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Sufism and Taoism : a comparative study of key philosophical concepts by Toshihiko Izutsu is a philosophy book available to read on EtoBox.

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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

Who reads Sufism and Taoism : a comparative study of key philosophical concepts?

Author

Toshihiko Izutsu

Publisher

University of California Press

Published

1984

Language

EN

ISBN

9780520292475

Category

philosophy

Subjects

Philosophy, Religion, Islam

Rating

4.43 / 5 (64 ratings)

Updated

2026-03-14