"These obligations are fulfilled by entering into Pardes (mnemonic acronym ???"? — peshat, remez, derash, sod — four methods of Bible interpretation [literal, allegorical, homiletical and mystical]), which according to Maimonides is part of Talmud (MT Torah Study 1:11-12)."
For Maimonides, "pardes" is not an acronym for four exigetical methods (as in common use today), nor is it mystical knowledge, as used in the Talmud. In a highly original usage, Maimonides defines pardes as Metaphysics and Physics, the study of which is required to achieve fear and love of God. See MT, Foundations of the Torah, chapters 1-4.
"These obligations are fulfilled by entering into Pardes (mnemonic acronym ???"? — peshat, remez, derash, sod — four methods of Bible interpretation [literal, allegorical, homiletical and mystical]), which according to Maimonides is part of Talmud (MT Torah Study 1:11-12)."
For Maimonides, "pardes" is not an acronym for four exigetical methods (as in common use today), nor is it mystical knowledge, as used in the Talmud. In a highly original usage, Maimonides defines pardes as Metaphysics and Physics, the study of which is required to achieve fear and love of God. See MT, Foundations of the Torah, chapters 1-4.