A: The accurate translation of hitbonenut is "in-depth meditation." The accurate translation of hitbodedut is "experiencing the Divine in solitude." (Rabbi Nachman of Breslov adds that in this state one should converse freely with G-d.)

Hitbonenut, contemplative meditation, elevates one to the level of histaklut, "looking" or “gazing,” and then to the high level of dvekut, "clinging to G-d." Contemplative meditation also leads in a downward motion to "action," via "arousal of the heart." Thus contemplative meditation is the axis of the entire gamut of human spirituality, from action to clinging to G-d.

The state of hitbonenut should be one of "Ratzo Vashov" - to leave the body (not completely!) and to return to the body to fulfill the will of G-d, specifically in Olam Hazeh.

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The Inner Dimension web-site is presented by Gal Einai Institute of Israel Disseminating the teachings of the inner dimension of the Torah  in the Land of Israel and in the Diaspora as taken from the teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh