הַנֵּרוֹת הַלָּלוּ שֶׁאָנוּ מַדְלִיקִין. . .
וְכָל שְׁמוֹנַת יְמֵי הַחֲנֻכָּה
הַנֵּרוֹת הַלָּלוּ קֹדֶשׁ הֵם
וְאֵין לָנוּ רְשׁוּת לְהִשְׁתַּמֵּשׁ בָּהֶם,
אֶלָּא לִרְאוֹתָם בִּלְבָד. . .
These Chanukah candles are Holy
and we are not to make any practical use of them,
but just gaze upon them
מאן דבעי למנדע חכמתא דיחודא קדישא, יסתכל בשלהובא דסלקא מגו גחלתא, או מגו בוצינא דדליק.
One who seeks to contemplate the Divine wisdom should meditate on a flame rising from a coal or candle.
Zohar 1:50b
Since looking is all that can be done, Hasidic teachers and Kabbalistic masters have suggested we do so. Once we light the flames we should sit gently next to the lights and look, notice and listen to them.
- Rabbi Dov Ber Pinson
- Rabbi Dov Ber Pinson
What does it mean to "pay attention on purpose"?
What does it mean to be "non-judgmental"?
Meditation is used to help clear your mind and increase your ability to focus. One way to do this is by lighting a candle and focusing on the flame. Many people find it much easier to clear their mind when focusing on an object. Candles can also help to create a relaxing environment to aid in meditation.