The Jew in the Lotus: A Poet's Rediscovery of Jewish Identity in Buddhist India - Hardcover

Kamenetz, Roger

4.01

1,491 ratings by Goodreads

9780765760029: The Jew in the Lotus: A Poet's Rediscovery of Jewish Identity in Buddhist India

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0765760029 ISBN 13: 9780765760029

Publisher: Jason Aronson Inc. Publishers, 1998

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Kamenetz, a poet and a Jew, was invited to attend and write about a historical meeting between a delegation of American Jews and a group of Tibetan Buddhists that included the Dalai Lama. This interfaith get-together was inspired, in part, by the increasing number of Jews who have become Buddhists as well as the Dalai Lama's perception of Jews as survival experts. The Dalai Lama felt that the Jews, experts in exile and the preservation of faith and practice, would offer advice and comfort; participating rabbis were intrigued by the surprising similarities between the two religions, including esoteric traditions and a profound awareness of suffering. Kamenetz not only chronicles the resultant discussions, which proved to be enlightening and emotional, but also profiles a number of Jewish Buddhists, including Allen Ginsberg and Ram Dass. As his investigation throws his own beliefs and assumptions into high relief, Kamenetz is amazed and humbled by the intensity and altruism of Buddhism. Kamenetz defines and comments upon these complex matters with skill, personableness, and a welcome dash of levity.

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Review:

"A book for anyone who feels the narrowness of a wholly secular life ...."--New York Times Book Review

"It's fascinating to see what is good and true and real in terms of different religious sensibilities."--E. L. Doctorow

"A feast of truth sharing, self-examination of lineage, humor, and good will."--Ram Dass

"A profound discussion of religion, exile, and survival in our time."--Andrei Codrescu, poet and NPR commentator

"A highly entertaining personal account of one man's surprising journey into the mystical heart of Judaism."--Kirkus Reviews

A book for anyone who feels the narrowness of a wholly secular life . --New York Times Book Review"

It s fascinating to see what is good and true and real in terms of different religious sensibilities. --E. L. Doctorow"

A highly entertaining personal account of one man s surprising journey into the mystical heart of Judaism. --Kirkus Reviews"

A profound discussion of religion, exile, and survival in our time. --Andrei Codrescu, poet and NPR commentator"

A feast of truth sharing, self-examination of lineage, humor, and good will. --Ram Dass"

About the Author:

Rodger Kamenetz, poet and essayist, is the author of seven books. In addition, his poems and personal essays have appeared in The New Republic, Grand Street, Ploughshares, and in over a dozen anthologies. A recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in Literature, Kamenetz is well known for his work on Jewish-Buddhist dialogue, and lectures frequently on contemporary religion. He current serves as a professor of English at Louisiana State University, and lives in New Orleans with his wife and two daughters.

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