Jewish meditation

An overview:

Jewish meditation as described is any kind of meditation when done in a Jewish context. The basic aim of Jewish meditation is stabilizing the mind. This means reaching a state of mind that is settled, awake, clear, relaxed and renewed. Jewish meditation has existed since biblical times and this practice takes many forms such as sitting silent and empting the mind, focusing on Hebrew letters, words or phases. Jewish meditation has been hidden for centuries, but now it is practiced by many people because of its healing characteristics.

Methods of Jewish meditation:

There are various kinds of Jewish meditation and one can choose anyone depending upon the emotional make-up the circumstances and the effect desired to be created. Whatever techniques is selected the benefits will intensify with daily practice. Most of the Jewish meditations are simple to learn under the guidance of a good teacher. Some are more complex and require careful preparation and guidance. Some methods of Jewish meditation are chanting of versus from psalms. Focusing upon a shviti - a special Jewish graphics which helps induct a mystical state of consciousness.

Techniques used in Jewish meditation:

There are many Jewish meditation techniques and some of them that are in use throughout the ages are; music - it has been used to induce a prophetic state of consciousness. Music has great power of healing and is used to open the doors of holiness. Visualization - nicely visualizing a letter allows getting in touch with its particular vibration as each letter of the alpha-bet call forth certain energy. Accurately visualizing each letter is a very powerful meditative technique. Prayer - prayers are something that arises deep from the heart. Prayers should not become mechanical but should be said in the same language that will let him know all the needs and the thoughts. Mantras - this is another meditative technique found in Judaism, and involves a continuous repetition of some word having spiritual importance. There are other techniques such as I - thou, Nature, Community, Hashmal and others in Jewish meditation.