In traditional Jewish meditation, prayer has always been the focus. Jewish mysticism is divided into two parts. One is Hasidism and the other is the Kabbalah. In recent times, meditating on the Kabbalah, (Jewish mystical teachings,) has become more popular with both Jews and non-Jews.
The Kabbalah is said to have been given to Moses by angels under God's direction. It is supposed to contain the spiritual laws of the universe. Understanding the Kabbalah brings enlightenment and a closer connection to God, while moving into a higher state of consciousness.
History of Jewish Meditation
Jewish meditation dates back to Abraham, who was the founder of Judaism. Prophets would fast and enter into altered states of consciousness. A big focus during this time was meditating on a vision of Ezekiel, who was a Hebrew prophet that was once held captive by the Babylonians.
Meditating on Letters
According to rabbi Rami Shapiro, author of Wisdom of the Jewish Sages, the first formal Jewish meditation focused on the alphabet, which was seen as a divine language.
Today, some practitioners like to meditate on the letters that spell God's name.
Meditating on Names of God
Kabbalists usually meditate on one of twenty five names for God. These names include Adonoi, (meaning "Lord,") Elohi, ("Great Living One,") Kodosh, ("Holy One") and Yod He Vav Hs, ("Brilliant Name of Fire.") When choosing a name, it is advised to choose one carefully and pick one that has meaning to the individual.
The chosen name of God should bring a warmness to the heart. When meditating, the name is used as a mantra and is chanted over and over again. When the right name is chosen and meditated on, it is said to light the tree of life.
The Tree of Life in Kabbalah
The tree of life is one system of Kabbalist teachings. It is based on the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve are said to have seen it before being cast out of Eden after eating the forbidden fruit. It consists of ten energy centers called sephiroth. Each sephiroth (sphere) represents a stage in opening up divine energy.
It is only in recent times that some information about the mystical teachings of the Kabbalah have been made public. Although frowned upon by mainstream Jewish leaders, meditation and the Kabbalah continue to have an increase in popularity in hopes of finding a deep divine connection, while expanding one's consciousness.
Readers may also enjoy Mantras And Meditation, along with Christian Meditation, and The Best Time Of Day For Meditation.
Sources:
Meditation for Dummies, Stephan Bodian, (Wiley Publishing, Inc.,) 2006.
Get Fit Meditation, Susannah Marriott, (MQ Publications Limited,) 2005.
The Best Guide to Meditation, Victor N. Davich, (Renaissance Media, Inc.,) 1998.
Meditation to Go, Christina Rodenbeck, (Octopus Publishing Group Ltd.,) 2008.
The New Inductive Study Bible, compiled by K. Arthur and the staff of Precept Ministries International, (Harvest House Publishers,) 2000.
 |
 |
 |
 |
