[Keith]

Your response was very helpful.
Thank you, Albert!

[Keith]

Greetings,
I have a few random questions. In no particular order …

1. While I am openminded and drawn to much of what studied so far, I am suspicious of some claims, and reject a couple others (if I am understanding them correctly). I find some of the historical claims questionable, for example. And I reject outright what seem to be claims of exclusivity (“This is the only way to attainment” etc.). So my question is, if I undertake this study and process, but can’t accept or believe in all the claims made, will that affect my progress? Is it an all or nothing deal in terms of belief? Or is practice–whatever that entails–the thing that really matters?

2. The idea that we are all one and that our individual souls must reunite into a single soul or self etc. sounds similar to (but not precisely the same as) the nondualist thread in my faith tradition (hinduism). I’ve always struggled with that–it seems unjust and hardly better than annihilation. As in, “Heck, I feel like me, think like me, experience life as me. I am unique consciousness and self. Any enlightenment, or attainment, or salvation, or whatever that insists I relinquish my very selfhood to merge into a larger Something …I resist.” So …

My question is: In Kabbalah’s version of this evolutionary process where we all reunite into a single self/being/soul … is our individual selfness lost? (Or–if anyone there is a star trek ds9 fan–is it maybe something more like “the great link”?) I know one of the KabU videos uses the metaphor of a cell in a body, which isn’t particularly comforting to me since a cell has no real agency or self-consciousness. So I’m hoping for a clearer understanding of that.

3. One of the videos in this lesson said that the texts of Kabbalah say nothing about this world, but only the spiritual word. Does that mean these courses–if I choose to sign up–have no practical side either? People want to be spiritual, but also have rich and fulfilling lives. To overcome compulsive behaviors, for example. Or to develop greater self-discipline and so on. Does Kabbalah have anything to offer there?

Thank you in advance for any feedback or clarifications you may offer. I’m enjoying the course and KabU quite a lot.
=)
Keith

[Keith]

I don’t really have any expectations. I’ve watched quite a few of the KabU vids on YouTube now–some multiple times. I’m very attracted to some of what I’ve heard, doubtful about other parts, and uncomfortable or mildly antagonistic towards a couple things too. But I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t feel a net positivity.

I’ve been a seeker for a long time now, and I told a friend after first discovering the KabU vids: “I felt something I haven’t felt in a long time. But I don’t want to get my hopes up.”

So I’m just entering this with an open mind and heart. But not so open my brains and heart fall out either! =)

[Keith]

Greetings,
I’m Keith. I’m a writer and artist from Portland Oregon (tho I’m plotting a daring escape).

I’ve been a “seeker” since I was a teen, and have studied and/or practiced everything from Christianity, Buddhism, Gnosticism, Transcendentalism, existential philosophy, political philosophy, new agey stuff, Theosophy, to various occult theories/esoterica etc. (Somehow I never got around to Kabbalah. Which is odd, come to think of it). A few years back I began studying and practicing Hinduism; and my daily practice is richly rewarding. But I’ve still been denied the transformative inner knowing or gnosis that I, frankly, need. Specifically, that I am deathless. Reason alone no longer suffices for me on that score. Existential dread is dreadful.

What I’ve seen in the KabU vids resonated with me powerfully, both emotionally and intellectually.
A couple things made me feel very uncomfortable, too.

So I’m investigating with an open mind and heart. I’m at once hopeful, and cautious. Withholding judgement. I’ve studied so much that as fascinating already (and this is fascinating stuff). I’m happy to be fascinated some more, but I will be evaluating Kabbalah primarily on results. Does it work?
I’m looking forward to finding out! =)

[Author]

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