Diffused Congruence: The American Muslim Experience Episode 157: David Coolidge Returns to Discuss His Study of Hinduism
Aug 29, 2025
David Coolidge, PhD, returns to offer insights from his book, Hindu Bhakti Through Muslim Eyes. He navigates the Caitanya Vaiṣṇava tradition's connections to Islam, enhancing understanding through inter-religious dialogue. The conversation delves into Hindu worship practices, the evolution of Chaitanya Vaishnavism, and modern interpretations of caste in relation to devotion. David’s unique perspective fosters appreciation for the complexities of faith, while addressing the global diaspora and historical narratives shaping Hindu-Muslim relations.
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Muslim-Facing Study of Hinduism
- David Coolidge chose to study Hinduism to fill a gap in Muslim–Hindu comparative scholarship and engage living Hindu traditions.
- He framed the project as producing Muslim-facing literature about Hinduism, not just academic curiosity.
Meeting A White Swami At Brown
- Coolidge recalled meeting Swami Atmarupananda, a white American monk in the Ramakrishna order, at Brown University.
- That encounter sparked curiosity about living Hindu teachers and cross-cultural spiritual journeys.
Prioritize Living Tradition Over Only Texts
- Coolidge emphasizes studying living practitioners and contemporary voices, not only classical Sanskrit texts.
- He prioritized who speaks for traditions today over treating ancient texts as the sole source of meaning.
