Pardes Rimmonim, Author's Introduction

When I heard this inner calling, I said, ‘I will rise and wander through the city, in the markets and streets, to seek rest and comfort.’ And then I heard a voice speaking—a holy man descended from heaven, my teacher and rabbi, the saintly scholar, Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz HaLevi, may he be well. He brought me into the halls of his chambers, taught me, and said, ‘My son, let my words support your heart. Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise.’ He stationed me at the gates of wisdom and understanding, which are sweeter than honey and the nectar of the heavens, echoing and resounding in the depths of Torah secrets. His teachings were sweet as honey to my mouth, and I committed myself to his study. I listened to his words and was awakened to learn the ways of the Zohar and the keys to unlocking its gates.