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Exploring Nature, Culture and Inner Life

2012.06.26: Brother David Steindl-Rast w/ Michael Lerner - A Spiritual Biography Part 2

Jun 26, 2012
This conversation features Brother David Steindl-Rast, an 86-year-old Benedictine monk and spiritual pioneer known for his fusion of Christianity and Buddhism. He shares profound reflections on his early life during WWII, addressing the impact of anti-Semitism and his personal journey navigating identity. Brother David highlights the influence of Rilke's poetry during turbulent times, as well as the joy he finds in monastic life and Gregorian chant. His thoughts on gratitude and mindfulness offer a spiritual lifeline amid contemporary challenges.
53:18

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Brother David's Jewish heritage and the effects of anti-Semitism shaped his identity and understanding of acceptance in contemporary society.
  • His commitment to silence and Gregorian chant exemplifies how mindfulness practices can deepen one's spiritual experience and connection to the present.

Deep dives

Brother David's Awareness of Jewish Heritage

Brother David discusses his complex relationship with his Jewish heritage, revealing that he was partially Jewish according to the Nuremberg laws. He reflects on how he only learned about his family's Jewish ancestry after the rise of the Nazis. Despite being ethnically Jewish, his family was often perceived as Aryan, which allowed them to navigate a dangerous environment during the Holocaust. This awareness has shaped his understanding of contemporary issues surrounding identity and acceptance.

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