Jewish Buddhists Reinterpret Psalms

September 8, 2002

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

On September 8, 2002 The San Francisco Chronicle reported that "studying the violent passages in the Psalms, Norman Fischer saw something none of us can deny. Judaism and Christianity -- just like the Muslim faith -- can be used to justify the killing of innocents in the name of God. Fischer tries to reconcile all this in Opening to You: Zen-Inspired Translations of the Psalms. Meanwhile, another popular Buddhist teacher with Jewish roots and a Bay Area address is out with his own book of interfaith inspiration. Jack Kornfield, one of the founders of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Marin County, offers The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace. Both Kornfield and Fischer were raised by Jewish families in Pennsylvania, then wound up as two of the leading Buddhist teachers in California. Today, their spirituality reflects an eclectic mix."