Sufism and Taoism: A Comparative Study of Key Philosophical Concepts
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4.43 · Rating details · 118 ratings · 18 reviews
In this deeply learned work, Toshihiko Izutsu compares the metaphysical and mystical thought-systems of Sufism and Taoism and discovers that, although historically unrelated, the two share features and patterns which prove fruitful for a transhistorical dialogue. His original and suggestive approach opens new doors in the study of comparative philosophy and mysticism.
Izutsu begins with Ibn 'Arabi, analyzing and isolating the major ontological concepts of this most challenging of Islamic thinkers. Then, in the second part of the book, Izutsu turns his attention to an analysis of parallel concepts of two great Taoist thinkers, Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu. Only after laying bare the fundamental structure of each world view does Izutsu embark, in the final section of the book, upon a comparative analysis. Only thus, he argues, can he be sure to avoid easy and superficial comparisons. Izutsu maintains that both the Sufi and Taoist world views are based on two pivots—the Absolute Man and the Perfect Man—with a whole system of oncological thought being developed between these two pivots. Izutsu discusses similarities in these ontological systems and advances the hypothesis that certain patterns of mystical and metaphysical thought may be shared even by systems with no apparent historical connection.
This second edition of Sufism and Taoism is the first published in the United States. The original edition, published in English and in Japan, was prized by the few English-speaking scholars who knew of it as a model in the field of comparative philosophy. Making available in English much new material on both sides of its comparison, Sufism and Taoism richly fulfills Izutsu's motivating desire "to open a new vista in the domain of comparative philosophy." (less)
Izutsu begins with Ibn 'Arabi, analyzing and isolating the major ontological concepts of this most challenging of Islamic thinkers. Then, in the second part of the book, Izutsu turns his attention to an analysis of parallel concepts of two great Taoist thinkers, Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu. Only after laying bare the fundamental structure of each world view does Izutsu embark, in the final section of the book, upon a comparative analysis. Only thus, he argues, can he be sure to avoid easy and superficial comparisons. Izutsu maintains that both the Sufi and Taoist world views are based on two pivots—the Absolute Man and the Perfect Man—with a whole system of oncological thought being developed between these two pivots. Izutsu discusses similarities in these ontological systems and advances the hypothesis that certain patterns of mystical and metaphysical thought may be shared even by systems with no apparent historical connection.
This second edition of Sufism and Taoism is the first published in the United States. The original edition, published in English and in Japan, was prized by the few English-speaking scholars who knew of it as a model in the field of comparative philosophy. Making available in English much new material on both sides of its comparison, Sufism and Taoism richly fulfills Izutsu's motivating desire "to open a new vista in the domain of comparative philosophy." (less)
Hardcover, 493 pages
Published August 6th 1984 by University of California Press (first published 1984)
Aug 11, 2009Rego Hemia rated it really liked it
This book is metaphysical ontology porn. I am loving it. The sections on the Absolute under Sufism are relentlessly challenging and difficult, and I'm just now starting the Taoism section, which is proving to be equally so.
I can't wait to finish so that I can begin letting the information percolate down through the strata of my mind. (less)
I can't wait to finish so that I can begin letting the information percolate down through the strata of my mind. (less)
Jan 04, 2015Yasin Ramazan rated it it was amazing
I only read the first part, which is already designed to be a separate book by the author. The first part, which is an investigation about Ibn Arabi's key concepts in the Bezels of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam), is really resourceful and academically satisfying. It is one book that expresses Ibn Arabi's supercomplicated philosophy in the clearest possible way. I particularly like the re-arrangement of the concept according to the modern forms of thinking. (less)
Oct 18, 2010Dina Kaidir rated it really liked it
This book is such a wonderful reference book, especially for all of my classes this semester. Izutsu's expression is crisp and crystal clear. I love it! (even if it is a text book) :)
Definitely one that I will be returning to throughout the semester. (less)
Definitely one that I will be returning to throughout the semester. (less)
Jul 12, 2013Tarek Naga rated it it was amazing
A masterpiece of research and innerstanding of two of the world greatest metaphysical traditions ...
Sep 08, 2021Yazdanpanah Askari rated it did not like it · review of another edition
تِ ( فضیلت ) نیروی حیات
ص 357 و ص 372
نیز نک به دِه
https://fa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%AF%... (less)
ص 357 و ص 372
نیز نک به دِه
https://fa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%AF%... (less)
Jun 09, 2019Alfredo J. rated it it was amazing
کتابی بسیار غنی. توضیح و تفسیر عرفان ابن عربی و تائوئیسم (دائو). کتابی که آدم رو عمیقاً به فکر فرو میبره.
This books is on Islamic philosophy of Ibn Arabi and its connection with Daoism. A bit too technical for me.
Dec 05, 2017Mohammad rated it really liked it
what a book.
apart from colorful flow of creativity in ibn arabi's philosophy, and mystical foreign tongue in that of lao tzu, you get a nice thematic explanation of core ideas of sufism and taoism.
this could be called major themes of bezels of wisdom and tao te ching. (less)
apart from colorful flow of creativity in ibn arabi's philosophy, and mystical foreign tongue in that of lao tzu, you get a nice thematic explanation of core ideas of sufism and taoism.
this could be called major themes of bezels of wisdom and tao te ching. (less)
Jan 29, 2019Bimo Pratama rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Ibnu Arabi, the son of Plato. It is absolutely necessary to know that Toshihiko ijutsu was quite successful in summarizing ibn Arabi's thoughts from fusus al hikam and futuhat al makiyyanya, which are very complex. I think that before reading other ibn Arabi books, this book is suitable as an introduction.
Aug 22, 2013Taimur rated it it was amazing
you do not find this book. this book finds you.
a mind fuck that will last a lifetime or more
a mind fuck that will last a lifetime or more
Jan 22, 2011Imdad Robbani rated it it was amazing
What I love from this book is its methodological clarity and in that it makes you annihilated in reading it.
Jun 28, 2009Varan rated it it was amazing
it is the best book I have read about Ibn-e- Arabi.
Lao Tse vs. Ibne Arabi! A really deep survey on comparative philosophy of Islamic Sufism/ chinese traditional Taoism.
Jul 31, 2021Josh is currently reading it · review of another edition
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Apr 04, 2021Nobody rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
An astonishing book for sure, I recommend this book to everyone who like me don't know a lot of technical words concerning philosophy. it explains everything beautifully. (less)
Mar 28, 2012Patrick rated it liked it
Years ago, in my youth, I stole this book from a library, thinking that it might give me some great insight into the Way. Fortunately, like many other books I will one day burn, it was a stepping stone, and is a great investigation of a variety of principles concerning the Way in both Daoist and Sufist thought.
Though I strayed over some areas, as I am now concerned primarily with finding inaccuracies within mystic traditions that promote the idea of separation or annihilation as positive, optimal or unattainable states (though I agree that such states are in a sense unattainable), in terms of analyzing and explaining the works of these three existentialist thinkers Izutsu does a good, albeit dry job.
He really lacks a spark of life and this academic work reflects his sense of purpose, rather than a sense of awe and grandeur. So, if you are interested in starting to grasp the fundamentals of some of the aspects of eastern thought, this is a good place to start. He dissection is good, though very focused and repetitive, and as always it is not good to accept what is fed to you. I'd use this book to get a good sense of things and then go back to the primary texts themselves to interpret as you will. More or less this is a book for hardcore studiers and is full of things like being, non-being, no-non-being, absolute Absolute, and so on. Don't get bogged down. Be light like a feather on the back of the great bird DaPeng. (less)
