Mysticism and Madness The Religious Thought of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav [Paperback]

Two hundred years since Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav's demise, his philosophical writings and literary creation remain lively and provocative materials in both Jewish culture and the New-Age movement.

Key elements of Rabbi Nachman`s magic and magnetic force are illuminated in this research, which presents Bratslavian mysticism as a unique link in the history of Jewish mysticism. The mystical worldview is the axis of this book, but its branches stretch out to key issues in the Bratslavian world such as belief and imagination, dreams and the land of Israel, melodies and song.

Introduction1 Imagination, Prophecy and Faith The Role of the Imagination in Religious Life, and the Character of Bratslavian Faith Faith and Imagination Casting Away the Intellect2 On the Character of Mystical Experiences The Nullification and Return of the Rational Mind in the Mystical Experience Mysticism of Faith Hierarchy in Mystical Paths (Via Mystica) and in Mystical Unification (Unio Mystica) If I Knew Him I Would Be Him: Knowledge (Da'at) as a means of Attaining Mystical Unification Conclusion3 Unification: Hints, Sparks and MelodyOn the Bratslavian Service of God Introduction The Unification of 'Hashem Elokim' States of Nocturnal Consciousness: Sleep, Dream and Wakefulness (Hitbodedut)4. Silence and Melody Facing the Void: On the Place of the Mystic Melody in the Confrontation with Heresy in the Writings of R. Nahman of Bratslav Two Models of Creation - Tzimtzum and the Breaking of the Vessels What Is Absent from the Void? Silence and Melody The Beggar with a Speech Defect R. Nathan in Likkutei Halakhot on Tzimtzum and the Void5 The Land Of Imagination The Aspect of the Land Of Israel The Way to the Land of the Imagination The Doctrine of Descriptions of God Clapping Hands Summation6 'Smallness' And 'Greatness' and their Roots in the Kabbalah of the Ari Introduction A Minor is not obligated in Mitzvol*