Sufism and Taoism: A Comparative Study of Key Philosophical Concepts

Description

In this deeply learned work, Toshihiko Izutsu (d. 1993) compares the metaphysical and mystical thought-systems of Ṣūfism and Dàoism 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 ʾibn al-ʿArabī (1165–1240 ᴄᴇ), analysing and isolating the major ontological concepts of this most challenging of ʾIslāmic thinkers. Then, in the second part of the book, Izutsu turns his attention to an analysis of parallel concepts of two great Dàoist thinkers, Lǎo-Zǐ (老子, 6ᵗʰ – 4ᵗʰ century ʙᴄᴇ) and Zhuāng-Zǐ (莊子, c. 369 – c. 286 ʙᴄᴇ). 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 Ṣūfī and Dàoist world views are based on two pivots — the Absolute Man (Shên-Jên) and the Perfect Man (al-ʾInsān al-Kāmil) — with a whole system of ontological 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. ❧ Toshihiko Izutsu (井筒 俊彦 4 May, 1914 – 7 January, 1993) was Professor Emeritus at Keio University of Japan. A world authority on ʾIslāmic thought, he taught for ten years in Pahlavī Īrān and has been active in promoting transcultural dialogue in philosophy ❦