There is an irony to this discussion. Judaism and Hindism have similarity in that they are ethnic religions. Both emphasis the passing of the religion from generation to generation. The caste system and the 10 tribes both support a mechanism for priestly continuation. And they both suppress conversion into the religion. Interestingly, it was the reform of Buddhism and xtianity that liberated the caste/tribal limits and promoted conversion from these two ethnic religions. Judaism and Hinduism share characteristics of ethnocentrism.
MMY as a charismatic leader knew this when he traveled West. He understood he would not convert new Hindus into a new world religion, this would go against edicts of Hinduism. He was very careful to couch his rhetoric about yoga as a practice devoid of Hinduism. He was equally careful to avoid discussions of god as well, preferring to use neutral scientific terms to describe the effects of TM. In the 50's MMY talked about Hindu concepts to largely Hindu audiences. Later, when MMY did discuss a specific Hindu basis for TM it was in response to western followers who were looking for a deeper spiritual understanding to the experiences they were having with TM. As a Jew, we have choices. We can take a very fundamental approach to the religion. In that case it is a closed club. No eating at the neighbors house lest we are exposed to a dangerous cheese burger. Like other fundamental religions any gander outside the faith is met with disapproval. To me this tunnel vision medieval approach to one's religion is outmoded. Its a clinging to a regressive social model long out of style with the world of Kings and Priests running the village. Or you may want to reformulate Judaism for the modern era. Maybe even start with the Jewish philosopher Spinoza who interpreted g-d more like the concept of Brahman rather than the patriarchal old man in the sky. It may even be possible to reconcile the wonderful benefits of adding a meditation practice to your life and going to services on Saturday without inciting a theological meltdown. It would be impossible to follow all the nutty laws as required by the OT. When a women has her period are you careful not sit where she has sat? I don't think even the compulsive obsessives fundamentalists living illegally in the West Bank today can follow these arcane and random rules. Fred, why are you obsessing on this short phrase from the OT and the remote possibility that a fantasy creature is going to respond to your calling its name silently? Isn't it time to wake up? Isn't waking up the goal? s.
