Dear Rabbi Locks

     I watched several of your YouTube videos with great interest and the one in which you discuss the differences between Buddhist and Jewish Meditation stood out to me. I used to do Buddhist meditation daily and would go into a monastery for retreats for several weeks at a time and also know Buddhist doctrine and could tell straightaway that you really know it's essence (both of doctrine and meditation itself).

     I grew up with Christian grandparents (orthodox and catholic), but lost faith in God and religion in my early twenties and became an atheist and would remain one for several years to come until a couple of events happened about half a year ago that woke me up to God's existence and presence and since then there has been no going back for me. I have started reading the Bible (both Old and New Testaments), but after extensive soul searching and thinking things through I have decided I cannot buy into Christian beliefs.

    To cut things short: I sincerely and honestly believe in G-d and love him unconditionally and am looking for a way to follow him and to make him part of real everyday life (rather than just talking or writing about it). As I am also a person of Spirit rather than just sheer law I am very interested in Jewish Meditation and was wondering if there are any videos of talks you might have about it. I have looked for your book 'Taming the Raging Mind' but it is not available on Amazon, could you let me know if it is still available and can be ordered via your website?

Many thanks and Shalom,

Sascha

Shalom Sascha,

     If your mother is not Jewish, then the path for you is "The Seven Commandments of Noah." These are the seven Basic Laws that G-d gave to all mankind. If you follow these seven basic laws you will have a good life in this world, and a share in the World to Come. You can learn about them on such internet sites as AskNoah.org.

     The most basic spiritual teaching is that G-d is One, and Infinite. To live a spiritual life, beside keeping the Laws of Noah, softly and lovingly speak to G-d as you go through your day. This is not to be a spiritual exercise, but rather it should become your way of life. Talk to G-d. He is right there with you. He is everywhere. This will bring you to an awareness of His Presence.

    The book on Jewish meditation, Taming the Raging Mind, is available to read free online:

https://www.thereisone.com/TAMING%20new%20Eng%20Edition.pdf

Be well,

Gutman

Jerusalem