Eastern Religions

Question

Are Hinduism, Buddhism and generally religions of the east considered idolatry?

Answer

Hi,
Thanks for writing to us. The truth is that we believe that much of the far east spiritual wisdom comes from us. Abraham’s teachings were brought to this part of the world, but just parts of it. This was before the Torah was given and the areas that were studied were specific and to a certain extent today exploited to something that they are not. All of the personal self help junk that people buy, thinking that they are going to float after 3 short lessons are just yearning for something more, spiritually. Remember that Judaism has a very deep mystical side that we do not commonly come in contact with. Some of that was taken and sort of worshiped as its own religion.

The bottom line is that if the group is monotheistic and moral, but they also connect to the spiritual world through meditation and dance or song, there is nothing wrong with it. In fact, there is much right with it. If they are worshipping something like an idol and attributing G-dly attributes to that idol then that would be unacceptable. Most of those religions practiced in the far east are not really avodah zara. They do not worship idols or an item, but they try to connect with a spiritual “oneness” represented by something that is tangible.

Be Well,
Rabbi Gershon Litt

Follow-up questions (2)

Question

I am interested in the practice of Transcendental Meditation. Please would you guide me in terms of whether this practice is in line with Jewish Law and if there is anything I should be aware of related to this practice.

Answer

This form of meditation can be OK, but one does need to be very careful with whom they are trained and how they do it. A mantra is an OK thing, but any object or deity that is used is obviously not. There are often foreign concepts that are focused on and some of these concepts are not kosher. Basically, as long as you focus on “oneness” or a Jewish or parve mantra and are trained by someone who puts no deification into it then it could be OK. Also, be careful of bowing on stone floors if you are learning with a master of some kind.

Finally, just be sure that the philosophy that your teacher is preaching jives with Judaism. Transcendental meditation means exactly that; one tries to transcend where they are spiritually, so if you focus on mitzvos, Hashem, oneness, and Jewish concepts, then it can be a useful tool. Just be aware of what you are learning and be sure to be learning Judaism at the same time. If you are doubtful about something that you hear be sure to ask a competent Rabbi.

Be Well, Rabbi Litt

Question

Are there any Jewish “mantras”? I mean, some short prayer that could be repeated in one’s mind.

Answer

The most popular Jewish mantra is the “Shema Yisrael.” You can find it in any prayer book or in the Torah – Deuteronomy 6:4 . These six words are the “Jewish national anthem.”

Be Well,
Rabbi Litt