About Howard J. Resnick
Howard J. Resnick, Ph.D. (H.D. Goswami), is a scholar, author, translator, and lecturer specializing in Sanskrit, Indian philosophy, religion, and the bhakti tradition. A graduate of Harvard University’s Department of Sanskrit and Indian Studies, Dr. Resnick has spent decades bringing classical Indian wisdom into dialogue with contemporary philosophical, literary, and spiritual inquiry.
His work spans academic scholarship, theological commentary, literary fiction, and modern retellings of Sanskrit epic literature. Through books, essays, lectures, and translations, Dr. Resnick explores themes of ethics, metaphysics, consciousness, devotion, justice, and the enduring relevance of sacred literature in the modern world.
Detailed Biography
Dr. Howard J. Resnick received his Ph.D. in Sanskrit and Indian Studies from Harvard University in 1996, following undergraduate studies in religion at the University of California, Los Angeles. His academic work focused on South Asian philosophy, Sanskrit literature, religion, and the translation and transmission of classical Indian texts.
His scholarly publications include works associated with Harvard University, Columbia University Press, and the University of California, as well as articles addressing Indian philosophy, theology, translation studies, and religious thought. His research and conference presentations have been featured at institutions including Harvard University, the University of Cambridge, the School of Oriental and African Studies (London), UCLA, the Graduate Theological Union at Berkeley, and universities throughout Europe and the Americas.
Also known traditionally as H.D. Goswami, Dr. Resnick is recognized for his contributions to Sanskrit translation and theological commentary, particularly his work on the canonical Bhāgavata Purāṇa. His book, A Comprehensive Guide to the Bhagavad-gītā with Literal Translation, has been praised by scholars of Hindu studies and Sanskrit literature for its Sanskrit precision, philosophical clarity, and accessibility to both beginning readers and advanced students alike.
As an author, Dr. Resnick’s work moves fluidly between scholarship and literature. His publications include philosophical studies, modern retellings of the Mahābhārata, theological works, and literary fiction inspired by classical Sanskrit traditions. Books such as Great Bharata, Quest for Justice, and Justin Davis reflect his broader interest in storytelling as a vehicle for exploring spirituality, morality, human psychology, and transcendence.
Proficient in Sanskrit, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French, and German, Dr. Resnick continues to write, lecture, and develop literary and philosophical works for contemporary audiences around the world.
Highlights
- Harvard Ph.D. in Sanskrit and Indian Studies
- Scholar of Indian philosophy, religion, and classical Sanskrit literature
- Author of scholarly, theological, philosophical, and literary works
- Translator and commentator of the Bhagavad-gītā and Bhāgavata Purāṇa
- Lecturer at universities and academic institutions internationally
- Specialist in Mahābhārata literature and bhakti theology
- Published with Harvard, Columbia, and University of California academic institutions
- Working proficiency in Sanskrit, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French, and German
Download a summary of Dr. Howard J Resnick’s academic accomplishments:
Inspiring Spiritual Seekers.
Exploring Deep Philosophy.
Sharing Bhakti.
Academic Background
- Ph.D. in Sanskrit and Indian Studies, Harvard University, 1996
- B.A. in the Study of Religion, University of California, Los Angeles, 1992
- Scholar of Sanskrit literature, South Asian philosophy, religion, and Vaiṣṇava theology
- Published through the Harvard Oriental Series, Columbia University Press, and University of California academic publications
- Presented papers at Harvard University, University of Cambridge, SOAS London, UCLA, and the Graduate Theological Union
Teacher, Lecturer & Philosopher
- International lecturer on Indian philosophy, comparative religion, ethics, and sacred literature
- Known for making complex theological and philosophical ideas accessible to modern audiences
- Brings together rigorous academic training and decades of lived engagement with the bhakti tradition
- Lectures publicly in English, Spanish, and Portuguese
- Explores consciousness, justice, devotion, metaphysics, and the human search for meaning
Author & Commentator
- Author of fiction and nonfiction exploring philosophy, spirituality, ethics, and classical Indian literature
- Author of Great Bharata, a literary retelling of the Mahābhārata
- Author of Justin Davis, a contemporary spiritual novel
- Author of A Comprehensive Guide to Bhagavad-Gītā with Literal Translation, a scholarly study and translation of the Bhagavad-gītā
- Author of Quest for Justice, modern illuminations from the Mahābhārata
- Translator and commentator of the Bhāgavata Purāṇa, Cantos 11 and 12