Jewish meditation aims to achieve spirituality and a better understanding of Judaism. Techniques include chanting Torah verses, meditative prayer, and analytical study of the Torah. The tradition is based on ancient texts, including Sefer Yetzirah, which emphasizes the power of words in transforming the soul. Kabbalah meditation techniques focus on the oneness of the universe and preparing for prayer. Meditative postures, such as kneeling with outstretched or raised hands, are also important.
Jewish meditation is practiced in a variety of ways, but its goal is always to achieve spirituality and a better understanding of Judaism and its beliefs. The relaxation and health benefits of this meditation are also important. Jewish meditation techniques include chanting Torah verses, concentration on the sound of Hebrew words, analytical study of the Torah, and meditative prayer. Like other forms of meditation, Jewish meditation can be practiced alone or in a group.
Judaism has a long tradition of spiritual meditation, and many meditation techniques today are based on ancient texts. Meditation was a key component of the Kabbalah movement which Jewish tradition says is over 4,000 years old, as well as the Hasidic movement which developed in the 18th century. The focus of Kabbalah is primarily on God and the nature of human existence. The Hasidic movement revived the teachings of Kabbalah for the masses, and Hasidic masters taught that religious understanding must be combined with meditation for it to be effective.
Sefer Yetzirah is an ancient text describing Jewish meditation. He advises meditating on nothingness and God as well as opposites such as good and evil. Meditation on words is also important in the Jewish tradition, which holds that words are not just symbols but have the power to transform the soul through contemplation. Sefer Yetzirah states that since God created the letters, they are vital to spiritual meditation and understanding the nature of the universe. The meditator selects a letter and outlines it in his mind. He then visualizes the letter in relation to other letters, finally combining them into words and then into lines of text.
The Kabbalah meditation known as Sh’ma focuses on the oneness of the universe. The basis of this meditation is a verse from the Torah, which recommends that Jews focus on the oneness of God when they lay down to sleep at night and wake up in the morning. Even the Torah recommends starting meditation one hour before starting to pray. The purpose in this is to bring the meditator closer to oneness with God as a preparation for prayer.
Another Kabbalah meditation is used before trying to conceive a child. It recognizes the unity of male and female by becoming one soul. According to this belief, children choose their parents and spiritual meditation ensures that the parents attract a spirit soul.
Meditative postures are also important in Jewish meditation. Some Jewish mediation experts advise kneeling with outstretched or raised hands to gain spiritual energy. Another position, called the prophetic position, involves kneeling with your head between your knees. This location is a specific reference to Elijah on Mount Carmel.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
