Jewish Meditation : A Practical Guide

Rating:
Summary: Authentically Jewish how-to introduction to meditation
Review: As far as I know, Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan (may he rest in peace) was the first Orthodox rabbi to write about Jewish meditation for the general public. He did so because his own teachers recognized that American Jews in the 60s and 70s were growing up without knowledge of these traditions, and were therefore abandoning Judaism for other religions in order to be "more spiritual." Hence this and other books by Kaplan on Jewish meditation.

Kaplan's books are still considered to be among the most authentic on the market, and are kosher even among the Orthodox and Hasidic branches of Judaism. His first book, "Meditation and the Bible," came out in 1978, and explored the various meditation techniques that were hinted at in the Bible and expanded in other Jewish texts. This was followed by "Meditation and Kabbalah" (1982), which explained the techniques in greater detail and provided first-ever English translations of many basic Hebrew texts. Both of these books, however, were quite academic and not intended to be how-to guides. Hence the third book here, "A Practical Guide" to Jewish meditation, published in 1985.

I mention the first two books because, if you read only this one, it may strike you as just another "new age" hodge-podge of ideas. Far from it. Kaplan took his cues from the most Orthodox of the Orthodox, i.e., the traditionalist Jews who had not lost the pre-Holocaust knowledge of these techniques. In his first two books, he clearly lays out the theory, drawing upon centuries-old Hebrew texts and first-hand descriptions by Jewish "saints" of various eras. In "Jewish Meditation," he distills all this down into directions for actual daily practice. If these resemble "new age" ideas in some places, it is only because the New Agers have recently re-discovered terchniques that the Jews have used for literally thousands of years.

It is this little-known mystical tradition that Kaplan sought to make accessible to the average English-speaking reader. He was aware that many Jews had experienced success with Eastern meditation, but were not comfortable with some of the idolatrous practices that went along with it (such as chanting the names of Hindu gods, which is forbidden in Judaism.) He was also aware that the general public thinks of Jews as "Old Testament Hebrews" ala Cecil B. DeMille, who supposedly worship an "angry god" and have no inner spirituality. Kaplan's work corrects both of these problems. Whether you are Jewish or not, if you meditate or are thinking about doing it, you will find this book to be of great help in understanding the Jewish Path.

Rating:
Summary: Authentically Jewish how-to introduction to meditation
Review: As far as I know, Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan (may he rest in peace) was the first Orthodox rabbi to write about Jewish meditation for the general public. He did so because his own teachers recognized that American Jews in the 60s and 70s were growing up without knowledge of these traditions, and were therefore abandoning Judaism for other religions in order to be "more spiritual." Hence this and other books by Kaplan on Jewish meditation.

Kaplan's books are still considered to be among the most authentic on the market, and are kosher even among the Orthodox and Hasidic branches of Judaism. His first book, "Meditation and the Bible," came out in 1978, and explored the various meditation techniques that were hinted at in the Bible and expanded in other Jewish texts. This was followed by "Meditation and Kabbalah" (1982), which explained the techniques in greater detail and provided first-ever English translations of many basic Hebrew texts. Both of these books, however, were quite academic and not intended to be how-to guides. Hence the third book here, "A Practical Guide" to Jewish meditation, published in 1985.

I mention the first two books because, if you read only this one, it may strike you as just another "new age" hodge-podge of ideas. Far from it. Kaplan took his cues from the most Orthodox of the Orthodox, i.e., the traditionalist Jews who had not lost the pre-Holocaust knowledge of these techniques. In his first two books, he clearly lays out the theory, drawing upon centuries-old Hebrew texts and first-hand descriptions by Jewish "saints" of various eras. In "Jewish Meditation," he distills all this down into directions for actual daily practice. If these resemble "new age" ideas in some places, it is only because the New Agers have recently re-discovered terchniques that the Jews have used for literally thousands of years.

It is this little-known mystical tradition that Kaplan sought to make accessible to the average English-speaking reader. He was aware that many Jews had experienced success with Eastern meditation, but were not comfortable with some of the idolatrous practices that went along with it (such as chanting the names of Hindu gods, which is forbidden in Judaism.) He was also aware that the general public thinks of Jews as "Old Testament Hebrews" ala Cecil B. DeMille, who supposedly worship an "angry god" and have no inner spirituality. Kaplan's work corrects both of these problems. Whether you are Jewish or not, if you meditate or are thinking about doing it, you will find this book to be of great help in understanding the Jewish Path.

