International Order of Kabbalists - Research Project Lectures

Existence Precedes Essence

This lecture describes concepts in defining humanity through existentialism...

Existential Philosophy and Kabbalah

Existential Philosophy and Kabbalah, though emerging from vastly different contexts, share some intriguing parallels and contrasts. Both grapple with profound questions about existence, purpose, and the human condition, yet they approach these questions from distinct philosophical and spiritual vantage points.

Existential Philosophy

Existential philosophy, as a modern intellectual movement, emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. It emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, influenced by thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Martin Heidegger. At its core, existentialism is concerned with the nature of existence (hence the name), the individual's experience within an often indifferent or absurd universe, and the search for meaning in a seemingly purposeless world.

Key themes in existential philosophy include:

Absurdity: The idea that life can be inherently meaningless, leading to a confrontation with the absurd. Albert Camus famously explored this in "The Myth of Sisyphus," where he portrays the human struggle to find meaning despite the universe's indifference.

Authenticity: The pursuit of living a life true to oneself, rather than conforming to societal expectations. Heidegger discussed this in terms of "being-towards-death," emphasizing an authentic existence in the face of mortality.

Freedom and Responsibility: Existentialists argue that individuals are free to make their own choices but must bear the responsibility for the consequences of these choices. Sartre's notion of "radical freedom" underscores this, suggesting that humans are condemned to be free, with the weight of creating their own essence.

Kabbalah

Kabbalah, on the other hand, is a mystical and esoteric tradition within Judaism that seeks to explain the nature of God, the universe, and the human soul. It traces its roots back to the Middle Ages and before, with foundational texts like the Zohar. And Sefer Yetzirah. Kabbalistic thought delves into complex metaphysical structures and the dynamic relationship between the divine and the earthly.

Key concepts in Kabbalah include:

Ein Sof: The infinite, transcendent aspect of God that is beyond comprehension. Kabbalists meditate on the nature of Ein Sof to understand the divine's boundless nature.

Sefirot: The ten emanations or attributes through which God interacts with the world. These include wisdom, understanding, beauty, and others, forming a framework for understanding the divine presence in the universe.

Tikkun Olam: The concept of repairing the world, which involves spiritual and ethical actions to restore harmony to creation. This idea reflects a proactive engagement with the world to bring it closer to divine perfection.

Parallels between Existential Philosophy and Kabbalah

Despite their differences, existential philosophy and Kabbalah intersect in several meaningful ways:

Search for Meaning: Both existentialists and Kabbalists are deeply concerned with finding meaning in life. While existentialists often start from a position of scepticism or nihilism, Kabbalists begin with a profound sense of divine purpose. For instance, Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and existential psychologist, developed logotherapy, a therapeutic approach centred on finding meaning, which resonates with the Kabbalistic pursuit of divine understanding and purpose.

Individual Responsibility: Both traditions emphasize individual responsibility. In existential philosophy, this is articulated through the concept of radical freedom and the weight of personal choice. Kabbalah similarly emphasizes the individual's role in the cosmic order, particularly through the concept of Tikkun Olam, where personal actions contribute to the repair of the world.

Authenticity and Spiritual Growth: Authenticity in existentialism parallels the Kabbalistic journey of spiritual ascent. In both, there is a focus on inner truth and the struggle to transcend superficial existence. For example, Sartre's idea of "bad faith" — the denial of one's freedom and responsibility — can be likened to a Kabbalistic soul trapped in the mundane without striving for higher understanding or connection with the divine.

Differences between Existential Philosophy and Kabbalah

There are fundamental differences between the two traditions:

Ontology and Metaphysics: Existential philosophy often operates from a secular or atheistic perspective, particularly in the works of Sartre and Camus. The universe is seen as indifferent or even hostile to human concerns. In contrast, Kabbalah is deeply theistic, rooted in the belief of a purposeful, divine order underlying all existence. The metaphysical structure of the Sefirot and the concept of Ein Sof provide a framework for understanding the divine reality that contrasts sharply with the existentialist view of an absurd or meaningless universe.

Ultimate Goals: The ultimate goal in existentialism is often to live authentically and to create one's own meaning in an indifferent world. For Kabbalists, the goal is spiritual enlightenment and union with the divine. This involves understanding and participating in the divine plan, a process that is inherently theological and mystical, rather than secular and philosophical.

Approach to Suffering: Existentialists typically see suffering as an intrinsic part of the human condition, something to be faced and transcended through personal courage and authenticity. Kabbalistic thought, while also recognizing the reality of suffering, often views it as a means to achieve spiritual purification and elevation. Suffering can be a path to greater understanding of the divine and one's role in the cosmic order.

Examples

Nietzsche and the Will to Power vs. Kabbalistic Mysticism: Nietzsche's concept of the will to power emphasizes individual strength and self-overcoming in a world without inherent meaning. This contrasts with Kabbalistic mysticism, where the focus is on aligning oneself with divine will and understanding the deeper spiritual truths of existence.

Sartre's Radical Freedom vs. Kabbalistic Divine Order: Sartre's notion that "existence precedes essence" posits that individuals must create their own essence through choices made in a fundamentally free but indifferent universe. In contrast, Kabbalah teaches that there is a divine essence inherent in each individual, and life is about realizing and expressing this essence within the framework of divine order.

Heidegger’s Being-towards-Death vs. Kabbalistic Immortality of the Soul: Heidegger’s idea of being-towards-death emphasizes the finitude of human existence and the importance of living authentically in the face of this finitude. Kabbalah, however, posits the immortality of the soul and the continuity of existence beyond physical death, focusing on the soul’s journey through various states of being towards ultimate reunification with the divine.

Conclusion

Existential philosophy and Kabbalah both address profound questions about the human condition, but they do so from different perspectives and with different end goals. While existentialism often emphasizes human freedom and the creation of personal meaning in an indifferent universe, Kabbalah provides a mystical framework for understanding the divine purpose and spiritual significance of life. Despite these differences, both traditions offer valuable insights into the nature of existence and the search for meaning, highlighting the diverse ways in which humanity grapples with its deepest questions.

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