Shmone Esrei and Meditation

Rav Kook brought a story of four Amoraim who admitted that they did not have proper intent during Shmone Esrei. They allowed their minds to wander during the “silent devotion.

Rav Chiya said that he never had proper Kavana. Shmuel admitted that he would count baby chicks during prayers. The son of Rav Chiya counted rows of bricks. And Rav Matania once said that he needed to give thanks to his head, who mechanically bowed when he reached “Modim.”

The Rabbis commented on these strange admissions. They felt it was impossible that such great scholars were unable to concentrate during the most important prayer in each service. They said that they were explaining that important messages were revealed to them in their meditative state. It referred to higher spiritual attainments.

Rav Kook goes on to explain that each of the Avot had a revelation as to their purpose in the world.

Avraham was to bring holiness to the world and fix Adam’s sin. Yitzchak was to teach the strength required to give of oneself to Hashem. Yakov was to spread the sanctity of Israel throughout the world.

Rav Aryeh Kaplan wrote that the Shmone Esrei is a form of meditation. If one focuses on the words, he can also be elevated. He might be able to receive clarity about his life, and even figure his own special role on behalf of Am Yisrael.