Ana B’Ko’ach: A Musical Kabbalistic Meditation with On-Screen Text

This 6:26 minute long video produced by The Kabbalah Center provides deep mystical meditations based on the Kabbalistic secrets hidden within the song, Ana B’Koach, traditionally sung as part of the Kabbalat Shabbat prayer service. It also provides a musical version of the prayer and concludes with a slow recitation of the words, accompanied by the Hebrew, English and transliterated text. The video was shared on the YouTube channel of LilaSakura, who believes in the power of spiritual mantras from many different faiths. In the text below, she explains some of the Kabbalistic ideas contained within the prayer and meditation, as well as the sources for the various clips contained within the video. 

Ana B’Ko’ach: A Kabbalistic Prayer

The Kabbalists reveal that this sequence of Hebrew letters encompasses the actual power of creation. The Ana B’Koach is built from 42 letters and is also known as the 42 Letter Name of God. Whenever we make a connection to the 42 Letter Name, we are tapping into the primordial force of creation. The Ana BeKoach (Ana BeCoach or Ana B’Koach) prayer was written in the first century by a great kabbalistic Rabbi – Rabbi Nehonia.

The 42 Letter Name of God is an ancient word of Power. This Name of God is divided into seven lines. Each line can be seen as a DNA sequence that represent seven different types of energy. Each line, or sequence, contains six words that provide Divine Energy for helping us to solve the problems of life.

  1. Line 1: This is the most powerful line of the prayer, created to be concentrated upon in time of extreme stress or danger; the DNA sequence of power to provide sustenance in a time of dire need.
  2. Line 2: Grants the user the power to move events and control negative forces.
  3. Line 3: Empowers one with the ability to make the right decision, with the proper balance and compassion.
  4. Line 4: Grants the endurance necessary to follow through and prove victorious.
  5. Line 5: Provides the energy of deep insight, creates a form of clairvoyance that allows the user to see into the future.
  6. Line 6: Gives the ability to find peace and inner strength.
  7. Line 7: Grants the power of renewal which allows one to start over again. 

The English and transliterated text of the prayer can be seen below, provided by the artist, Shirona. 

Transliteration

A-na B’cho-ach gdu-lat y’min-cha ta-tir tze-ru-ra
Ka-bel ri-nat am-cha, sag-vei-nu, ta-ha-rei-nu no-ra
Na gi-bor, dor-shei yi-chud-cha, k’va-vat sham-rem
Bar-chem ta-ha-rem ra-cha-mem, tzid-kat-cha ta-mid gam-lem
Cha-sin ka-dosh b’rov tu-cha, na-hel a-da-te-cha
Ya-chid ge-eh l’am-cha p’neh, zoch-rei k’du-sha-te-cha
Shav-a-tei-nu ka-bel, ush’ma tza-a-ka-tei-nu, yo-de-ah ta-a-lu-mot.

(Ba-ruch shem k’vod mal-chu-to l’o-lam va-ed.)

Translation

We beg thee with the strength and greatness of thy right arm-Untangle our knotted fate.
Accept your people’s song, elevate and purify us, oh awesome one.
Please, heroic one, those who pursue your uniqueness-guard them as the pupil of an eye.
Bless them, purify them, pity them, may your righteousness always reward them.
Powerful and Holy One, in goodness lead your flock.
Unique and proud one, to your people turn, who remember your holiness.
Accept our cries, and hear our screams, oh knower of mysteries.
(Blessed is the name of his noble kingdom forever and ever.)