“Meditation, Judaism, and Self-Mastery”
Let’s reclaim our spiritual heritage!
03-07-2021
We will complete our study of the Amidah as meditation.
We will also discuss how to deal with problems encountered when meditating, such as fear.
Upcoming:
We will examine the meditative techniques employed by the prophets and mystics, starting with Hitbodedut – “Isolation.”
Student questions currently being researched:
“I am curious why ‘purchasing / re-purchasing.’ How to better understand it? ‘Re-purchases’ from whom?”
“What does Judaism say about astrology (Mazalot?)”
“Can the Messiah be a woman?”
Review: why “know” the Amidah?
Rabbi Kaplan – “Jewish Meditation” pp 100 – 101
First paragraph most important
Memorize
Language
Know its meaning
Reestablish Judaism
Great Aeembly
Spiritual energy
Power of words
Repetition
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The Amidah as meditation: “King, Helper, Rescuer and Shield:” four words that bring God closer to the worshipper.
Rabbi Kaplan – “Jewish Meditation” pp 117 – 119
A personal relationship with God
A perfect spiritual space (?)
Majestic but distant
He will be there
Available in an instant
Constant protection
Closer than air
Example: Abraham
Raised consciousness of God
Best practices for meditation
Bhante Gunaratana, “Mindlfulness in Plain English,”
Problems, pp 97 – 107
Fear, pp 101 – 102