Sufism and Taoism: A Comparative Study of Key Philosophical Concepts

Rating:
Summary: A step towards meta-historical dialogue
Review: An excellent comparative analysis of the ideas of Ibn Arabi and Lao Tzu. Izutsu very clearly and sytematically presents the underlying metaphysical concepts which serve as the substrate for IA's and LT's respective world-views. Relying on Qashani, a classical Ibn Arabi interpretor, to expound IA's otherwise elliptical and obscure theosophy, the author suceeds in simplifying IA's difficult and mind-boggling ontology which has riddled Muslim scholars for centuries. By bringing to light the profound similarites between IA's and LT's doctrines, some interesting questions are raised which probably can't be answered exclusively by historical scholarship.

Rating:
Summary: A good book to read
Review: This is a good book in comparing Moslem mysticism with that of Taoism. The author seem to have a good understanding of the topic. After reading some other popular book showing a kinship between modern physics and eastern philosophies by some over excited writers, one has to be careful drawing too much conclusions on these type of comparative studies even if it is done by a skillful writer.

Rating:
Summary: A practical help
Review: This is an excellent book for those who are looking for historical background and structure for their experiences of, as Al-Qudat Hamadani calls it, the "domain of the supra-sensible order of things." Exploring both Sufism and Taoism, Izutsu reveals his qualifications of scholarship, language, and personal experience. Although there is repetition, one realizes before long that this is his way of emphasizing certain aspects and making sure their importance has been registered, much like a good teacher would.

Of particular value is his extensive explanation of dual and non-dual thinking found in Toward a Philosophy of Zen Buddhism and Creation and the Timeless Order of Things. For this reason I would recommend reading those books first. His explanation of what happens when a person experiences the "existential transition to an entirely different plane of consciousness from that of sensation and rational thinking", is a very useful and convincing analysis.

His work toward developing a comprehensive philosophy originating in the "school of the unity of existence" provides the reader with much help with their own understanding of this domain. I would recommend his books to anyone of any religion who views existence with the utmost seriousness.