Kábala

Kábala is a term that has seen varied usage and interpretation across different contexts. Primarily, it refers to a system of mystical interpretation of the Hebrew scriptures, often associated with Kabbalah in Jewish tradition. This esoteric tradition delves into the hidden meanings of the Torah, seeking to understand the nature of God, the universe, and humanity's place within it. The teachings of Kábala often involve complex symbolic language, numerology (gematria), and meditative practices aimed at achieving spiritual enlightenment or a deeper connection to the divine.

However, the term Kábala has also been adopted and adapted in other fields, sometimes diverging significantly from its original religious and mystical roots. In some popular culture or new-age contexts, Kábala might be used more broadly to describe a specific set of beliefs or practices, often simplified or reinterpreted to fit new frameworks. This can lead to a dilution or alteration of the original concepts, making the meaning context-dependent. It is important to distinguish between the traditional Kábala rooted in Jewish mysticism and its more modern or secularized interpretations. The historical and scholarly understanding of Kábala is largely centered on its development within Jewish communities and its extensive body of literature, including texts like the Zohar and the Sefer Yetzirah.