Sufism and Taoism: A Comparative Study of Key Philosophical Concepts by Toshihiko Izutsu | Goodreads

Sufism and Taoism: A Comparative Study of Key Philosophical Concepts by Toshihiko Izutsu | Goodreads

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Sufism and Taoism: A Comparative Study of Key Philosophical Concepts

by 

Toshihiko Izutsu

 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)

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Hardcover, 493 pages

Published August 6th 1984 by University of California Press (first published 1984)

Original Title

Sufism and Taoism: A Comparative Study of Key Philosophical Concepts

 Average rating

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)

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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)

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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)

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Jul 12, 2013Tarek Naga rated it it was amazing

A masterpiece of research and innerstanding of two of the world greatest metaphysical traditions ...

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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)

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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.

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Apr 03, 2017Abbas Mehrabian rated it it was ok  ·  review of another edition

Shelves: gave-up-on

This books is on Islamic philosophy of Ibn Arabi and its connection with Daoism. A bit too technical for me.

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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)

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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.

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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

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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.

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Jun 28, 2009Varan rated it it was amazing

it is the best book I have read about Ibn-e- Arabi.

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Aug 12, 2007Sherwin added it

Recommends it for: mysticism researchers

Shelves: biology, philosophy

Lao Tse vs. Ibne Arabi! A really deep survey on comparative philosophy of Islamic Sufism/ chinese traditional Taoism.

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Jul 31, 2021Josh is currently reading it  ·  review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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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)

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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)

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====

The Concept and Reality of Existence - Toshihiko Izutsu – Tintabudi

The Concept and Reality of Existence - Toshihiko Izutsu – Tintabudi



The Concept and Reality of Existence - Toshihiko Izutsu


Regular priceRM50.00 MYR
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The actual presence of things, writes Prof. Izutsu, is their existence. They are there. They do exist, as we ourselves exist. On the other hand, they are not there in the form of pure 'existences'. They æexistÆ as various and variegated things: man, horse, stone, tree, etc. This collection of four papers by the late Japanese scholar remains the best comparative study of the notion of existence (wujud) in Eastern and European philosophy. First written during 1968-1970, they centre around the topic of the reality and concept of existence as it has been elaborated in the post-Mongol period of Islamic philosophy. The author attempts to "uncover and recapture" the spirit of 'irfan', a type of metaphysics that has developed in Persia as a combination of mysticism and rational thinking. The fourth essay on metaphysics, which originally appeared as an introduction to Sharh-i-Manzumah by the renowned nineteenth century Iranian philosopher Hadi Sabzawari, is regarded as one of the most profound studies of Islamic metaphysics of Persia's greatest philosopher, Sadr al-Din al-Shirazi.

——


IBT. 2007. 242 pages. Paperback.

===

Sep 14, 2021Mamluk Qayser rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2021

This might be the only book/author that expounded the doctrine of transcendental unity of existence in a lucid and systematic manner, aside from Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas. While the discussion understandably involved heavy scholastic discussion, but with the guidance of the author, the progress to understand the book and the doctrine could be cushioned well.

In short, this is a quintessential secondary reading on the doctrine.

The doctrine of transcendental unity of existence (wahdah al-wujud) as presented in this book focused on the ontological and grammatical side, as it centered upon the problem of subject-predicate. Before delving deep into the summary of the book, it is vital to have a brief summary on what is this doctrine.

Theologically speaking, Islam stood as one of the most stalwart defender of monotheism par excellence. Islam also stand in opposite to the Pauline Christianity, which they believed to be not adhering to the strictest tenet of monotheism. But we cannot conclude Islamic monotheism par excellence to be a mere reaction to the Trinity; it must be conceived as the revitalization of the true monotheism, untouched by sophisms and philosophers opinion. The vision of unity as understood by great Muslim theologians and mystics are in its purest conception; 

to the discerning eye it might be brushing too closely with Spinoza's monism (but this couldn't any farther from the truth).

Islam cleansed the conception of God from any minute association with the created things; it rejects reincarnation and unity, returning God to His untouchable throne. 

In the same time, Islam has to explain away the dynamic nature of God that actively involved in the created things. 

God, according to Islam due to the concept of Unity (tawhid) must simultaneously be 

• forever escaped man's conceptual reasoning 
• yet the single active and dynamic Source for everything phenomenal. 

In answering this, Islamic scholars in unison (excluding very few aberrant cults) answered that the Unity of God must be preserved in any cost. The theologians and the mystics answered in a single voice; the coincidentia oppositorum; the one in many, the many in one.

God is both the Hidden Treasure, but from He is the eternal dynamic Source of everything phenomenal. He is light of Light. He is the unconditioned unconditioned. His Face is the Hidden Side of Moon, yet shined his Light to the entire realm with his Revealed Face. He is the farthest from man's estimation, yet He is closer to us than the jugular vein.

