Is Meditation Permissible According to Jewish Law? A Compilation of Q&A

Question:
Hello Rabbi,
Before I returned to observance, I practiced a certain meditation that greatly enhanced my life and path to Judaism. This meditation involves no mention of names or anything of that nature; it focuses purely on observing our natural breath and bodily sensations. Is there any halachic objection to continuing this practice, which greatly fosters my inner peace and concentration, thereby benefiting my Torah study?

Answer:
There is no issue in continuing the practice.

Our sages assert that while the nations do not have Torah, they do possess wisdom, and there's no prohibition against using the wisdom of the nations (specifically regarding meditation, mainly the wisdom of the East) for one's benefit, especially when it aids in vital pursuits like inner peace within the framework of serving Hashem.

It is possible, of course, that someone raised in a religious environment and has acquired character development might achieve the same virtues through Torah and ethical study. However, if meditation helps you, you should not abandon it; continue doing what works.

Generally, the transition process for returnees is complex, and the notion that a returnee should abandon all past life aspects is not typically beneficial. While some elements indeed require separation, many components can be integrated within service to Hashem, and separation from them is only harmful. Meditation, in your case, seems to belong to the latter group.

(Central Rabbinical Court for Judgments – Din)

Is It Permissible to Connect with My Subconscious?

Question:
I am about to engage in a process aimed at healing obsession and anxieties that I believe stem from an emotionally underdeveloped state. It's a type of meditation involving self-love and acceptance, where I sit with myself, listen to calming recordings, and allow past painful emotions to surface, providing a soft and supportive response that heals.
I heard opinions claiming meditation is forbidden and touches on idolatry. I find this hard to believe, as for me, engaging with the subconscious and surfacing old emotions, while responding to them and providing love to my inner child and emotional realm, is simply a remedy for the soul. I do not view the subconscious as a spiritual or similar force, heaven forbid, but rather as a genuine mechanism that governs emotions and automatic thoughts, playing a significant role in one's actions.

There is no belief in any energy-infusing force, heaven forbid, just viewing the subconscious essentially as the back-office processor of the human brain, and it is indeed a natural force that governs emotions. In practice, I just need to converse with it and resonate with past emotions.

Is this permissible according to Jewish law, even from the outset?
In my opinion, as someone who has done this extensively, I see no trace of idolatry when connecting with the subconscious or emotional realm, as I do not engage with it as a spiritual or superior influencing force, heaven forbid.

Answer:
Hello and blessings,

As long as you are merely bringing the subconscious and past emotions to the surface, without believing this act involves any mystical hidden forces or energies, this is permitted without concern.
Blessings and success,

(Rabbi Yehudah Shtorch, Beis Hora'ah Ne'ot Simcha, under the guidance of R. Yitzchak Luxenberg)

What is Meditation, and Is It Permissible According to Jewish Law?

Question:
I wanted to know if I am allowed to attend a meditation course or if there is any halachic issue with it?

Answer:
Hello,
I will quote what is written in the Halachic Encyclopedia on medical matters by Rabbi Avraham Steinberg (Volume 7, Page 228) on this issue:

"Meditation is a method for physical and mental relaxation. Its origin is in Far Eastern cultures, and originally it was a religious method of these cultures. In recent years, it has also been used for medical purposes, such as reducing stress, chronic pain, and anxiety.

(Photo: shutterstock)

From a halachic perspective, some wrote that if one engages in it in the typical ritual procedures known in this practice, it has clear signs of idolatry, and it is strictly forbidden. If one does the meditation technique without the accompanying ritual, there is no prohibition; however, those faithful to Torah and commandments have no need for it at all. Others wrote that if it is done to strengthen and maintain bodily health, there should be a personal clarification by expert doctors familiar with and treating the specific individual in question. If it's for spiritual, educational, or moral value, we have no need or interest in deriving concentration assistance from foreign sources, only from our Jewish path of ‘I have set the Lord always before me’ and all your deeds should be for the sake of Heaven.

Some maintained that while the basic method on self-reflection and solitude has positive and desired elements, the method is accompanied by elements of idolatry and personality cult. Therefore, the method should be encouraged in proper ways without the accompanying ritual."

(Central Rabbinical Court for Judgments – Din, and Rav Nachum in the 'Ask the Rabbi' section - Hidabroot)

Watch Rabbi Yitzchak Fanger's personal story, who arrived at Judaism after a prolonged search in Eastern religions:

Is There a Connection Between Meditation and Idolatry?

