Tribe.net. Local Connections Angelia http://jewbu.tribe.net/thread/5cb31e78-994e-4459-8096-f2096a6fb7c2#c591c381-3533-4310-9a71-a803a832db62 2006-12-09T22:33:55Z 2006-12-09T22:33:55Z

A couple of thoughts. I went to BCI after I graduated college. Although for the most part I feel more connected to Buddism then Judism there was one practice that really made me feel a connection between the two. There is a jewish tradition of singing without words. Called a Nagun. there are many and it is encouraged to write your own. The idea is to prepare the mind and body for prayer. For me I use it as a means to focus my mind and shut out outside distraction. It is very elevating and the melodies are very connected to my childhood and jewish education. I am not a practicing jew but I do practice my personal Negun in my medication. Also I have participated at a temple in Encino that is rather new age. Often the sermens are guided medication. One of my favorite excersises is when they use the Shama as a chant. They will repeat the prayer over and over in a chant. Its a wonderful medication because it is in hebrew so for me I don't really concentrate on the words after a while and the power of the congragation is very transendent. Am I answering your question?

Angelia 2006-12-09T22:33:55Z Grisha http://jewbu.tribe.net/thread/5cb31e78-994e-4459-8096-f2096a6fb7c2#cfca4239-1795-425a-8012-3eb88c4e987d 2006-12-01T20:20:02Z 2006-12-01T20:20:02Z

Hi folks, I've been an SGI/Nichiren practitioner for a while, but have recently been exposed to mindfulness meditation, which is not a prominent part of Nichiren practice. It was mentioned to me that there may be some parallel practices in Judaic traditions - something more contemplative than regular prayer. Just out of curiosity, has anyone heard of such a thing? G

Grisha 2006-12-01T20:20:02Z