Rating:
Summary: An indespensible guide...
Review: I'm not Jewish. I'm actually a Spirit-filled Christian. My branch of the Church tends to emphisize prayer, personal devotion, and intimacy with God. As a devout student of the Bible, I've always looked to the ancient Jewish Prophets and Mystics to learn how to grow closer to God. Years ago I came to the conclusion that deep spiritual meditation was at the center of their spiritual lives, yet I was not terribly familiar with what their meditations might have been like. The fear of being "new-agey" kept me from experimenting on my own and so I spent a great deal of time searching out the Bible for hints of what the people of Bible times did in meditation. I really didn't get much clarity on the matter until I read this book. Kaplan graciously spares his readers from spooky, impractical tecniques and gives intelligent, balanced explanations of the various forms of meditation that more than likely were employed by the greats in Scripture.

This book is an indespensible part of my spiritual library now. I will never be without it. Give someone you love this book; you'll be giving them a gift that will last forever.

Rating:
Summary: A good introduction to the subject of Jewish Meditation
Review: The first part of this book is a well- written introduction to the subject of Jewish Meditation including a historical survey of the subject. The second part consists in describing and evaluating various meditation techniques. As I do not 'meditate' myself I cannot be a proper judge of how effective the second part of the work is. The first part did however give me some understanding of what I understand to be a subject one must really ' experience' to know.

Rating:
Summary: Best Book Available on subject
Review: The late Aryeh Kaplan was a Rabbi, scholar, and Kabbalist. In addition to his valuable and readable commentaries on Sefer Yetzirah and Sefer Bahir, he wrote three books on meditation. The other two are: "Meditation and Kabbalah" and "Meditation and the Bible." From a practical perspective, "Jewish Meditation" is far and away the best, however, reading the other two provides one with a more inclusive, theoretical background and context within which to practice. This volume is quite valuable and a contribution to both meditation per se and to Jewish spiritual practices. It's rare to find an author who is both scholar and practitioner, so Kaplan's books on meditation and on Kabbalah are particularly valuable and accessible to the reader. Of course, they are not introductory books--of which there are innumerable versions in bookstores. It helps to have a solid background in the basics before tackling Kaplan's texts. But it isn't essential. Kaplan's texts are appropriate to both the serious student and the serious practitioner of meditation and of Kabbalah. They also demonstrate to contemporary people that Judaism is more than just laws and books and that spiritual practices are, indeed, the heart of Judaism as they are with other religions and belief systems. R. Kaplan's tragic death in an automobile accident was a great loss to Jewish understanding as well as, more generically, to Kabbalah, meditation, and modern spirituality.

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Summary: Book Builds Bridge
Review: There is no question about the renewed interest and a more thoughtful examination of religion and its sister, spirituality in our contemporary society. However, since the mid nineteenth century, in a period scholars called, "The Death of God," the supernatural aspect of the three great Middle Eastern (not Western) religions have been extracted from European and American culture; it's most noticeably evident in its absence in popular fiction. With his book, Jewish Meditation, the late Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan's brings us to a place of reflection and contemplation while inviting us to that hallmark where revelation and divinity resides. In his book, Rabbi Kaplan gives us insights into how our ancestors used meditation as a tool to grasp religious ethics and also a means by which one might obtain discipline to overcome undesirable social habits such as smoking. Jewish Meditation is the third book I've bought by Mr. Kaplan on the subject on meditation. I highly recommend Mr. Kaplan's Meditation and The Bible for the lay reader as a companion book and Meditation and the Kabbalah for a much more intense and thought provoking experience.

Rating:
Summary: A Simple Guide
Review: This book gets right to the tachlis (purpose) and center of meditation in a Jewish way. If you want to try mediation, or have been davening regularly for years and are in search of an enlightening spiritual breakthrough, this is a great book to read.

