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.". (shrink)

In The Ethico-Religious Concepts in the Qur'án Toshihiko Izutsu analyses the guiding spirit of the Islamic moral code, the basic ethical relationship of man to God. Izutsu asserts that, according to the Qur'anic conception, God is of an ethical nature and acts upon man in an ethical way. The resulting implications for man are enormous, requiring devotion not merely to God but to living one's life ethically.Izutsu shows that for the Qur'an our ethical response to God's actions is religion itself; (...) it is at the same time both ethics and religion. Izutsu explores these themes by employing ethnolinguistics, a theory of the interrelations between linguistic cultural patterns, to analyse the semantic structure of major concepts in the Quar'an. Islam, which arose in the seventh century, represents one of the most sweeping religious reforms ever to appear in the East.The Quar'an shows in vividly concrete terms how time-honoured tribal norms came into bloody conflict with new ideals of life, and finally yielded to the rising power. This transitional epoch is of particular importance in the whole of Islamic thought, a time during which the key terms of a traditionally fixed system of values were transformed in their connotative structure, modified in their combinations, and finally integrated into an entirely different system.Originally published in 1959 as The Structure of the Ethical Terms in the Koran and revised under the current title in 1966 this 2002 reprint makes this classic work of Islamic studies once again available. (shrink)

The true man without any rank.--Two dimensions of ego consciousness.--Sense and nonsense in Zen Buddhism.--The philosophical problem of articulation.--Thinking and a-thinking through kōan.--The interior and exterior in Zen.--The elimination of color in Far Eastern art and photography.

Arabia tetsugaku -- Higashi Indo ni okeru Kaikyō hōsei (gaisetsu).

A leading Japanese philosopher and author explores the deep structures of Zen Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian philosophies. Izutsu compares the concepts of the three disciplines regarding time, metaphysics and visionary experiences, and more.

砂漠の遊牧民が創出したイスラーム文化、その原点をなす聖典コーラン。何がコーランの思想を生み出したのか。思弁神学、神秘主義、スコラ哲学と、三大思想潮流に分かれて発展していく初期イスラームの思想の歴史をそ れぞれの思想家を通して解明する。イスラーム哲学史に、イスラーム思想に、大きな影響を及ぼしたインド系思想潮流「TAT TVAM ASI」を併録する。.

1. Shinpi tetsugaku -- 2. Isurāmu bunka -- 3. Roshia-teki ningen -- 4. Imi no kōzō -- 5. Isurāmu tetsugaku -- 6. Ishiki to honshitsu -- 7. Kōran -- 8. Kōran o yomu -- 9. Tōyō tetsugaku -- 10. Sonzai ninshiki no michi -- 11. Rūmī goroku -- [12] Taidan teidanshū, chosaku mokuroku.

A team of twenty-five renowned scholars have ventured on this unique endeavour to come to terms with the notions of Consciousness and Reality. The wide variety of subjects and disciplines reflects Dr. Izutsu's incredible scope of interests. He is however always focussing on the basic theme of the relationship between philosophical thinking and mysticism, which arises from an awareness of the problem of contemplative experience lying concealed in the depths of philosophical thinking. This book is a vital contribution to our (...) understanding of Islam and Intercultural Dialogue. (shrink)

The Basic Structure of Metaphysical Thinking in Islam hat I am going to say might seem to have no direct connection ...

ESSAY I THE AESTHETIC STRUCTURE OF WAKA In the tradition of Japanese poetry, there evolved several genres, of which the most representative are waka ...