Monthly Archive for December 2008
jewish meditation practices
Today a great spiritual hunger emerges as many seek comfort, support and meaning in a world that has gotten out of control. However, times of loneliness, confusion, fear, or separation come for a good reason for us to leave our habitual way of being and discover where true strength, connection and understanding are. These hard times are really a blessing, removing us from concern about the external and invites us on a journey into the heart and sense of our lives. Both Jewish and Zen practice call us to go on the trip, although in different ways.
In a sense, Judaism and Zen represent two opposite ends of a continuum: Zen is based on the radical freedom, letting go, being present and detachment. Judaism is rooted in family relationships, love, praying to a Higher Power and the requirement to celebrate and remember. A Jewish heart is warm, which in humans, devoted to family and friends. A Zen eye is fresh, direct, spontaneous, unencumbered by ideas, beliefs, hopes or expectations. These two practices are like two wings of a bird, both are needed to fly.
Each tradition refers to the primary question that direct our lives and offers clues to find answers. In Zen practice, you take the time to remove yourself family and friends, do zazen, journey within and awaken for the good of all. Jewish practice is done in the midst of the community. Relationships are central. It is said that God is on the kitchen table with family, friends and food. In the Jewish prayer of going to God and ask for everything. This way you always know the source because of its good supply and constantly.
In Zen practice you do not seek help at all. Do zazen, meditation (Zen), sit, back straight, legs crossed, eyes down, facing the wall. You do not talk, reach, touch or hear the problems of others. You do not offer consolation or turn to others for support. In fact, what was thought at the support is removed. If others have problems on the cushion, experiencing sadness or pain, not interfering. Their experience is precious and are now being given the opportunity to face in its entirety. The support offered is quiet and deep seated firmly beside them in front of his own experience as well.
The need combining Zen and Jewish practice always considered important to me. I was born in an orthodox family where everyone had a different opinion on what God wanted from us. And I had a lot of questions: what was the true path, and why people who were serving God with all your heart has problems living in the same house? Today, many who also feel displaced. They want to refer to their original religion that feels so healing and consistent for them. It's easy to lose sight of the true purpose of any practice. Even with the best intentions, anger, criticism and domination can easily replace the kindness, generosity and wisdom that are at the heart of all teaching.
The practice of meditation zazen (Zen) creates an atmosphere of acceptance, respect, kindness clarity of light their original teachings, and provides a deeper experience of them. And their religion of origin may be the basis in the reality of who you are. Thus, the practice of Zen and Judaism provides balance and richness each practice enriches, illuminates and challenges the other.
About the Author:
Discover how Jewish and Zen practice heals your life and provides keys to the personal struggles you face each day, in Jewish Dharma(Guide to the Practice of Judaism and Zen)
www.jewishdharma.com
Dr Shoshanna is an award winning author, speaker and psychologist.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Two Wings of a Bird: The Practice of Judaism and Zen
Jewish Meditation Mysticism & Kabbalah Class 1
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Singing Meditation: Let Joy Fill Your Heart $14.99 Singing Meditation is an interfaith spiritual practice that melds the power of song with the stillness of silence in order to create an ephemeral songbridge to the Divine. Singing Meditation draws songs from Sufi, Christian, Jewish, earth-centered, non-traditional and other spiritual paths. This enchanting CD contains a sampler of rounds, chants and songs in harmony. Track listing includes: 1) Co… |
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A Jewish Woman’s Prayer Book $19.99 A beautiful and moving one-of-a-kind collection that draws from a variety of Jewish traditions, through the ages, to commemorate every occasion and every passage in the cycle of life, including:Special prayers for the Sabbath, holidays, and important dates of the Jewish yearPrayers to mark celebratory milestones, such as bat mitzva, marriage, pregnancy, and childbirthPrayers for companionship, lov… |
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Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary; Travel-size $15.00 JPS is pleased to make available a new, more compact edition of the landmark publication, Etz Hayim: A Torah Commentary. Etz Hayim, a publication of the Conservative movement, was produced through a joint venture of the Rabbinical Assembly, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and The Jewish Publication Society. This new, smaller edition is a convenient alternative to the standard hard… |
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A Mystical Haggadah: Passover Meditations, Teachings, and Tales $11.50 In a generation that has seen an explosion in popularity of books about mystical and meditative traditions, very little has been published about the rich and fascinating mystical traditions of the Jewish holy days. Passover, the first religious holiday of the Jewish people, particularly rewards a re-viewing from a mystical perspective. A Mystical Haggadah takes readers through the Passover ritual … |