Mystical techniques, mental processes, and states of consciousness in Abraham Abulafia’s Kabbalah: A reassessment

Abraham Abulafia's Kabbalah involves hyperactivation of the mind, contrasting with the mental relaxation found in other religious mystical practices. Current scholars emphasize this unique character and argue it cannot be compared to hypnosis. This article challenges that view, arguing that Abulafian techniques and experiences can be understood through a model drawing from psychiatrist Roland Fischer, offering a more inclusive interpretation that connects these practices to hypnotic procedures, processes, and states.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This article reevaluates the mystical techniques and experiences peculiar to Abraham Abulafia’s Kabbalah and attempts to offer an alternative approach to their dominant understanding, which largely depends on Moshe Idel’s work. Current scholars of Jewish mysticism have a habit of highlighting the “unique character” of Abulafia’s mystical practices while asserting that they cannot be compared with the induction techniques and the psychophysical phenomena typical of hypnosis. While generally agreeing with the scholars discussed that the hyperactivation of the mind found in Abulafian Kabbalah contrasts sharply with the mental relaxation attained through the mystical practices of other religious traditions, the present study takes issue with the current view of Abulafian Kabbalah’s relation to hypnotic procedures, processes, and states. This work addresses the issues present with the current view and offers a more inclusive model for interpreting Abulafia’s Kabbalah, drawing from psychiatrist Roland Fischer.