Sefer Yetzirah: The Book of Creation in Theory and Practice
Aryeh Kaplan
May 1997 · Weiser Books
4.7star
23 reviews
Ebook
424
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About this ebook
The Sefer Yetzirah is perhaps the oldest and most mysterious of all kabbalistic texts. In this landmark work of mystical studies, Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan brings the text’s theoretical, meditative, and magical implications to light.
The book explores the dynamics of the spiritual domain, the worlds of the sefirot, souls and angels. Rabbi Kaplan explains that when properly understood the Sefer Yetzirah becomes an instruction manual for a very special type of meditation meant to strengthen concentration and to aid in the development of telekinetic and telepathic powers. Through the use of various signs, incantations, and divine names, initiates could also influence or alter natural events.
This translation includes the meditation in five dimensions, the transition from binah to chakhmah consciousness, the point of infinity, kabbalistic astrology, Ezekiel’s vision according to the Sefer Yetzirah, and the mystery of the 231 gates. Also included is a digest of all major commentaries on the text of the Sefer Yetzirah and a bibliography of many of the major kabbalistic works that discus it, as well as extensive notes regarding the various aspects of the translation. Rabbi Kaplan’s translation is based on the Gra version of the text, which is thought to eb the most authentic. Also included is the short version, the long version, and the Saadia version, making this volume the most complete work on the Sefer Yetzirah available in English.
The book explores the dynamics of the spiritual domain, the worlds of the sefirot, souls and angels. Rabbi Kaplan explains that when properly understood the Sefer Yetzirah becomes an instruction manual for a very special type of meditation meant to strengthen concentration and to aid in the development of telekinetic and telepathic powers. Through the use of various signs, incantations, and divine names, initiates could also influence or alter natural events.
This translation includes the meditation in five dimensions, the transition from binah to chakhmah consciousness, the point of infinity, kabbalistic astrology, Ezekiel’s vision according to the Sefer Yetzirah, and the mystery of the 231 gates. Also included is a digest of all major commentaries on the text of the Sefer Yetzirah and a bibliography of many of the major kabbalistic works that discus it, as well as extensive notes regarding the various aspects of the translation. Rabbi Kaplan’s translation is based on the Gra version of the text, which is thought to eb the most authentic. Also included is the short version, the long version, and the Saadia version, making this volume the most complete work on the Sefer Yetzirah available in English.
Ratings and reviews
4.7
23 reviews
Mark Gallagher
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December 17, 2013
Valued source of wisdom I am back and forth to this book to complete daily introspection five stars
3 people found this review helpful
A Google user
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May 20, 2013
This is the first book I would recommend to anyone studying kabbalah. It is good for beginners and advanced student s alike.
3 people found this review helpful
Chris Rav
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March 12, 2017
A practical guide for everday living!
1 person found this review helpful
About the author
Aryeh Moshe Eliyahu Kaplan (1934-1983) was an American Orthodox rabbi, author, and translator known for his knowledge of physics and kabbalah. He was lauded as an original thinker and prolific writer and is most well-known for his translations of the Torah and for his writings on Kabbalah and Jewish philosophy.
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