Customer Reviews
Fascinating and helpful - By: Gary Selikow, 16 Jun 2008 
In this work, the late Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan explores the Jewish roots of meditation, as well as a practical on how to meditate according to Jewish tradition.
He points out how meditation is an ancient part of Jewish religious tradition, contrary to popular belief. How the synagogue was meant originally to be a meditative experience, & how much of Jewish prayer liturgy is meant to be a meditative type connection with the Creator.
He marvels at how so many Jews look outside their Judaism for spiritual enlightenment, while it is all available within their own spiritual tradition.
As Kaplan takes us on this journey of exploration he deals with such questions as `What is meditation?', `Why meditate' , the various types of meditation available & how to do them as well as a chapter on
Musar, self-perfection, an important schoolin Jewish thought.
After reading this excellent work, you will never see Judaism, spirituality or meditationin the same way. It also can serve as a simple & helpful aid to begin your own meditation.
Jewish Meditation - By: Mr. J. Goldschmidt, 03 Oct 2006 
It seems once again Aryeh Kaplan has delivered another beautifully written work, attemptingin this case to save the sacred traditons of Jewish Mediation. In a world filled with false teachings on Jewish mystical practises (such as the many books on kabbala) Kaplan brings a realistic form of spiritual empowerment. The book is fun & interesting to read, the excercises challenging & providing real results,
I have recommended this book to a few freinds & they have also found it a delight.
enjoy.
Jonathan Francis Goldschmidt x
on mastering the mind - By: Alejandra Vernon, 25 Mar 2003 Though meditation is usually thought of as an Eastern practice, Aryeh Kaplan (1934-1983), was a noted scholar & rabbi, & has used many ancient manuscripts for the basis of his books on meditation: "Meditation & the Bible", "Meditation & Kabbalah", & this short (165 pages) but powerful book. Written with intelligence & clarity, it is easy to understand, & 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 & how our view of the world is enhanced without "mental static". 3. Techniques, from inner directed to kinesthetic, mental to emotional, describes meditationin general. 4. States of Consciousness, which centers on the different levels one can reach. 5. Jewish Meditation. Explores Kabbalistic methods, & more. 11. The Way of Prayer, & 12. Relating to God, both discuss the Amidah Prayer, & the power of its words. 14. The Ladder is perhaps the most complex chapter, & contains teaching on the mystical "four steps" one must climb on Jacob's Ladder. 15. In All Your Ways is perhaps my favorite chapter, & opens with "One of the key teachings of Judaism is that one can experience a closeness to Godin anything one does" (pg. 141). 7. Between Man & Woman. The male & female forces of creation, & how they are reflectedin 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 interestin Kabbalistic literature, & 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, & light to the soul.
this is a must for every christian. - By: , 10 Dec 1998 This should be read by anyone who is interestedin the spiritual life, regardless of what relegion she or he belongs to. The states one can attain through meditation describedin this book is foreign to this Western civilization that we scratch around. Consequently, the book is facisinating, yet,in a good way, bizarre.
Judaism - By: , 07 Dec 1998 This book represents an idea that very few people, including Jews & non-Jews, know about. There are reasons for this, notably, that manyin Jewish theological circles regard Jewish meditation & mysticism (Kabbalah & Zohar) outside the realms of the Jewish canon.
With regards to Jews, there are a substantial number of whom find their meaningsin the teachings of the Eastern religions, unable to find a state of higher consciousnessin the religion they were raised in.
This book is one of a number to address the above sentiments,in a gentle, clear, & concise manner. And it shows that there are indeed many levels within Judaism, that have been expounded, for over a thousand years.
