This collection of poems offers a Buddhist reinterpretation of Judeo-Christian theology, examining core religious concepts and figures through an Eastern philosophical lens.
It presents alternative perspectives on well-known biblical narratives, such as the roles of God, Eve, Christ, and the apostles, often emphasizing themes of non-duality, doubt as a twin of belief, and the limitations of language and dogma.
The text also explores broader spiritual ideas like suffering, the nature of truth, the perception of time, and the continuous flux of existence, suggesting that wisdom is found in the space of not knowing. Overall, the book of poems engages in a contemplative and critical dismantling of traditional religious certainties to advocate for a more nuanced and experience-based spirituality.
In the Foreword to this poetry collection, Harvard Professor Michael Puett writes:
"Elizabeth explores theology and cosmology across several traditions through an unconventional lens....Compassion and a humanistic worldview run through the poems. Along the way, she captures in brief poems the heart of Buddhist thought-not as a religion, but a way of looking at the world-without compromising the complexity of Buddhist cosmology....Elizabeth opens the door to our heightened awareness as well. We can joyfully accept the invitation."
As a professor, theologian, and meditation teacher, Elizabeth Pyjov strives to make the world more compassionate. The intention of this collection is to create some distance between us and our harsh judgments so that we can be present with reality in a loving way.
Divinity School is her first volume of poetry.
