Jewish Spirituality & Mysticism
We have all heard of the legendary Wisdom of Solomon and there is a "Book of Proverbs" in the Old Testament, or Jewish scriptures, which is attributed to King Solomon's influence. Several quotations from the Book of Proverbs exemplify the Wisdom about Spirituality that is to be found in mystical aspects of several of the major World Religions.
Sets of quotations and quotes that seem to recognise a pronounced emphasis on such aspects of Spirituality and Mysticism as a Disdain for Materialism, a Distrust of the Intellect, a Preference for Divine Inspiration, Charity, Purity of Heart, Humility and Meekness from each of these major World Religions ( Buddhist, Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Sikh, Taoist and Vedic or Hindu ) can be accessed through our series of "Central" Spiritual Insights pages.
Please be prepared for some "soul-force" that might be held to reside within many of these quotations!!!
Disdain for material things
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.Book of Proverbs 28:6
Distrust of Intellect
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.Book of Proverbs 3:5-8
Spiritual Insights are possible!
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!Book of Proverbs 16:16
Purity of Heart
The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.Book of Proverbs 4:18-19
Humility
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.Book of Proverbs 29:23
Meekness
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.Book of Proverbs 16:32
Communion with God
Orthodox Judaism presents "G_d" as being a supreme power of whom Mankind should be very much in awe.Within such a context the notion that mere mortals can closely mystically commune with this supreme power in a way which allows said mere mortals to significantly personally share in that divinity seems massively over ambitious and, as such, has not really been accepted.
The following linked pages are intended to fully demonstrate a degree of Common Ground between the Inner-most Spiritual Teachings of several major World Religions on Charity, Purity of Heart, Humility, Meekness, A Disdain for Materialism (compared to the Spiritual), A Distrust of the Intellect (compared to Divine Inspiration) and A Yearning for Divine Edification (or A Thirst for Spiritual Enlightenment).
These quotations are presented on a series of very brief pages where each faith is considered individually.
We have seen it as worthwhile to add
another category of quotation ~ where recognition has been given to the possibility of Mystical Communion with God ~ as this
addition may rather directly tend the range of agreement about "Core Spiritual Truths" already demonstrated
towards actually becoming something of a proof of the Existence of the one God or Spirit which is the focus of Mystical
Faith.