Hayom Yom: Tamuz 20

There are three forms of hitbon'nut (contemplation, meditation):

(a.) Study-meditation: After mastering the concept thoroughly, one meditates on its profundity, until the intellectual element shines forth for him.

(b.) Meditation before davening: This is directed toward sensing the vitality of the concept learned, in contrast to sensing the intellectual element emphasized in study-meditation.

(c.) Meditation in davening: To sense the "G‑dly element" in the concept learned.

These three are rungs on the ladder of sensitivity. It is only by G‑d's kindness towards us that we may occasionally sense G‑dhood spontaneously, without any avoda at all. This comes about by virtue of the quality of Ultimate Essential G‑dhood1 within the soul. For avoda by one's own efforts, however, these three forms of meditation are essential.