Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: Jewish Meditation : A Practical Guide by Aryeh Kaplan ISBN: 0-8052-1037-7 Publisher: Schocken Books Pub. Date: 14 March, 1995 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $12.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.78 (9 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Authentically Jewish how-to introduction to meditation
Comment: 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: 5
Summary: An indespensible guide...
Comment: 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: 5
Summary: on mastering the mind
Comment: 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.
 |
Title: Meditation and Kabbalah by Aryeh Kaplan ISBN: 0877286167 Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser Pub. Date: May, 1989 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
 |
Title: Meditation and the Bible by Areyh Kaplan, Aryeh Kaplan ISBN: 0877286175 Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser Pub. Date: August, 1988 List Price(USD): $17.95 |
 |
Title: Sefer Yetzirah: The Book of Creation by Aryeh Kaplan ISBN: 0877288550 Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser Pub. Date: May, 1997 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
 |
Title: The 72 Names of God: Technology for the Soul by Yehudah Berg, Yehuda Berg, Rav Berg ISBN: 1571891358 Publisher: Kabbalah Publishing Pub. Date: May, 2003 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
 |
Title: Bahir by Aryeh Kaplan ISBN: 0877286183 Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser Pub. Date: September, 1990 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