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Summary: De-mystifying Meditation
Review: This book is simply a treasure trove of information. In today's age of rampant esoterism, this book takes the mystical world, makes it human, and allows it to be experiential. For those of you that have a fear of the unknown, or think all meditative techniques are some form of "Black art" or "New Age Movement" to lure you away from the Creator, you need to read this book. I promise you'll come away saying, "Why that isn't so bad!" I found that some of my intuitive habits are partial, albeit incomplete , meditative techniques. This book completes the circuit, making worship more personal and productive, with its practical applications. Don't let the title fool you, this book is also very appropriate for those Christians that are open to the roots of their faith and the subtle insights of the prophets, as well as those Hebrews searching to fill the void of their ancestral heritage. I recommend this book as the primer to meditation and a more meaningful relationship with God. However, don't think you're going to read this and become the next Elijah overnight. Like everything, this book is just part of the journey.

Rating:
Summary: on mastering the mind
Review: Though meditation is usually thought of as an Eastern practice, Aryeh Kaplan (1934-1983), was a noted scholar and rabbi, and has used many ancient manuscripts for the basis of his books on meditation: "Meditation and the Bible", "Meditation and Kabbalah", and this short (165 pages) but powerful book. Written with intelligence and clarity, it is easy to understand, and his instructions are simple, though as with all meditation practices, a challenge as far as controlling the mind is concerned.

Some of the chapters are: 1. What is Meditation ?, which explains basic methods; 2. Why Meditate ?, on the benefits and how our view of the world is enhanced without "mental static". 3. Techniques, from inner directed to kinesthetic, mental to emotional, describes meditation in general. 4. States of Consciousness, which centers on the different levels one can reach. 5. Jewish Meditation. Explores Kabbalistic methods, and more. 11. The Way of Prayer, and 12. Relating to God, both discuss the Amidah Prayer, and the power of its words. 14. The Ladder is perhaps the most complex chapter, and contains teaching on the mystical "four steps" one must climb on Jacob's Ladder. 15. In All Your Ways is perhaps my favorite chapter, and opens with "One of the key teachings of Judaism is that one can experience a closeness to God in anything one does" (pg. 141). 7. Between Man and Woman. The male and female forces of creation, and how they are reflected in intimacy. 18. Remolding the Self. A guide to self-improvement that even includes a great plan for giving up the habit of smoking.

With the recent interest in Kabbalistic literature, and with many seeking ways of relieving stress, this book should appeal to a wide audience; it is an excellent primer, as well as instructive for those who have practiced for years. Meditation can bring many benefits: Peace to the mind, health to the body, and light to the soul.

Rating:
Summary: on mastering the mind
Review: Though meditation is usually thought of as an Eastern practice, Aryeh Kaplan (1934-1983), was a noted scholar and rabbi, and has used many ancient manuscripts for the basis of his books on meditation: "Meditation and the Bible", "Meditation and Kabbalah", and this short (165 pages) but powerful book. Written with intelligence and clarity, it is easy to understand, and his instructions are simple, though as with all meditation practices, a challenge as far as controlling the mind is concerned.

Some of the chapters are: 1. What is Meditation ?, which explains basic methods; 2. Why Meditate ?, on the benefits and how our view of the world is enhanced without "mental static". 3. Techniques, from inner directed to kinesthetic, mental to emotional, describes meditation in general. 4. States of Consciousness, which centers on the different levels one can reach. 5. Jewish Meditation. Explores Kabbalistic methods, and more. 11. The Way of Prayer, and 12. Relating to God, both discuss the Amidah Prayer, and the power of its words. 14. The Ladder is perhaps the most complex chapter, and contains teaching on the mystical "four steps" one must climb on Jacob's Ladder. 15. In All Your Ways is perhaps my favorite chapter, and opens with "One of the key teachings of Judaism is that one can experience a closeness to God in anything one does" (pg. 141). 7. Between Man and Woman. The male and female forces of creation, and how they are reflected in intimacy. 18. Remolding the Self. A guide to self-improvement that even includes a great plan for giving up the habit of smoking.

With the recent interest in Kabbalistic literature, and with many seeking ways of relieving stress, this book should appeal to a wide audience; it is an excellent primer, as well as instructive for those who have practiced for years. Meditation can bring many benefits: Peace to the mind, health to the body, and light to the soul.