What is the difference between Buddhist meditation and Jewish meditation?
Norman responded that this question is actually impossible to answer. There have been so many brilliant thinkers in Buddhist and Jewish traditions, over thousands of years, and there are so many different approaches to Buddhism and Judaism, that there is not one Buddhist meditation practice to compare to one Jewish meditation practice, he explained. Nevertheless, it is possible to be aware of some trends in current practice. It is clear that today’s Jewish contemplative practice has been influenced by the Eastern meditation techniques that many Jews have learned by studying with Buddhist teachers. It is less often noted that Jewish Meditation is also influencing the way Buddhist meditation is practiced. When Buddhist meditation is practiced by Jews, in preparation for prayer, or as part of a contemplative service, the meditation is influenced by the Jewish context. The Jewish history of tragedy and loss brings emotions more directly into meditative practice. The feelings of sadness, as
