Raphael (Ashram Vidya Order). 1993. Samuel Weiser. York Beach, Maine. (88 pages). www.vidya-ashramvidyaorder.org
The Kabbalah is one of the world’s great esoteric traditions. Contemporary interpreters have focused on its psychological and magical aspects while ignoring its metaphysical foundation. In this book Raphael provides us with a deeper interpretation of Kabbalistic priniciples, reminding us that the Kabbalah is a sacred metaphysical tradition that provides a blueprint of reality, and not only a means of psychological self-understanding or magical-theurgic operations. The Sephiroth – the ten aspects of divine reality – are each interpreted metaphysically as spiritual principles that exist on the various levels of being – causal, subtle and gross. By showing us how manifestation arises and unfolds out of the one divine reality (Ain Soph) through the levels of being symbolized by the Sephiroth, Raphael provides us with a map of our inner spiritual reality and a pathway back to our own divine source. By drawing parallels to other spiritual traditions he reminds us that each of these systems are expressions of a single truth or reality – what he calls “The Tradition” – that underlies them all. This is an excellent book for anyone interested in a basic introduction to the Kabbalah and also for those already familiar with it, but who would benefit from a deeper understanding of its tenets and principles.
Review by Micha-El (Alan Berkowitz). February, 2009
