S P E C I A L G U E S T I N T E R V I E W
YOGItimes magazine for the modern yogi
A special treat for your soul
by Brigitte Benchimol
photography by Karen Bysted
Gahl introduces Kabbalah – the Jewish mysticism and symbolism of life – by showing how all of the archetypal figures from all religions and mythology play a role in our daily reality. The most fascinating aspect of Gahl’s classes is the everyday practicality of his teachings: spirituality as service in our every day lives; the power of our beliefs as a service to our desires and needs. Gahl leads his students toward transformation through an understanding and awareness of myths and stories gathered from all religions, folk-tales, world mythology, and more. By understanding the archetypes that have been passed down to us through the religions of all cultures, as well as becoming aware of the synchronicities that exist in our daily lives, we come closer to understanding ourselves as a human culture and as human individuals.
Yogi Times: What is Kabbalah?
Gahl: Kabbalah is a mystical, universal interpretation of the meaning and mechanics of life that has been preserved for thousands of years, chiefly through the teachings of Judaic seekers and scholars. This ancient theosophy instructs that God uses the Tree of Life as the everlasting blueprint for the construction of the universe. It’s a very elaborate system of symbology that helps us understand life, and participate in the everlasting process of creation/creativity. According to Kabbalah, God didn’t create the Universe, God is creating the Universe.
Y.T.: What makes your class different from any other Kabbalah class?
Gahl: I call it Universal Kabbalah. Not too many classes draw from myth, religions and all traditions. Universal Kabbalah applies to Christians, Muslims, Jews, Pagans. Basically, everything is one. Everything can be linked as long as it’s driving towards the Light. It’s a more inclusive approach. I help people redefine their questions instead of giving them answers.
Y.T.: What made you start studying Kabbalah and then teaching it?
Gahl: I didn’t get into Kabbalah as much as Kabbalah got into me. I was happily surfing in Mexico, and went to Guadalajara to say goodbye to my friend. During my trip, I went with a group of musicians to a Kabbalah and astrology class. I became friends with the teacher and ended up staying and studying for 2 years. Later on, I found out the “Zohar,” the most important book in Kabbalah, was written in Guadalajara in Spain. And Guadalajara, Mexico is a place where a huge number of people are studying magic and spiritual practices nowadays. It was as if my soul was aware of the connection between Guadalajara, Mexico and Spain and the Zohar. So, I thought it was a pretty interesting synchronicity.
Y.T.: What triggered the need to write your book , “A wish can change your life”?
Gahl: Lots of the books are too heavy or traditional. I never felt comfortable recommending a book or a class. To write the book, we recorded and transcribed my classes so it would be like a workshop within a book.
Y.T.: How did you get the Dalai Lama to endorse your book?
Gahl: The Dalai Lama came to me in a dream. He taught me overtone or throat singing. When I woke up in the morning I knew how to do it. Later, when I met a Tibetan Lama, I told him about it and he said I would have to be initiated. He confirmed that His Holiness sometimes visits people through their dreams. Then I contacted his office to have my book endorsed.. I have been teaching about the Sphere of Mercy, and I talk a lot about Avalotikeshvara, the Buddha of Compassion with a thousand arms, and the Dalai Lama is the reincarnation of the Buddha of Compassion. For me the Dalai [Lama] is the most elevated soul, and I thought he must have also 1000 arms, energetically speaking. The Dalai Lama’s endorsement would be the ultimate blessing. I sent an email with the book as an attachment. I got a reply saying that His holiness had hundreds of demands so I shouldn’t hope too much. And then one day, the day of my father’s birthday, strangely enough, through e-mail first, his endorsement just came.
Y.T.: What is the main message you would like to share with the world?
Gahl: The existence of Oneness, to truly grasp it myself. When you teach, you learn. To be able to teach in a persuasive way that everything is part of oneness. That is why it’s not important to me that it is Kabbalah per say or Buddhism per say but the ability to put them all together.
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awishcanchangeyourlife.com
gahl@Onestoryteller.com