Jewish Encounters with Buddhism in German Culture
Book Description
At the dawn of the twentieth century, an unexpected spiritual dialogue emerged within German intellectual circles. Buddhism, once relegated to academic obscurity, suddenly captured the imagination of prominent German-Jewish thinkers who found themselves drawn to its teachings and philosophy.
Sebastian Musch reveals how this fascination with Eastern wisdom became a lens through which Jewish intellectuals examined their own spiritual identity. Through careful analysis of personal correspondence, philosophical works, novels, and essays, he uncovers the profound ways Buddhism influenced major figures including Franz Rosenzweig, Martin Buber, Leo Baeck, and Lion Feuchtwanger, alongside lesser-known but equally compelling voices.
This scholarly exploration demonstrates how encounters with Buddhist thought prompted these writers and philosophers to wrestle with fundamental questions about their Jewish heritage and place in German society. Rather than abandoning their roots, many discovered that engaging with Buddhist concepts deepened their understanding of their own spiritual tradition.
The book traces this remarkable cross-cultural exchange from its emergence through the turbulent years leading to World War II, revealing how spiritual seeking transcends religious boundaries. For readers interested in interfaith dialogue, Jewish intellectual history, or the universal human quest for meaning, Musch offers a nuanced portrait of how different wisdom traditions can illuminate and enrich one another.
This work opens a window into a forgotten chapter of spiritual exploration that speaks to contemporary seekers navigating multiple religious influences.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 298 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Judaism
- ✓ Strengthen your faith journey
- ✓ Explore Jews
- ✓ Explore Jews, germany
- ✓ Explore Relations
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
- ✓ Explore Buddhism, relations, judaism
- ✓ Explore Ethnology, germany
