Daniel wrote:

Hi Rabbi Locks, I am an orthodox Jew taking an interest in the world of yoga/meditation. I saw your video "Hinduism's message to the Jewish people" where you concluded that anything a Jew finds in India that he likes can be found at home in Israel without all the idol nonsense. If that is true please help me find it because I cannot find anything resembling an ashram where I can without paying money have guidance as I attempt to align my body (yoga) and mind (meditation) spiritually on a daily basis, and where I can find spiritual/mystical masters specifically tantra masters who can help me overcome my mental downfalls as well as my severe sexual dysfunctions and master sacred sexuality. I'm sure there are kabbalist experts who can do all of this with the added bonus of avoiding any idols, but they clearly don't publicize their existence to the public, and simply coming to Israel does not lead you to finding these teachers, the only prescriptions I hear from rabbis are go daven and do the mitzvot and learn torah and pray one day your problem will go away. Or even worst they recommend western modern day methodologies or practices which are not as effective as the spiritual ones in the east. But my ears are open if there is a place for this in Israel. Best, Daniel

My reply:

     That Idolatry you are involved with is not only spiritually disastrous, but those physical things that you seem to enjoy now, in the end will turn out to be painful burdens that will be extremely difficult to get rid of. The further you go into the idolatry, the less important will being a Jew become. In the end intermarriage will become acceptable!

     The goal in a Jew's life is to reveal Hashem's Presence. None of those things you are trying there will do that. In fact, they conceal His Presence even more! You are praising the ways of idolatry!

     To reveal His Presence, you have to direct your heart to Heaven. The easiest way to do this is to lovingly, sweetly, softly, talk to Hashem as you go through your day. He is everywhere, even right there on your lips.

     The more you think about Hashem, the less those other secular things will demand your attention.

     You are a Jew. It is essential for a Jew to learn all of his spiritual teaching only from proper Jewish sources! Hashem has given us His Torah for our benefit. He wants us to serve Him joyfully, and to live pleasant, Jewish lives.