know was whether its shallow, faddish messages were real wisdom, and real Kabbalah. I think that there are simple, but meaningful, messages.
It wasn’t as easy to answer that question as I would have liked. I followed that link, and got to a really slick Flash presentation, which strung me along with one teaser after another like this:
Suppose there was a universal wisdom, one singular seed that was the origin of all teachings — a body of knowledge that could reveal the spiritual and physical laws that govern the entire cosmos. What if it could account for and explain every emotion and desire that stirs within you? Suppose it could clarify and resolve all the problems that burden you at this very moment?What if it could explain all the eruptions that occur in our universe the birth of a new star exploding into existence... to the explosive arguments that erupt in your life? What if it could shed a profound light on the mysteries surrounding the unknown whereabouts of our Creator? In other words, what if it could answer the age-old question, "Where's God?" What if it could blow the lid off of centuries of corruption and superstition, the trademark of religion throughout time?
What if it could offer you practical knowledge in this dizzying, mind-numbing age of endless information? What if it could show you a more effective way to pursue happiness? What if it could help you reclaim all the control you've surrendered to psychiatrists, doctors, consultants, and other people in your life? Perhaps most importantly, what if it could explain all those feelings and thoughts growing inside of you at this very moment, the ones telling you that these compelling claims are just too darn good to be true?
And this:
What if it could offer you practical knowledge in this dizzying, mind-numbing age of endless information? What if it could show you a more effective way to pursue happiness? What if it could help you reclaim all the control you've surrendered to psychiatrists, doctors, consultants, and other people in your life? Perhaps most importantly, what if it could explain all those feelings and thoughts growing inside of you at this very moment, the ones telling you that these compelling claims are just too darn good to be true?In ancient times, the word "Kabbalah" used to strike cold fear into the hearts of most Rabbis. Its teachings were considered to be far too dangerous and mystical for mere mortal men. Imagine traveling back in time 200 years. Try explaining the concept of a computer, a fax machine, or the Internet for that matter, to the people of this era? They'd brand you as mystic. Curse you as a heretic. Maybe even burn you at the stake.
After enduring this kind of thing for what seemed like an eternity, I finally started to get to something serious:
Scenario 1Jack is an investment banker who, over the course of 25 years, has accumulated a net worth of $20 million dollars. Jack invested a lot of money in a company that just went Chapter 11. It turns out that Jack lost $15 million dollars in one day. The majority of his wealth has suddenly vanished, but he still has a few million dollars in assets.
Scenario 2
Robert is a carpenter. He earns a modest living of $40,000 a year. Robert has managed to save $10,000 over the last few years and he has invested it in a new Internet company owned by his brother-in-law. This new company launched an IPO (initial public offering) and the stock went through the roof. This took place on the very same day that Jack's company went Chapter 11. Robert made over $50,000 in one day-which is more than he earns in a whole year from his full time job.
Who goes to bed that night with a greater feeling of financial security and peace of mind-Jack or Robert? It doesn't take a psychiatrist to figure that one out.
This is promising. It is a powerful example of a real truth. But it too is a teaser, albeit one which hints at what’s to come. But there’s more:
Whatever force brought about the creation of our universe, it obviously saw it fit to create physical, material items as well. Kabbalah teaches us how to strike that elusive balance between the physical and spiritual so that we can infuse our lives with peace of mind and fulfillment.There is a reason behind everything in existence, be it physical or spiritual. Once we learn what that reason is, we will learn how to balance our lives so that we get everything we truly need from life.
Good, good, but wait, are they really going to tell us THE REASON?!?! I’m getting really restless now…
But, more slick presentation. A baseball game… the best baseball players… don’t know the rules…
As we have just learned, without an understanding of the rules, talent means absolutely nothing, no matter what game we play. Without the rules, there is fighting, arguing, some people make up their own rules, frustration and chaos are everywhere!On the other hand, an awareness of the rules produces immediate order. Chaos comes to a screeching halt.
Suddenly, everyone knows what to do, what's expected of them, and how to play the game. Their talents can now blossom. Greatness can fully actualize as they begin to evolve their raw abilities through a series of orderly and well-structured situations that serve to bring out the best in them.
All of which brings us to a game a lot older than the game of baseball. It also happens to be a lot older than basketball, hockey, the Olympics, or any other game for that matter. It's called the Game of Life — and the rule book to this very challenging game was actually recorded in an ancient manuscript some 2000 years ago. It is called "The Zohar", the definitive body of knowledge on Kabbalah; a mystical canon containing all the spiritual laws governing the oldest game in the cosmos.
More:
Many times we're forced to make up our own set of rules, or we're pressured into making up new games. Many times, we feel like picking up a bat and taking a swing at the next guy. Some of us simply quit every time a game situation becomes too frustrating or too difficult.Kabbalah contends that each one of us is imbued with the power to succeed and achieve greatly in this unique game. But there is a prerequisite: we must learn and master the rules in order for our talents and potential to fully actualize.
To help us fully grasp the 4000-year-old wisdom of Kabbalah, the Kabbalah One Basic Course has broken down the teachings of Kabbalah into 13 simple rules of life.
These are not rules that impose restrictions upon us. Rather, they are universal spiritual precepts that liberate the soul and empower the mind quite profoundly.
You have already learned Rule #1.
What follows are the remaining rules to the Game of Life.
Well that was a cliffhanger! I guess I’ll have to sign up for the course to find out the rest. Somehow, I don’t think I will. What’s my verdict? The jury’s still out. Not my style, very slick. But so far nothing objectionable.
Posted by David Boxenhorn at July 28, 2004 12:02 AM