As light before dawn : the inner world of a medieval kabbalist / Eitan P. Fishbane.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Fishbane, Eitan P., 1975-

Series:

Stanford studies in Jewish history and culture.

Stanford studies in Jewish history and culture

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Isaac ben Samuel, of Acre.

Isaac ben Samuel.

Cabala--History--To 1500.

Cabala.

Mysticism--Judaism--History--To 1500.

Mysticism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (337 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Stanford, Calif. : Stanford University Press, c2009.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

As Light Before Dawn explores the mystical thought of Isaac ben Samuel of Akko, a major medieval kabbalist whose work has until now received relatively little attention. Through consideration of an extensive literary corpus, including much that still remains in manuscript, this study examines an array of themes and questions that have great applicability to the comparative study of mysticism and the broader study of religion. These include prayer and the nature of mystical experience; meditative concentration directed to God; and the power of mental intention, authority, creativity, and the transmission of wisdom.

Contents:

pt. 1. Context. Perspectives and new directions : reflections on the state of scholarship

The wandering kabbalist : historical profile and context. pt. 2. Reception and transmission. Receiving tradition, constructing authority

Intentions and the recovery of meaning

Seeing the secret : creative process and the hermeneutics of insight. pt. 3. Contemplative practice, mystical experience. Contemplation, theurgical action, and the presence of God

Techniques of mystical contemplation : kavvanah and devotional experience

Asceticism, prophecy, and mystical union.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [285]-301) and index.

ISBN:

9780804774871

0804774870

OCLC:

646068289