Contemplative Prayer
Hasidic Prayer December 1, 1984 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.3828/liverpool/9780197100240.003.0006
Summary
The chapter examines the concept of kavvanah, or concentration, in prayer, emphasizing its significance in Hasidic mystical practices. It highlights that for the rabbis, kavvanah involves being aware of God's presence and understanding the meaning of prayer words. The historical analysis shows that classical sources focus on these aspects, while Kabbalistic interpretations, particularly in Lurianic thought, transform kavvanah into a practice of mystical contemplation.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Kavvanah in prayer is primarily about awareness of God's presence and understanding prayer meanings, but Kabbalistic interpretations shift it towards mystical contemplation. |
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Abstract
This chapter discusses the doctrine of kavvanah (‘concentration’) in prayer. Concentration is important to Hasidic ideas on mystical, contemplative prayer. For the rabbis, kavvanah in prayer means that the worshipper is conscious that he stands in the presence of God and that his mind is aware of the meaning of the words he utters. The chapter traces the history of such practices. It reveals that, in the classical sources, kavvanah means chiefly concentration on the meaning of the words of the prayers and the realisation that one is in God’s presence. In the Kabbalah, however, and especially in the Lurianic version, the whole doctrine of kavvanah receives a totally different meaning. Here, mystical contemplation becomes the order of the day.