Between Jerusalem and Benares: Comparative studies in Judaism and Hinduism (Sri Garib Dass oriental series)

Product Details

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications

• Author: Hananya Goodman

• Pages: 344

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 22.5 cm x 14.5 cm

• Weight: 520 gm

• Edition: 1997

• ISBN: 9788170305224

Book Description

Preface
The author, Hananya Goodman, reflects on a conversation with an elderly man in Benares who described the city as one of two ancient "sisters" with Jerusalem. This conversation ignites the exploration of the parallels between these two cities, each steeped in profound religious and cultural significance. Through this book, Goodman delves into the relationships between Jerusalem and Benares, contrasting their spiritual traditions and examining the shared yet differing conceptualizations of divinity, worship, and the sacred.

The author draws attention to the significant contrasts between the Hindu and Jewish worlds, particularly their views on the nature of God. The Hindu perspective embraces both the "saguna" (with attributes) and "nirguna" (without attributes) aspects of the divine, which contrasts with the Jewish insistence on God's transcendence and unity. The exploration extends beyond symbolic representations of the divine, addressing deeper philosophical and epistemological questions about the nature of existence and the sacred.

Book Contents

This thought-provoking work engages with deep questions of religion, culture, and philosophy. The essays in this volume open a long-awaited discussion on the connections between two ancient civilizations. Some pieces explore historical ties, such as the anthropology of India’s Jewish community and the surprising ways Jewish Indologists have engaged with Indian philosophy. Others focus on the shared themes and tensions that emerge when comparing these seemingly distinct traditions.

Goodman also presents fascinating personal anecdotes from his experiences teaching Sanskrit and Tamil to Israeli students in Jerusalem. Through this cross-cultural dialogue, the book underscores the mutual influence and understanding that can emerge when different religious and philosophical traditions come into contact.

Back of the Book

This book is not just about comparison but about fostering a deeper understanding of the connections and the subtle echoes that resonate between two ancient cultures. It offers readers an opportunity to reflect on how Benares and Jerusalem—despite their contrasts—may indeed belong to the same spiritual and intellectual world. Through studying their interactions and resonances, Goodman invites readers to appreciate the complexity and richness of both cultures, acknowledging that comparison is never straightforward, but that it is precisely in these comparisons that deeper truths can emerge.