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A Working Kabbalist

Doré, ‘Dante and Beatrice in Heaven’

This paper on contemplations came about because a little while ago, I was deeply troubled about a problem that had come up in the family. After pondering every possible angle and putting it on the Tree of Life, I found myself worrying about it, playing it over and over and over in my head. Like a dog with a bone, I realised that I would not let it rest – before I went to bed the problem was there, when I woke up it was there, relentlessly and persistently present in my head and in my subconscious mind.
What does a kabbalist do when life throws a curve? Sit quietly, go to Tiferet, ponder the situation from all angles, put it on the Tree, consider the players, both major and minor, and further examine one’s part in the situation. After that, put it down, to simmer in the unconscious. That is the theory, but the reality is that I wanted the problem to be solved now. No matter that it may have taken weeks, months, or even years to manifest, I wanted to solve it Now.
So, what do I do to stop this Hodian, Yesodic flow. A good kabbalist will switch to Tiferet and come into the Now, but I can only hold this for a while before life circumstances bring me back onto the treadmill of playing the problem over and over in my mind.
I remembered my teacher Halevi’s words:  “The art of contemplation is to penetrate each topic and relate it to the principles of the Tree of life and Jacob’s ladder.”  I took my teachers’ advice and sat with it for a long time, striving to penetrate the problem using the Tree and Ladder. I saw the karmic links and how they had evolved, and finally manifested at this point on my journey through this life. I recognised that all that was happening was ‘for me’ and not ‘to me’ as an opportunity to heal past imbalances. I then put it down consciously to allow a deeper understanding to emerge, but it would sneak back through into my conscious mind. When it drifted back into my head, I recited the following quote to keep a transpersonal perspective:
 “Nothing occurs outside its time, as it is part of a sequence in the great cosmic cycle that unfolds the Grand Design of Existence.”
Halevi. Exodus, Chapter 45, p. 209
Over days and weeks, I pondered this, reciting it many, many times a day, breaking the words down, gaining insights into the timing of my problem, my role, its purpose in my life and those involved, and why it came up now. Most importantly I found a way forward with peace in my heart.
As ours is a School of Contemplation, I decided that when I read a book, if I came across any passage that appealed to me, I would contemplate it in the manner Halevi suggested above.
Here are a few contemplations that have truly touched me:
“The secret of Existence is that it is a mirror in which humanity/I reflect the Image of the Divine so that God may behold God.”
Halevi. Exodus, preface, p. xiii (edited to make it more inclusive).
“When the human image of the Divine realises upon whom it gazes, then God perceives God, and the cycle is complete. To assist the Holy One in this aim is the Work of the Kabbalist.”
Halevi. Kabbalist at Work, preface, p. xi
The human self is an atom of Divinity. It is a miniature image containing in its nature the dynamics, structure and consciousness of the Divine SELF that permeates all Existence.
Halevi. Kabbalist at Work, p. 22
Kurt Browne

An Introduction to the Kabbalah Contemplative Group

Nicholas Roerich, ‘Book of Wisdom’

Welcome to our Kabbalah Contemplative Group
This group is suitable to those who have a working knowledge of the Tree of Life and Jacob’s Ladder. Our purpose is to come together to explore the teachings of Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi, deepening our understanding through contemplation, study, and shared experience.
Meeting Schedule
The following monthly sessions have been scheduled for the upcoming year. These hourly sessions will be held consecutively over two cycles on Monday evenings at 19:00 hrs (London time):
First cycle:  19th January – 9th February – 16th March
Second cycle:  11th May – 8th June – 6th July
To establish a foundation for our contemplative journey, a pre-meeting is scheduled to take place on 8th January to set the tone for our ongoing work together. Your presence will contribute to the richness of that process.
Looking beyond our current timeline, should we wish to continue our studies after July, an additional cycle will be scheduled in the autumn.
Session Structure
Each session will commence with the Great Invocation to establish a focused atmosphere for our contemplative work together. Everyone will be asked to take part in reciting the Invocation and lighting a candle in their own homes, thereby inviting the Divine presence.
As expressed by Halevi, “The art of contemplation is to penetrate each topic and relate it to the principles of the Tree of Life and Jacob’s Ladder.”  Our collective aim is to approach each topic as the Mystics do, striving to experience the layers within and to engage deeply with the subject matter.
Participation and Group Dynamics
Everyone is encouraged to share their observations, insights, and experiences as we aim to foster genuine participation and exploration as a community of kabbalists. “The group is not to be a place where one comes just to take, but also to give.”  Halevi. School of the Soul, chapter 22, page 127.
Continuity and Attendance
To maintain ongoing engagement and continuity within the group, regular attendance, at least two of the three consecutive monthly sessions, is requested. A new Zoom link will be issued for each cycle to preserve the group vessel.
Recommended Reading
For a deeper understanding and context, everyone is encouraged to consult the following texts by Halevi:
Summary
Together, we will delve into the teachings of Halevi and strive to experience the inner dimensions of the Tree of Life and Jacob’s Ladder. By bringing our insights and experiences to each session, we create a living, dynamic community dedicated to the work of the Kabbalist.
Session Contributions
Voluntary contributions are welcome.
Contact
Please contact Joanna or Kurt, at info@pathofintegration.org to register your interest before the 8th January.  Alternatively, if you cannot attend the first cycle but are interested in joining us for the second, please send your contact details to us and we will be in touch.  Thank you.