What Makes a Kabbalist?
Some people are born with a natural spirituality. Others may come
to it later in life, or not at all. Still others go through many of life's trials
and tribulations before turning to a spiritual discipline. All, though, have, or
develop one quality - the need to discover what lies behind everyday reality.
Within that phrase is a multitude of preconditions and qualities, some commonplace
and some that are quite unusual.
Often, people who are looking for some direction are aware that the world is not as
it seems. Relationships can be fraught for no observable reason, the worlds of work
and politics are full of conflicts, all over the earth poverty and extreme wealth
occur side-by-side, suffering seems to be everywhere. The seeker who comes across a
compatible spiritual discipline wants answers to the question of why all this is so.
This is the first precondition for entering into any spiritual training. So, what
happens when Kabbalah is the chosen path?
The seeker then accepts that he or she is working within a Jewish or a Judaeo-Christian
tradition. Some may choose to attach themselves to the Western Mystery Tradition. It
is necessary at this stage to find the relevant tools for study - books, a group, a
teacher. Some people choose all of these; others only one or two.
So far, so good. People find something of what they are looking for. Their eyes are
opened to some extent. There are all kinds of exciting possibilities in view. Students
begin to practice. Slowly the realization dawns that spiritual discipline means just
that - hard work; perhaps, for the very committed, a lifetime of it.
At this stage, spiritual glamour fades. People may drop out, or become stuck. They
may, though, decide to work harder.
To develop beyond the honeymoon stage, kabbalists need the qualities of patience,
perseverence, commitment, an inquiring mind, compassion for others, humility, the
ability to develop contemplative and meditative skills, a stable ego, an equally
stable lifestyle, a developing understanding of the purpose of existence and mankind's
part in it and, most importantly, an awe of and love of God. It's a tall order,
but one that is freely chosen .
With continual application, these qualities deepen and become essential parts of the
kabbalist's personality. In time, he or she may, indeed, reach the place where mankind
and God walk with the same purpose. |