Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen: Why I Gave Up Buddhism for Judaism

Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen spent six years living in Asia, immersing himself in local culture and delving deeply into Eastern philosophies From orphanages in Sri Lanka to silent meditation in Thailand; from fasting in India to temples in the Himalayas; from extreme martial arts in Korea, China, and Japan.  He eventually made his way to Israel, where he discovered the depth, beauty, and wisdom of his own religion. After walking the whole length of Israel in forty days to raise money for orphanages around the world, he made aliyah, got semichah, and is now a senior lecturer at Aish HaTorah World Center in Jerusalem. In this week's episode, we talk about Buddhism, Hinduism, the meaning of life, how to be happy and how it al led Rabbi Cohen back to Judaism. Follow Rabbi Cohen here: https://youtube.com/@MasteringLifeSeries?si=ybNfFDbx2jpNu5VT Get his book here: https://bit.ly/KW1as ____________________________________ ✬ SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE ✬ ____________________________________   ► TWILLORY: The Best Clothes $ Can Buy   Get $18 OFF your order. Look great, feel great. Use promo code: INSPIRE for $18 OFF →  Here: https://Twillory.com/   ► BITBEAN: Industry Leading Enterprise Software for Innovative Businesses   Seeking to optimize operations and scale your business?Bitbean empowers ambitious businesses with tailored software solutions.  Automate workflows, streamline data management, and empower your workforce all while reducing your employee overhead by 30% or more.   →  Contact Bitbean today for a FREE CONSULTATION https://bitbean.link/A7YnSR   ► HIRING4LESS: The Smart Way To Grow Your Business   Hire a full-time remote employee for only $7 an hour. Get huge talent at a low cost with overseas employees and no lock in contracts.   Call, Text or WhatsApp →  845.682.0990 Visit →  https://hiring4less.com/ Email → [email protected]   ____________________________________ ✬ IN MEMORY OF ✬ ____________________________________    This episode is in memory of: • Shimon Dovid ben Yaakov Shloima • Miriam Sarah bas Yaakov Moshe   Help Support our Episodes with Dedicating an Episode in Memory of a Loved One or As a Zechus for a Refuah Shleima! ► Here: https://www.livinglchaim.com/in-memory   ____________________________________ Our free call-in-to-listen feature is here: • USA: (605) 477-2100 • UK: 0333-366-0154 • ISRAEL: 079-579-5088   PLUS Listen to LCHAIM KIDS! (605) 562-5555   Have a specific question? email us [email protected]   WhatsApp us feedback and get first access to episodes: 914-222-5513 Lchaim. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:58 - Rav Dovber Cohens Background 05:44 - My Rabbi Bruce Lee 06:30 - Jewish Fascination with Buddhism 08:59 - What It’s Like to Live a Buddhist Life 12:44 - Inner Tranquility: Buddhist Meditations and Breathwork 18:40 - Key Differences Between Judaism and Buddhism 22:31 - Does Attachment Cause Suffering? 23:38 - Hiring4Less 26:08 - BitBean 28:46 - Rav Dovber's Journey Through India and Japan 38:20 - The Shift From Buddhism to Judaism 46:39 - Rules Release a Person and Don't Restrict Them 50:50 - Navigating the Challenges of Self-Discovery within Judaism 55:19 - Who Would Rav Dovber Like to Meet from History? 56:43 - Twillory 58:26 - Acceptance Among Jews 1:00:21 - What is Rav Dovber’s Favorite Mitzvot? 1:03:30 - Elevating the Physical for the Spiritual 1:05:07 - Rav Dovber Cohen’s Books and Tips for Meditation 1:10:58 - A Thank You to Rav Cohen’s Grandfather 1:11:45 - Just Breathe: Finding Calm in Chaos 1:14:12 - Outro