Secularization and its ethical consequences: orthodox Israeli Jews sanctifying ‘mundane’ Buddhist meditation

Abstract ‘Insight’ or vipassanā meditation refers to meditative practices employed within Buddhist traditions. But following the secularization of in recent decades – that is, its differentiation from Buddhism orthodox Jewish Israeli meditators frame it as a religiously neutral, therapeutic technique centred on mundane human body. They thus consider involving no forbidden ‘Eastern’ religious contents. Nevertheless, these ‘Jewish Vipassanā’ also utilize insight for improving their practice, characters, and ability experience closeness God; some situate national‐religious historical narrative culminating redemption. The enables practitioners engage with ways are significant them observant Jews, without continually being concerned over ‘idolatry’. Secularization therefore has important implications people's ethical projects, attempts foster what they good. Examining can both stimulate secular studies contribute anthropological research ethics.