As Light Before Dawn: The Inner World of a Medieval Kabbalist
Eitan P. Fishbane
Abstract
This book 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 ... More
This book 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.
Keywords:
kabbalist,
Isaac ben Samuel of Akko,
mysticism,
religion,
prayer,
mystical experience,
meditation,
mental intention,
authority,
wisdom
Bibliographic Information
| Print publication date: 2009 |
Print ISBN-13: 9780804759137 |
| Published to Stanford Scholarship Online: June 2013 |
DOI:10.11126/stanford/9780804759137.001.0001 |
