Friday Tamuz 20 5703
Torah Lessons (5703)	Chumash: Pinchas, Shishi with Rashi. Tehillim: 97-103. Tanya: Precisely so (p. 357)...or articulation. (p. 357).

There are three forms of Hitbon'nut (contemplation, meditation):

1. Study-meditation:

   After mastering the concept thoroughly, one meditates on its profundity, until the intellectual element shines forth for him.

2. Meditation before davening:

   This is directed toward sensing the vitality of the concept learned, in contrast to sensing the intellectual element emphasized in study-meditation.

3. Meditation in Davening:

   To sense the "G-dly element" in the concept learned.

These three are rungs on the ladder of sensitivity.

It is only by G-d's kindness towards us that we may occasionally sense G-dhood spontaneously, without any Avoda at all.

This comes about by virtue of the quality of Ultimate Essential G-dhood [1] within the soul.

For Avoda by one's own efforts, however, these three forms of meditation are essential.

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) Atzmut.