Being alone and talking to G - d: Hitbodedut
B"H
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov was sent into this world about 200 years ago, in order to make it a little easier for his and the following generations getting through the time of Galut (Diaspora). He gave us hope, opened for us the gates of the Ge'ulah (Redemption) and making us going through.
Furthermore, Rabbi Nachman gave us the key for talking to G - d. "Hitbodedut - being alone with G - d" - that's the secret he revealed to us. "Hitbodedut" means that each of us is taking some time in order to tell all his thoughts to G - d. Being in a room alone and just emptying out one's mind. Many Breslover Chassidim like to do Hitbodedut in nature, e.g. in a forest. Every one of us should take some time every day, even only ten minutes, and just talk to G - d privately. Having a private dialogue and thus connecting to the Creator.
Israel Yitzchak Besensohn
Tel Aviv, 5761 (2001)
Crying out to G - d: Hitbodedut
This an interesting topic and I wanted to asked you about that when
ReplyDeleteI read the book "Dear G-d A path to universal meditation as taught
by Rabbi Na'hman of Breslev".
Also I remember in a book talking about Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk going to the
forest to cry.
Couldn't he cry in his room ?
After visting Lizhensk in Poland I saw very nice forests to "talk to G-d".
So what is/was the role of nature for Chassidim ?
I mean the contrast between the forests of Lizhensk, for example, and the busy streets of
Meah Shearim or Brooklyn.
Okay you can talk to G-d privately in your room but the room is built by the uman
while the nature by G-d.
Would have been possible for Chassidut to develop in today busy cities with a lot
of noise and cars ?
Small villages near the forest would better help our path to G-d ?
B"H
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for your question. I haven't really thought about why Hitbodedut in the forest or nature at all.
First of all, Rabbi Nachman speaks about Hitbodedut in his book "Likutei Moharan" and he also says that the best time to speak to G - d is at night. Furthermore, he writes in Likutei Moharan / Chapter 2 that the best place for it would be a place where no one is really passing through. Not even during the day; such as a forest or in the field. When we do Hitbodedut and speak to G - d, we are cleansing our heart, get totally rid of our ego and become one with the Creator.
This is what Rabbi Nachman says himself.
Already Avraham went out alone in order to speak to G - d. Maybe the concept stems from there. I will try to find out more in the course of the day because I am interested in the answer as well. However, I could imagine that, especially in nature, you are ALONE with G - d. More that in your room although Hitbodedut can be done at home as well. But then you might hear noises from outside and be bothered.
Maybe there is also a special closeness to G - d when you are standing in a field rather than sitting in your room. You are in the middle of all the wonderful G - dle creations. But this is just a thought.
What's a good introductory work to read of Rav Nachman of Breslov? In the past I've only looked at some of the little booklets they give out in restaurants.
ReplyDeleteB"H
ReplyDeleteActually the booklets from the restaurants are not that bad and already give some brief ideas. It depends though who wrote them. I prefer the contexts directly from Rabbi Nachman or Rabbi Nathan Sternhartz (his student).
For beginners, this is definitely a great book:
http://www.breslov.org/ordering/productdetails.php?productID=2
"Crossing the Narrow Bridge"
I can highly recommend it !
I've been reading Crossing the Bridge. Mainly because my great-grandfather and grandfather came from Nemirov.
ReplyDeleteMaybe there is also a special closeness to G - d when you are standing in a field rather than sitting in your room. You are in the middle of all the wonderful G - dle creations.
Sometimes, when I'm out taking pictures, certain birkat and prayers come to me. I also find myself singing parts of V'Shamru, Ashrei, and others. There's just something about being in the midst of it that lightens the heart and soul.
B"H
ReplyDelete@Shira
Maybe it is very human but when I am standing alone in a forest or even at a beach, I do feel closer to G - d than sitting at home in the kitchen.