Kabbalah Meets the Dalai Lama

A Remarkable Interfaith Encounter in Dharamsala

In 1990, a groundbreaking interfaith journey occurred when a group of rabbis traveled to Dharamsala, India, to engage in a historic dialogue with the Dalai Lama. This unprecedented meeting, later chronicled in Rodger Kamenetz’s acclaimed book The Jew in the Lotus, became a milestone in Jewish-Buddhist relations. The gathering explored profound questions of spiritual continuity, resilience, and the search for meaning across traditions.

The Shared Spiritual Quest

A central theme of the discussions was the shared human aspiration to transcend the challenges of the physical world and achieve unity with the Divine. Both Jewish and Buddhist participants reflected on how humanity, as creations of God, seeks to rise above the mundane and connect with something greater.

Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi’s Kabbalistic Vision

Among the distinguished participants was Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, a pioneering figure in Jewish Renewal—emphasizing spiritual and mystical practices— and a master of Jewish mysticism. During the sessions, Rabbi Schachter-Shalomi offered a profound kabbalistic perspective on the universe and the relationship between the Divine and humanity.

The Four Worlds of Creation

Drawing from Jewish mystical tradition, Rabbi Schachter-Shalomi described creation as a multi-layered process, each stage corresponding to a letter in the sacred name of God (Yod, He, Vav, He):

• Atziluth (Emanation): The highest realm, where the pure Oneness and infinite presence of God (Ain Sof, the Endless) prevails. Here, God is utterly transcendent, the source of all existence.
• Beriah (Creation): The emergence of Divine thought—the conception of the universe in God’s mind.
• Yetzirah (Formation): The stage where Divine ideas take form, preparing to manifest in the physical world.
• Assiyah (Action): The realm of tangible reality, where spiritual energy is transformed into the physical universe.

The Purpose of Creation

Rabbi Schachter-Shalomi emphasized that these realms are not just abstract concepts, but a roadmap for spiritual consciousness. God’s infinite light is “stepped down” through these worlds, allowing the finite universe to exist. This process, known as tzimtzum (self-contraction), was necessary for God to make space for creation, enabling humanity’s spiritual journey.

The Human Journey: Ascent Back to the Divine

Creation, however, is only half the story. Rabbi Schachter-Shalomi taught that humanity’s spiritual journey mirrors the Divine descent, but in reverse:

• Action: We begin in the world of action, fulfilling mitzvot (commandments) and elevating daily life.
• Feeling: We refine our emotions, cultivating love and awe for the Divine.
• Knowing: Through contemplation, we approach truth and recognize our own impermanence.
• Intuition: Ultimately, the boundaries of self dissolve in the presence of the Infinite.

This spiritual ascent may span many lifetimes, as souls return in cycles of tikkun (repair), striving for wholeness and reunion with the Source.

Buddhist Parallels and Mutual Enrichment

The Dalai Lama found striking parallels between these teachings and Buddhist concepts of karma (cause and effect), rebirth, and the quest to transcend suffering. The exchange enriched both traditions, highlighting a universal longing to bridge the finite and the infinite, heal, and return to the wellspring of holiness.

A Lasting Legacy of Dialogue

For many participants, this encounter was transformative. It illuminated the beauty and depth of Jewish mystical thought while affirming the profound possibilities that arise when spiritual traditions meet in openness and mutual respect. The dialogue in Dharamsala stands as a testament to the enduring quest for meaning, connection, and the sacred across boundaries of faith and culture.