138 Gates of Wisdom: A Visual Study Companion to Ramchal's Klach Pitchei Chochmah, Volume 1 Part A (Openings 1–77, Sections 1–13) (138 Gates of Wisdom: The Companion)

An illustrated, plain-English way into one of the most demanding works of Jewish thought.In 1735 the Ramchal, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, wrote Klach Pitchei Chochmah (קל"ח פתחי חכמה), the "138 Openings of Wisdom": 138 short, dense statements that lay out the structure of Lurianic Kabbalah from its first principle to its final repair. For most readers, the Openings are almost impossible to enter alone.138 Gates of Wisdom is an independent study companion built to make that entry possible. For every Opening it gives you a one-page reading in clear modern English, paired with a full-page visual plate that diagrams the same idea, so the structure you are reading is also a structure you can see.What this companion gives you:A one-page plain-English reading of each OpeningA full-page visual plate for each major idea: the Tzimtzum, the Kav and the Reshimu, the ten Sefirot, the Four Worlds, the Partzufim, the Breaking of the Vessels and the RepairSection bridges that connect each stage of the argument to the nextConcept arcs that trace a single idea, such as the Kav, Malchut, or Arich Anpin, across the whole workA reference design built to be opened anywhere: read it through once, then return by Opening, by concept, or by plateWho it is for:First-time readers of Lurianic Kabbalah who have found the classical texts hard to enterStudents who learn visually and want the architecture drawn, not only describedAnyone working through Ramchal who wants a clear map to return toThis volume, Volume 1 Part A, carries the first thirteen Sections, from the Foundations of Creation through the Partzuf of Atik (Openings 1 to 77). Part B continues from the Concealed Government through the Repair of Nukva (Openings 78 to 138) and carries the whole-book closing maps. The two parts are one work, divided only so each volume is a comfortable size to hold and to print.A free companion edition, with the same readings and full-color plates, lives online at 138.warmwisdompress.com.This is a personal study aid. It is not an official commentary on Ramchal or on Lurianic Kabbalah, and it is no substitute for study with a teacher. Read more