Pardes and PaRDeS: towards a psychotherapeutic theory

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Religious Studies
• Hermeneutics

Background:

• The Hebrew term Pardes encompasses both a mystical legend and a system for biblical text interpretation.
• Existing approaches to life and death often remain dichotomized between rational and mystical perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a psychological theory by combining the legend of Pardes with the hermeneutic system of PaRDeS.
• To demonstrate how this integrated framework can serve as a bridge between rational and mystical approaches.
• To explore the psychological implications of these concepts for personal growth and resolving inner conflicts.

Main Methods:

• A theoretical framework is proposed, integrating the legend of Pardes with the PaRDeS hermeneutic system.
• The theory is presented as a set of propositions outlining psychological stages and struggles.
• Analysis of symbolic dimensions within the Pardes/PaRDeS framework.

Main Results:

• The combination of Pardes and PaRDeS offers a bridge between rational and mystical approaches to life and death.
• Both rational and mystic stages involve a negative break followed by a positive, mature resolution.
• The discussed dimensions represent inner psychological struggles, not fixed personality types, experienced across the life cycle.

Conclusions:

• Successful resolution of inner psychological struggles is facilitated by identifying and adopting personally suitable "faces" or perspectives.
• The journey towards "Pardes-paradise" is achievable through individual intention and motivation.
• This integrated psychological theory provides a novel perspective on personal development and the reconciliation of diverse human experiences.