• Share
RAMAKRISHNA ANANDA

Awakenings from Jewish Mystics

Discover the Jewish way to enter higher levels of awareness

Awakening is quite similar in the main religions and traditions. There’s an ascent of consciousness, transformation in Spirit, and then a wonderful descent of higher consciousness. The writings of Jewish mystics can be awakeners to us, helping our minds and egos to enter into higher levels of awareness.

Spiritual Development
  • Jewish mystics seek to understand Divinity and experience union with God
  • Rabbi Akiva (50 to 137 CE):  Mankind ideally works in partnership with the Divine
  • Moses ben Maimon, aka Maimonides (1135 to 1204):  This creation is the greatest of miracles
  • Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972):  God is seeking you
  • Lawrence Kushner (1943-):  Holiness is constantly guiding and unfolding in our lives

Awakening Involves both an Ascent and a Descent

When people of different paths describe their awakening, it’s quite similar to the yoga experience. There’s an ascent of consciousness followed by a transformation as one becomes aware of Spirit. Then Spirit comes down through the mind, ego, senses, physical body and the life force. Awakening involves an ascent and a descent. In yoga spirituality, if not in all spiritual paths, there must be an ascent and then a thorough descent. We need both.

Watch Next

Which of these is part of the triple transformation?
1. The true self replaces the false self
1. The true self replaces the false self
True, but there is a better answer
2. Love, light, bliss, and knowledge descend on you
2. Love, light, bliss, and knowledge descend on you
True, but there is a better answer
3. Your consciousness moves from mental to spiritual
3. Your consciousness moves from mental to spiritual
True, but there is a better answer
4. All of the above
4. All of the above
Correct

Learn more about the signs that you are progressing in your yoga practice.

New This Week

Home > Videos > Spiritual Development > Awakenings from Jewish Mystics
Next
© Copyright 2023 Yoga World Fellowship

How to Succeed

As you may know, we do not charge for our courses. All Yoga World content is free and available to you with our blessings. However, we do have a simple, but important request that’s key to the transformations necessary to succeed on the path.

We ask you to commit two hours a week to selfless service. This service can be anything you choose ranging from helping a family member or neighbor to volunteering at a nonprofit organization.

I Commit to Serve

This commitment is solely between you and your inner self.

Why the Commitment?

Share with a Friend

NOTE:  We will not share your information with third parties.