[S]ince both prerational states and transrational states are, in their own ways, nonrational, they appear similar or even identical to the untutored eye. And once pre and trans are confused, then one of two fallacies occurs:
In the first, all higher and transrational states are reduced to lower and prerational states. Genuine mystical or contemplative experiences, for example, are seen as a regression or throwback to infantile states of narcissism, oceanic adualism, indissociation, and even primitive autism.
On the other hand, if one is sympathetic with higher or mystical states, but one still confuses pre and trans, then one will elevate all prerational states to some sort of transrational glory ([...]).
- Ken Wilber ("The Pre/Trans Fallacy")
When I was first exposed to Chassidus in general and Chabad Chassidus in particular several years ago, I was so fascinated that I asked every frum Jew I met in Jerusalem if he studied either of them. It didn't take me long to realize that those who are the most difficult to please are paradoxically those frum Jews who only study the Talmud. Compared to them, even non-Jews seem to be more open to Chassidus and its teachings.
There is no doubt that the Talmud as the most important work of the revealed Torah occupies a central place in the study of Judaism, but this doesn't contradict the study of Chassidus as one of the two important areas of the concealed Torah, together with Kabbalah.
As I continued to study Chabad Chassidus, firt at a format setting, then by myself, I've come to identify intuitively with a fairly high degree of precision who have studied Chassidus and who haven't.
It took me more time to realize what contributes to this difference. My conclusion so far is that the difference is between rationality and transrationality. The study of the Talmud is mostly rational, while the teachings of Chassidus transcend rationality.
Ironically, many of those who focus on rationality seem to have double blind faiths - the first is in their rational mind, and the second is in that they have no blind faith. ;-)
Recently I witnessed the same statement by a few (now former) rationally minded frum Jewish friends of mine. It was a most grotesque statement that could only be made by those who are totally trapped in the prison of their egoic mind and are even unware of this very fact.
In spite of their purported rational mind their statement was highly irrational. My attempts to explain to them rationally were met with their highl emotionally accusations against me. The only thing that was left to me was to walk away from them silently.