Jewish Mysticism

Mysticism is concerned with the nature of reality, the individual's struggle to attain a clear vision of reality, and the transformation of consciousness that accompanies such vision. I've selected quotations from a number of Jewish works which I feel illustrate these issues. There are two ways of viewings these quotations:

1. Browse quotations drawn from a variety of Jewish sources, all of which deal with the same topic. To do this, follow the links below.
2. Browse quotations dealing with a variety of topics, all of which were drawn from the same source. To pursue this alternative, go to Jewish mystics, theologians and scriptures.

Jewish quotations organized by topic

• There's a reality beyond the material world:
  • Which is uncreated.
  • It pervades everything,
  • but remains beyond the reach
    of human knowledge and understanding.

• You approach that reality by:
  • Distinguishing ego from true self
  • Understanding the nature of desire
  • Becoming unattached
  • Forgetting about preferences
  • Not working for personal gain
  • Letting go of thoughts
  • Redirecting your attention
  • Being devoted
  • Being humble
  • Invoking that reality
  • Surrendering

• That reality approaches you through:
  • Grace
  • The teacher

• You're transformed so that you embody that reality by:
  • Dying and being reborn
  • Seeing the light
  • Experiencing union
  • Experiencing freedom

Mysticism in World Religions Jewish mystics, theologians and scriptures Jewish Glossary ©1999 by Deb Platt