The Wisdom of Kabbalah and Philosophy
Sages of Kabbalah observe philosophic theology and complain that they have stolen the upper shell of their wisdom, which Plato and his Greek predecessors had acquired while studying with the disciples of the prophets in Israel. They have stolen basic elements from the wisdom of Israel and wore a cloak that is not their own. To this day, philosophic theology sits on the throne of Kabbalah, being heir under her mistress…
Kabbalah cannot prove its nature and truthfulness, and no revelations will suffice for the world to know it before the futility and falsehood of theological philosophy that has taken its throne becomes apparent.
Therefore, there was no such salvation for Israel as when the materialistic psychology appeared and struck theological philosophy on its head a lethal blow.
Baal HaSulam, “The Wisdom of Kabbalah and Philosophy”
Where the wisdom of philosophy ends, the wisdom of Kabbalah begins. Meaning, philosophers researched only as far as the wheels, but know nothing from there and above. Even in the teachings from the wheels and below the vast majority of them are bewildered, as they know themselves. The wisdom of Kabbalah begins where their wisdom ends, meaning from the wheels and above.
Rabbi Nachman of Breslev, Talks with Moharan, p 225
Understanding the meaning of the word, "spirituality," has nothing to do with philosophy. This is because how can they discuss something that they have never seen or felt? What do their rudiments stand on?
If there is any definition that can tell spiritual from corporeal, it belongs only to those who have attained a spiritual thing and felt it. These are the genuine Kabbalists; thus, it is the wisdom of Kabbalah that we need.
Baal HaSulam, “The Wisdom of Kabbalah and Philosophy”
It must be known because we are commanded, “Know this day, and lay it to thy heart that the Lord, He is God.” Thus, we must know, and not only believe, but matters should make sense.
Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzato (The Ramchal), The Book of Moses’ War, “Rules,” p 349
But I am not an enthusiast of formative philosophy, since I dislike theoretically based studies, and it is well known that most of my contemporaries agree with me, for we are too familiar with such foundations, which are rickety foundations; and when the foundation fluctuates, the whole building tumbles.
Therefore, I have come here to speak only through critique of empirical reason.
Baal HaSulam, “The Peace”
Not only is it the wrong place to argue with them about their fabricated conjectures, but also the time of supporters of such views has already passed and their authority revoked. We should also thank the experts of materialistic psychology for that, which built its plinth on the ruin of the former, winning the public’s favor. Now everyone admits to the nullity of philosophy, for it is not built on concrete foundations.
This old doctrine became a stumbling rock and a deadly thorn to the sages of Kabbalah because where they should have subdued before the sages of Kabbalah, and assume abstinence and prudence, sanctity, and purity before the sages disclosed before them even the smallest thing in spirituality, they easily received what they had wanted from the formative philosophy. Without payment or price, they watered them from their fountain of wisdom to satiation, and refrained from delving in the wisdom of Kabbalah until the wisdom has almost been forgotten from among Israel. Hence, we are grateful to materialistic psychology for handing it a deadly blow.
Baal HaSulam, “The Wisdom of Kabbalah and Philosophy”
Since the day I have discovered the wisdom of Kabbalah and dedicated myself to it, I have distanced myself from abstract philosophy and all its branches as the east from the west. Everything that I will write henceforth will be from a purely scientific perspective, in utter precision, and by means of simple recognition of practical, useful things.
Baal HaSulam, “Body and Soul”
Today our generation has already recognized that metaphysical philosophy contains no real content upon which it is worthwhile to spend one’s time. Hence, it is certainly forbidden for anyone to take any spices from their words.
Baal HaSulam, “Body and Soul”
Philosophy loves to pride itself on understanding all the negatives about His essence. However, the sages of Kabbalah put their hand to their mouth at this point, and do not give Him even a simple name, for we do not define by name or word that which we do not attain. That is because a word designates some degree of attainment. However, Kabbalists do speak a great deal about His illumination in reality, meaning all those illuminations they have actually attained, as validly as tangible attainment.
Baal HaSulam, “The Wisdom of Kabbalah and Philosophy”
Philosophy loves to concern itself with His Essence and prove which rules do not apply to Him. However, Kabbalah has no dealings whatsoever with it, for how can the unattainable and imperceptible be defined?
Baal HaSulam, “The Wisdom of Kabbalah and Philosophy”