Opening to You

by Fischer, Norman

• ISBN13: 9780142196137
• ISBN10: 0142196134
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-02-01
• Publisher: Penguin Group USA

Summary

A week with the Trappist monks of Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky left Norman Fischer feeling inspired by the uplifting, soaring verses chanted each day, but he was also astonished by the violence, passion, and bitterness they expressed. This experience started him on a journey through eastern and western spirituality and his own Jewish roots, resulting in these moving and intimate translations of the Psalms. Fischer's aim was to translate the Psalms in a way that would convey their beauty and power in accessible English for readers of every spiritual path or religious background. In ninety-three poems of praise, celebration, suffering, and lamentation, he brings the Psalms alive for today's readers, revealing an interfaith aspect to these sacred songs that is completely contemporary.

Author Biography

Norman Fischer is a renowned Zen priest, teacher, poet, and former co-abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center and a featured contributor to Benedict's Dharma. As the founder of the Everyday Zen Foundation, he organizes Zen lectures and retreats as well as Jewish meditation classes and is actively involved in interfaith dialogue.