Abstract
The objective of this article is an analysis of the teachings of Franz (or František) Bardon, who was born within the territory of today's Czech Republic and was involved in Kabbalah. A clear link is shown between Franz Bardon's research on Kabbalah and studies on religion, rather than Judaism.
The method used in this paper involves in particular an analysis and comparison of his teachings with other knowledge of those areas of Kabbalah which are today considered academically to be traditional - especially Hebrew and Christian Kabbalah. At the same time, an evolution of understanding and working with the teachings of Kabbalah within modern Western esoteric traditions is demonstrated.
The result of Bardon's endeavours was the creation of a Kabbalistic theory system and above all practice which was independent of the Hebrew language and religion. This endeavour can be put into the context of scholars in the first half of the 20th century pursuing a so-called national, or universal, Kabbalah.
Thus a marked shift occurred moving away from traditional Hebrew, and later Christian, Kabbalah. Theological aspects of Bardon's works are shown.