Source: Interview with Prof. Hyman M. Schipper, MD, PhD, FRCPC, Essentia Foundation
This podcast presents summery from Dr. Hyman Schipper, a neurologist and neuroscientist, exploring the conceptual parallels between Kabbalah, an ancient Jewish mystical tradition, and modern science, particularly quantum physics. The podcast elucidates core Kabbalistic ideas like the Ein Sof (infinite light), the ten Sefirot (divine attributes), the process of creation (Tzimtzum), and the concepts of inter-inclusion (holographic nature) and interpenetration (quantum entanglement), drawing surprising connections to scientific principles. The podcast also delves into the Kabbalistic understanding of consciousness as primordial and panentheistic, contrasting it with scientific materialism, and tackles the paradox of free will through the lens of the "Unknowable Head". Ultimately, this podcast aims to demonstrate the enduring relevance of Kabbalistic wisdom in light of contemporary scientific discoveries and suggests a future where science and spirituality may converge towards a more holistic understanding of reality.
A primary focus is a specific theological perspective describing the relationship between the divine and the universe. This view asserts that the divine is simultaneously present within all of creation and yet also transcends it. This contrasts with ideas of a completely separate creator or the divine being solely equivalent to the universe. The creation process is described as beginning with a divine contraction to create a void, followed by a ray of divine light entering that void. The underlying motivation for this creation is presented as the divine desire to share love and bestow goodness.
Another key topic is the Kabbalistic model of the cosmos and its structure, centered around ten divine emanations known as Sefirot. These Sefirot are organized hierarchically, representing a flow of divine influence from the infinite divine light to the manifested reality. The initial arrangement of these Sefirot as concentric circles and their subsequent rearrangement into the "shape of man" are discussed. The creation unfolds through a series of descending spiritual worlds or dimensions, with the physical universe emerging at the lowest level.
The discussion also emphasizes the fundamental interconnectedness of reality through principles like interinclusion and interpenetration. Interinclusion suggests that the entirety of the cosmos is reflected within every single part, akin to a holographic or fractal design. Interpenetration describes a cross-cutting mode of divine influence where attributes can be activated throughout all levels of creation simultaneously. Parallels are drawn between these Kabbalistic concepts and modern scientific ideas such as holograms, fractals, and quantum entanglement.
The nature of consciousness is explored as a fundamental aspect of reality, rather than solely a product of physical processes. This perspective suggests that consciousness originates from the divine and is present throughout all of creation, organized hierarchically. This view contrasts with prevailing scientific perspectives and offers potential resolutions to philosophical problems of consciousness.
The complex interplay between human free will and divine will is another significant topic. The concept of an 'Unknowable Head' within the highest Sefira is introduced as a mechanism that creates the experience of free will within the created universe by presenting multiple possibilities. However, from a higher perspective, everything is understood as ultimately preordained, presenting a paradox.
The potential connections and increasing convergence between this ancient wisdom and contemporary scientific understanding are examined. Parallels are highlighted between Kabbalistic concepts and various scientific fields, including quantum mechanics and neuroscience. The idea that future scientific advancements may further illuminate these connections and potentially validate aspects of this tradition is also considered, suggesting a move towards a more integrated understanding of reality encompassing both material and spiritual dimensions.
1. What is Kabbalah and what are its core aspects?
Kabbalah, derived from the Hebrew word meaning "to receive," is the esoteric aspect of the Torah, traditionally believed to have been revealed to Moses alongside the revealed Torah but transmitted to a select few. It encompasses philosophy (the metaphysics of reality in Jewish thought), cosmology (a blueprint for creation), esoteric practices (prophetic Kabbalah aiming to manipulate reality), and theosophy (knowledge about God and creation). Key aspects include the understanding of ten Sefirot (divine forces/attributes), the flow of divine influence from the Ein Sof (infinite light of God), and the concept of panentheism (God being both within and transcendent of the universe).