The Children of the East: The Connection Between Eastern Religions and Abraham

Are all religions generally the same at their core, just another path to the Creator?

It's a controversial topic.

Where some see differences, others find commonality. Whether it's the prayers and customs of Native Americans or shared ideas across Eastern religions, it does seem that some common ground exists in many religions. But is this coincidental, or evidence of syncretism?

Further, what are we to do with this information?

Sefirot and Chakras?

Years ago, these very questions led me to speak with an Orthodox Rabbi who lives in Israel. At the time I connected with him, he had just returned from a trip to India, where he completed a course on breathing techniques and meditation.

To his surprise, and mine, he shared many commonalities, specifically the arrangement of patterns between the Sefirot¹ and the Chakras.

Regarding the Crown chakra, which seems to correspond to the Sefirah of Keter, his teacher said, "We don't really know what to say about this one." The Rabbi replied, "Neither do we!"

In conversations with my neighbors, many of whom are from India, I am often surprised at how easily the language of Jewish mysticism opens doors to understanding the deeper aspects of our shared spiritual concepts.

Through many conversations, I have learned two things: 1) Most of us modern Western people misunderstand the nature of Eastern religions - maybe religion in general; and 2) many core Eastern ideas align with the Torah.

There is more to this story, and how it has played out through time.