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 the margins of academic curiosity, suddenly captured the imagination of prominent German-Jewish thinkers who found themselves drawn to its teachings and philosophy.
Sebastian Musch reveals how this encounter between two ancient wisdom traditions became a profound journey of self-discovery for Jewish intellectuals navigating their place in modern German society. Through careful examination of personal letters, philosophical writings, novels, and diaries, he uncovers the stories of renowned figures like Franz Rosenzweig, Martin Buber, and Leo Baeck, alongside lesser-known voices such as Paul Cohen-Portheim and Walter Tausk.
These thinkers discovered that exploring Buddhist concepts offered them a unique lens through which to examine their own Jewish identity and spiritual heritage. Their engagement with Buddhist philosophy became more than academic interest—it evolved into a deeply personal exploration of faith, belonging, and meaning in a rapidly changing world.
This scholarly work illuminates a fascinating chapter in the history of interfaith dialogue, demonstrating how spiritual seekers have long found wisdom by crossing traditional boundaries. For readers interested in the intersection of different wisdom traditions and the universal human quest for understanding, Musch presents a compelling portrait of intellectual courage and spiritual curiosity that transcended cultural divisions in pre-war Germany.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 298 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Relations
- ✓ Explore Jews
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
- ✓ Explore Intellectual life
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore Judaism
- ✓ Strengthen your faith journey
- ✓ Explore Jews, germany
