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 The scope of this book is actually quite narrow. In no way is the
material to be taken as being all encompassing and definitive. The
basic tenets of Buddhism and Jewish Mysticism (Kabbalah) presented
here are just that, basic. Hopefully, the information given will intrigue
the reader enough to go out and do more in order to learn and practice
on his/her own. I have included a modest book list and some web sites
that can be used to initiate this quest "to know."
As for my qualifications and background, it is openly presented within
the covers of this book.
My reason for writing this book is quite simple. I had read numerous
books about other people's spiritual journeys, especially those of
Jewish men and women who wanted a more spiritual connection with Judaism
and who ended up pursuing Eastern Philosophical systems to meet this
need. I avidly read these biographically based stories searching for
my self. However, I always ended up feeling dissatisfied with how
they integrated their belief in Judaism and their Buddhist practice.
My frustration was due to the feeling I had that some how the core
reason for their having delved into eastern meditation techniques,
in the first place, had been glossed over. Consequently, I felt it
was time to state it the way it is so that Jewish congregations, especially
rabbis' and education directors, would bring the subject of Jewish
mysticism and Jewish meditation techniques to the forefront of Jewish
awareness and education.
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Countless Jewish young people stray from their Jewish-ness in search
of a deeper connection to life and G-d. It's time that they were told
that Judaism also has a system for drawing closer to G-d, and becoming
one with all creation. Why must our young people search elsewhere
for some thing they can have within the context of Judaism, itself?
Hopefully, my story will help educate the Jewish community as to how
the neglect of introducing the subject of Kabbalah/Jewish Mysticism
hinders the growth of Judaism and causes an exodus of our young people
away from their religion.
For Buddhists, I hope I have shown what Buddhism does right.
Buddha discovered the merit of meditation and taught all who desired
to learn how to realize enlightenment for themselves. However, many
Buddhists born into this tradition don't sit in meditation any more
than the average Westerner. It is my hope that this book will encourage
them to actively practice meditation, not just attend various temple
functions and paying their respects to the monks. Buddhism is open
about teaching meditation and you should take advantage of this.
And to the lay people of all the worlds various religious systems,
those who question their beliefs and want a more direct experience,
I encourage you to search within your own tradition first. You may
be pleasantly surprised at what you find there.
Potomac Falls, Virginia
August 2000 |
K.K.C. |
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