Jew in the Lotus: A Poet's Rediscovery of Jewish Identity in Buddhist India
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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. New York Times Book Review “A book for anyone who feels the narrowness of a wholly secular life ….”
AcknowledgmentsIntroduction11Sparks52Flames173Roadblocks324Heights425Blessings566Contact657The Angel of Tibet and the Angel of the Jews728Always Remind919Debating Monks and Angels10910Shabbat Shalom and Tashe Delek11711Jewish Buddhists, Buddhist Jews12812JUBUs in America14713Tibetan Intellectuals, Tibetan Orphans15814An Interview with the Oracle17015Secret Doors18416Tantra and Kabbalah19817Survival Strategies21118One Last Question22619A Buddhist Jew - The Allen Ginsberg Story23520A Synagogue in Delhi24221Buddha's Jews25422A Last Secret26423In a Pool of Nectar277Notes and References291Glossary299
