By the Grace of G-d 9th of Kislev, 5741 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of . . ., in which you write about Jewish meditation and "Zen."

Needless to say, your enthusiasm for the latter astonishes me greatly, all the more in view of your introducing yourself as a PhD. humanistic psychologist, and having had discussions with knowledgeable Rabbis - which reveals a search for the truth, but regrettably misdirected.

To state some of the reasons for my astonishment, let me, first of all, point out that one of the basic scientific methods is to proceed from the simple to the complex, looking first for simple explanations, and failing to find such, to search for a more complex one. In psychology, too, the first approach should be to relate the problem to the subject's natural element and atmosphere in which he was born, since this has a very strong impact on the person's psyche, for a disturbance or disruption of one's natural element and environment is most likely to be the primary cause of the psychological problem of the patient.

A second basic point is that the treatment should, of course, be fully consistent with the proper diagnosis, without being subjectively detracted by any method that may seem effective in other circumstances. By way of a simple example: When a drug is prescribed, it should be based entirely on its effectiveness, not by the attractiveness of the pill for its appearance or taste.

A little more deeply. One should not be carried away by immediate but short-lived effects that may be achieved from relieving symptoms, but look for a true and lasting cure, however important it is also to relieve symptoms.

After these prefatory remarks, which are no doubt superfluous in your case, it surprises me that in mentioning your personal background and qualifications, you did not indicate at all how many years you have devoted to in-depth study of the psychological approach expounded in Jewish sources, by Jewish authorities on the subject of guiding Jewish perplexed in every generation. (Some of such sources are available also in translation in various languages).

Moreover, these studies and conclusions have not remained in the realm of theory, but have been tested and proven over the years. For, as in the case of all science, it is actual testing and experimentation that are conclusive, and the more of these, the stronger is the evidence.

Now, although your letter does not indicate that you have had this preparation, either in theory or in practice, which is indispensible in treating Jewish patients with psychological problems, yet you come out with categorical conclusions as to how to treat Jewish patients and, more astonishingly, with the aid of Zen practice at that!

Apparently you are unaware that Zen, as commonly practiced now, is connected with Avoda Zara (idolatry). To be sure, some pagan practices, witchcraft and the like as had been practiced since ancient times, have had palliative effects, by using for example, incense, rhythmical bodily movements and the like, which in the way that tranquilizers nowadays are used as palliatives. Nevertheless, the Torah, Toras Chaim and Toras Emes being our true guide in life, strictly prohibits pagan methods and practices insofar as Jews are concerned. And this is because not only will such practices be of no benefit for the soul or body, but will rather be destructive to both - just as there are many "pleasant" substances which also have palliative ingredients but, nonetheless, the total effect is poison. Indeed, it is precisely the external side effects and relief which such practices may bring that cover up the insidious harm and makes them all the more dangerous.

It is surely unnecessary to point out that the purpose of this letter is not polemical. But it is the duty of every human being, certainly of a Jew who follows the teachings of the Torah, to warn any person against pitfalls and help save him, or her, from harm. Since I am a firm believer in G-d's benevolent Providence, as well as in the teaching of our Sages that the heart of every Jew is always awake and responsive to the truth, I trust you will accept what has been said here in the true spirit, and will diligently apply yourself to the study of Jewish sources on the subject of the Jewish soul and psychological make-up. And then, I am confident, you will "taste and see" - to quote a familiar phrase from Tehillim. And by using the proper approach, you will indeed be able to utilize your qualifications and capacities in the fullest measure, to help many who are suffering from confusion and perplexity in these difficult times.

As a young, energetic scientist, who has shown a capacity for research and endurance in the quest for professional excellence, as is evident from your letter, I trust you will accept the new direction I am suggesting to you as a challenge, and I am confident that you will prove equal to it. All the more so as we have the assurance of our Sages, "Make the effort and you will succeed," coupled with the promise of Divine help.

Wishing you Hatzlocho,

With blessing,