Reb Zalman, Holy Flame

He would seek the sanctity of solitude while riding the subway
by sequestering the self in the small seat where the conductor
sometimes sat, so there to avoid distraction from the adverts
of Maidenform and the like, and he would make up the mind
that by the time the subway reached his destination, he would
die, all to prepare the space from which to stand face to face
with God, and offer prayer.

You must grow the muscle to pray like this

You must grant the humble heart to notice a holy flame


                    One introduction to Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi
                    http://www.naropa.edu/distance/courses/HUM285e.htm
For a deep introduction read Reb Zalman's Wrapped in a Holy Flame:Teachings and Tales of the Hasidic Masters, ed.by Nataniel M. Miles-Yepez (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2003; a Wiley Imprint, an Arthur Kurzweil Book). The text is an exquisite resource for world religious dialogue as well as for sermon fabric or daily devotional.  The depth of soul is unsurpassed in the readings here for the year.  Available at Amazon.com.
From Wrapped in a Holy Flame

One Taste

Another
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