Zohar and Nefesh HaChayim

Both texts address kavanah in tefillah but emphasize different aspects. Nefesh HaChayim focuses on internal psychological preparation—stripping away bodily distractions and worldly thoughts (יפשיט גופו מעל נפשו, סיר כל רעיוני ההבלים) to achieve pure spiritual intention (עבודת תפלתו רק בהנפש). The Zohar passage emphasizes external experiential union with the upper worlds through sensory perception and attachment—closing eyes, ascending, hearing the voices of cherubim, and mystical adhesion (אִתְדַּבְּקָן). Nefesh HaChayim stresses negation/removal of obstacles to intention; Zohar stresses positive attainment of supernal connection through contemplative elevation.