J. D. SALINGER AND VEDANTA

Novelist and short story writer J. D. Salinger did not follow either of his family religions, Judaism and Catholicism.  His interest was more in Scientology, Vedanta, and Buddhism.  He practiced Zen Buddhism for a number of years, attracted to its teachings of personal detachment, and the oneness of creation.

Then in 1952, while reading The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, translated by Swami Nikhilananda and Joseph Campbell, he experienced a transformation.  He was greatly impressed by Sri Ramakrishna's explanation of nondualistic Vedanta, Advaita Vedanta.  He also liked his view of karma, reincarnation, celibacy for seekers of truth, and detachment from worldliness, including family.

Salinger wrote friends of what he felt was a profound change in his life.

Vedanta found its way into some of his stories, as, for example, "Teddy," about a ten-year-old child who exhibits Vedantic insights.  In the story "Hapworth 16, 1924," the character Seymour Glass describes Ramakrishna's disciple Vivekananda as "one of the most exciting, original and best equipped giants of this century."

In 1955, Salinger and his wife Claire were initiated into kriya yoga in a Hindu temple in Washington, D.C. whereupon they recited a mantra and practiced pranayama (breathing exercises) twice a day.  He was regarded by many as a Hindu.