Islamic conception of God via the concept of Unity has the advantages of escaping the aberrant monster of a deity that shares similarities with his creation, yet retaining his Glory as the Unconditioned Unconditioned. The truth, I believe, must be in the resolution of contradictions, not the attainment of an extreme polar opposite. Neither the resolution of contradictions belongs to the synthesis between the opposites, as it would only produce chimeras. The resolution of contradictions must be transcendental, its witnessing is veiled due to inherent constraints of man's apparatus, but forever waiting to be discovered.

Speaking in a philosophical words, following Isutzu's discussion; the conception of wahdah al-wujud might be originated from the observation that the structure of external reality is incongruous with the form of the external world as presented in a proposition. Regarding the proposition "the table is existent", what does it really mean? Taken in a normal sense, the proposition is saying that the table is the subject and to-exists is its predicate. The table retains its specific whatness and existence is a super-added entity to it. But cannot we witness that everything must be exists first, and then its specific what-ness is then super-added to it? The father is first of all a man that exists, it is only when he is considered in terms of specific relation to him, in this case being-a-progenitor that he is then considered as a father.

The being-a-progenitor does not constitutes the defining essence of the man; it is only accidental to the prior existence of the man. It does not provide the thing, but serve to define the limit of a thing. The limit of a thing is not a thing; when it is considered by itself is nothing, non-existence. Just as the waves could not be conceived without the sea that it is part of; its specific conception is only a specific mental attitude in distilling its particulars, but considered in itself, waves is no-thing.

Thus, the proposition should be reversed. It is the particular table that emerged from the pervading existence. The table, just like the waves and the being-a-progenitor is just a modification of this overwhelming limitless reality. The to-exists is now the subject, the table is merely its predicate.

What is this implication of this doctrine is that it is the zenith of monotheistic expression; that the Absolute Existence pervades and constitutes everything. As Spinoza puts it, the eternal could not be limited in its unlimitedness. If there's a border between God's expansiveness and man's limitedness, then it amounts to drawing a line to God's unlimitedness, but God is unlimited; thus it is absurd. It is only by accepting the idea that there is a single Real existence that this jettison could be bypassed.

But a jarring question remains; if there's only a single Real existence, would everything be divine, including this pile of manure, or Hitler? The fact that this question exists shows that this concept has yet been understood perfectly. If there's only a single Real reality, how can it be multiple in the form of that manure or Hitler? The problem is not in the question of multiplicity, but in the ontological status of the external world.

As there's only one single Real reality, the rest stood as an ontological shadow that essentially is no-thing, just like the waves in the limitless ocean. When the Gazer gazed into the mirror, its shadow conjured. But it is unconceivable to say that this shadow has its own subsistent reality except when it is being conceived in relation to the Gazer, neither that the shadow somehow shares any parcel of essence with the Gazer. The Unity of Gazer is preserved all way along, His existence is unconditional while the shadow, even with its defined features has no real existence except an unconditional and metaphorical (i'tibari) one.

But does this mean that the external reality is just an illusion? Of course not. Just as the rope grasped in the dark was really thought to be a snake, owing from the perception of a snake was induced by the REAL perception of the rope. The world is real as long as it is considered in relation with its Source, but necessarily nothing when conceived by itself. Just as the existence of a shadow without a Light would forever escaped our understanding. The relation between the shadow and the Light is the illuminative relation, a term owed to Suhrawardi's Illuminatists tradition.

This is certainly heavy stuffs to be processed. But a metaphor by a great Sufi would bridge the curve. When we are writing, what we see are the letters, but never the ink. We are not being aware of the ink, while in reality we see nothing except the various forms of the ink. The letters is then a relative, fictitious (metaphotical) existence in relation to the ink.

The rest are technical discussion, discussing on how the united become many, and the many become one. I already covered the discussion quite extensively in the review for al-Attas's Degrees of Existence. (less)

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Oct 07, 2017Muhammad Aizzat rated it it was amazing

Alhamdulillah. I think the writer managed to present issues on existence & quiddity in a very easy yet comprehensive way. Even his brief explanation on existence from the Eastern school ( Mulla Sadra & Sabzawari) and the Western (Heidegger & Sartre) is easy to understand & digest.

I would recommend this book to anyone who are taking their first step in metaphysic of the Muslim world.

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May 27, 2017Muhammad Iqbal rated it it was amazing

should have read this first before having al-Attas' Degree of Existence (less)

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May 19, 2019Muhammad Hamdan rated it it was amazing

It is as Prof Syed Naquib Al-Attas said one of the best books on Islamic Metaphysics. I admire Prof Toshihiko Izutsu’s analytical lucidity in discussing a difficult topic as this.