Two questions I received on how to read and relate to The Book of Zohar:

Question: I am trying to study The Book of Zohar that you translated. I’ve reread many times the part where you talk about how to relate to the material in order to go deeper into the inner part of it – but so far it’s not working. I don’t feel like I’m advancing, and I think that I lack definitions, the way things are clearly defined in the Talmud Eser Sefirot. Do these definitions exist, and if yes, where can I find them? Or is there another, special approach to The Book of Zohar?

My Answer: The Book of Zohar should be read only in order to evoke the Light of correction onto yourself. To the degree the Light will influence you, you will begin to perceive the Zohar (which means Radiance). And to the extent that you’ll feel the Light, the property of bestowal, you will also begin understanding what The Book of Zohar says.

In addition, there are four introductions to The Book of Zohar, and it’s necessary to know them (or to have at least general knowledge of them) in order to understand the book.

Question: Recently I made the decision that I will read The Book of Zohar. During Book Week I bought the full set. However, I spoke to a person who told me that religious authorities have put a curse on this set of books, and this set of books is “impure.”

My Answer: You can go ahead and read these books, but this is only recommended for people who have studied all the works of Baal HaSulam. In addition, there are four introductions to The Book of Zohar, and it’s impossible to understand The Book of Zohar without thoroughly understanding these introductions!

Related Material:
5 Things You Should Know About the Zohar
Study The Zohar
Introduction to the Book of Zohar
Preface to the Book of Zohar
A Speech in Celebration of the Conclusion of The Zohar

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