Merging into God and *erasing selfhood* is not an ideal mentioned anywhere in the Moreh. Indeed, it is not a Jewish idea. One is not to erase self but rather, find union and connection with God. Careful study of the Guide will clearly show that.
1:68 would imply that what one contemplates /is/ what one is. Selfhood is not a term I think Maimonides would recognize. Clearly the human stays a human. But the content of their intellect, appetites, biology, etc. (the parts of what makes a person a person) are all dynamic.
Hence, contemplating/knowing G-d is a change in the person's intellect, their true form. All changes in thought are an erasure of the previous self and an entry into a new one.
Perhaps my misunderstanding has to do with what you mean by 'erasing self-hood'. I understood it to mean the erasure of a lower self and the writing of a higher one.
I am highlighting the tendency of people to surrender self development and awareness in light of other. I do believe that is very possible.
Regarding how HaRambam understood the self, whatever it was that he understood it to be, it is clear from all his writings that it is not meant to be lost in God. Quite the contrary. And that is my point.
Outstanding Haham Dweck
Thank you
Not saying right or wrong- but contra maimonides
Merging into God and *erasing selfhood* is not an ideal mentioned anywhere in the Moreh. Indeed, it is not a Jewish idea. One is not to erase self but rather, find union and connection with God. Careful study of the Guide will clearly show that.
1:68 would imply that what one contemplates /is/ what one is. Selfhood is not a term I think Maimonides would recognize. Clearly the human stays a human. But the content of their intellect, appetites, biology, etc. (the parts of what makes a person a person) are all dynamic.
Hence, contemplating/knowing G-d is a change in the person's intellect, their true form. All changes in thought are an erasure of the previous self and an entry into a new one.
Perhaps my misunderstanding has to do with what you mean by 'erasing self-hood'. I understood it to mean the erasure of a lower self and the writing of a higher one.
Let me know how
"Merging into God, erasing selfhood in divine ecstasy, may seem like the height of spirituality, but it is the opposite of what God wants."
I think Guide 3:51 seems to genuinely encourage mystical union with G-d. (wrt Forefathers and Moshe)
I am highlighting the tendency of people to surrender self development and awareness in light of other. I do believe that is very possible.
Regarding how HaRambam understood the self, whatever it was that he understood it to be, it is clear from all his writings that it is not meant to be lost in God. Quite the contrary. And that is my point.
No, I meant the complete effacing of self in the All That is God.
Is this possible?