Question:
Hello and blessings!
I wanted to ask about meditation. Recently, an acquaintance told me he had been in India and practiced meditations, feeling a special connection. I didn't ask to whom or why... Additionally, I've encountered advertisements for workshops teaching relaxation techniques, offering among other things, breathing exercises and meditation. I also read that meditation helps to achieve higher concentration abilities.
I have a few questions on the matter:
1. What is meditation?
2. Did meditation originate from idolatry, or does it incorporate idolatry, such as connecting or turning to deities?
3. Is it permissible according to Judaism to practice meditation?
4. If there is idolatry in meditation, and those elements are removed, is it then permissible?
5. Many elements from Eastern doctrines have a source in Judaism. I wanted to know if meditation also has a source in Judaism, like "Jewish meditation," or something comparable such as prayer or solitude?
I would greatly appreciate a detailed response. Thank you very much!

Answer:
1. Meditation is nothing more than a breathing technique that induces relaxation. One just sits, closes their eyes, and focuses on breathing; that's all meditation is — concentrating on breaths and not thinking about anything. This technique helps calming; however, those who turned it into a lifestyle often lost touch with reality, becoming not just calmer people but disconnected and apathetic figures.

Engaging a lot in meditation can bring feelings of harmony and peace. Some believe they unite with the universe in this way. This is likely what your friend meant. But it is merely imagination.

Meditation leads to apathy and detachment from reality. It doesn't provide wisdom or understanding of reality; it doesn't reveal the meaning of life or creation's purpose, as our goal here is to live within a body and choose between good and evil, to live lives of active and positive creation. Hashem gave us intellect to comprehend Him through our intellect and to fulfill His Torah.

2. Those engaging in meditation do indeed incorporate idols or mantras (repetition of a particular word representing the name of an idol). Hence, one must be very cautious of various meditation workshops.

3. Meditation is essentially a type of "conscious sleep" while awake. Engaging in meditation briefly daily as a relaxation and renewal technique has no flaw, but those considering meditation a religion and lifestyle choose a foreign and harmful path.

4. There is an excellent book in the field called "Jewish Meditation" by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, which offers meditation methods permissible according to Judaism.

5. Certainly. Unlike Hindu meditation, which demands thought annulment, Judaism infuses the meditation with positive, authentic content connecting us to the Blessed Creator. For instance, prayer is a type of spiritual meditation where we insert the awareness of the Creator's benevolence into our consciousness. The Mishnah relates: "The early pious ones would pause for an hour and pray, to align their hearts with God" (Mishnah Berakhot 5, 1).

Also, Hasidism extensively engaged in solitude, a form of personal prayer and dialogue with Hashem. Breslov Hasidism greatly advocated solitude. One needs to find a quiet place and speak to Hashem in their words, recounting thoughts, emotions, and concerns, seeking His help and guidance. Converse with Him openly as if speaking to a dear friend but with the respect you would accord an important father.

Another important point,
Shabbat is a complete day of detachment from worldly matters, hence we prepare all our tasks in advance, requiring us to disconnect our thoughts from business and calculations on this day. Rather, act as though all needs are met. Therefore, one rests on Shabbat to sanctify it" — it not only says "rest" but "sanctify," for its purpose is sacred. And it fills the soul with spirituality.

Thus, it is incumbent upon us to diligently prepare for Shabbat, avoiding new chores on Shabbat. Whoever merits observing Shabbat properly will experience a holiness unlike any, renewing the soul's strength for the entire week.

We observe that those drawn to meditation and idol-worship religions in the East are misguided Jews feeling spiritual emptiness in their lives. They have yet to embrace their authentic Jewish identity, prompting a search for a touch of spirituality in distant fields. May they come to recognize Jewish meditation called Shabbat delight, holy prayers, and connection to Hashem: "For what great nation has a god so near to it as Hashem our God is to us whenever we call upon Him" (Deuteronomy 4, 7). As it is said: "Hashem is near to all who call Him, to all who call Him in truth" (Psalms 145, 18).

Regards,

(Rabbi Daniel Blass from the 'Ask the Rabbi' section - Hidabroot)

Watch Rabbi Zamir Cohen's fascinating lecture on Eastern wisdom compared to Judaism. Watch: