The Three Postures of Davvenen

The Three Postures of Davvenen First the prayers are said in a sitting position, then in a standing position, and finally, prostration. Yeshiva --Sitting Descending into the self while resting on the buttocks or roosting on the haunches symbolized by the sections of the prayers before the Amida. Amida - Standing Rising be)lonet the self while supporting oneself on the feet in an extended, erect position symbolized by the Amida prayer. Nefilat Apayim Lying prostrate on one's face Cow.pletel)I swrrenetering the self while falling so as to be stTetched out with one's face on the ground symbolised in the section following the Amida Prayer. Getting to the Heart of Synagogue Instructions Conventional synagogue instructions can be used as an opportunity to increase one's intentionality (kavvana). Remembering the depth of attitude conveyed by the postures will help one to do what is being asked for in the inner realms as the pulpit leader repeatedly calls everyone to stand and to sit. Will the congregation please rise? Please be seated. Come to the level of: Come to the level of: Amida - Standing Yeshiva - Sitting • Will the congregationpleaserise beyond the tight boundaryof the isolated self? •Pleasebe seatedinto your uniquely private sensation of self-awareness. • Will the congregationpleaserise one inch abovesocialpersonasso that we may enter into an uncharted place together? •Pleasesit backinto your social personalityso that we can bring this aspectof our selves into alignment with our deeperinteriority expressedin the following phaseof our prayer. • Will the congregationpleaserise through the four worlds? •The congregationwill pleasebe seated, retainingthe sense of cosmiccloseness with the essenceof life touchedduring the Amida. Working with the Three Postures: 2 Nefilat Apayim - Lying prostrate on one's face: (On the High Holydays or daily in the morning and afternoon prayers following the Amida.) The congregation will now prostrate themselves. The congregationwill now completelyyield any lingeringsense of isolationand separationfrom the Life-Force.