Sufism and Taoism: A Comparative Study of Key Philosophical Concepts

Professor Toshihiko Izutsu’s writing in this stellar book is amazingly well researched and understandable. Either half of the book could stand on its own, but together they represent a (as far as I know) heretofore unattempted examination of the core aspects of the Sufism of Ibn ‘Arabi, in relation to the Taoist thought of Lao-Tzu and Chuang-Tzu. At first blush, mystical Islam and Taoism may appear to be an odd couple, but as it is with most of the world’s great spiritual traditions, they share many esoteric commonalities — regardless of what the dogmatic fundamentalists say.My introduction to Izutsu was from footnotes in a well-worth exploring book titled “A Treasury of Sufi Wisdom: The Path of Unity” edited by Peter Samsel, and previously reviewed by me as well. I was so impressed with their clarity that I bought the book the citations were from: Izutsu’s “Creation and the Timeless Order of Things: Essays in Islamic Mystical Philosophy.” I have recently reviewed this book too. In addition, I’ve found one more from his oeuvre thankfully still in print: “Toward a Philosophy of Zen Buddhism.” I’ve not read it at the time this review was written, but based on his two books that I have read, I am positive that I’ll find it requiring a review. If these specific areas of philosophy, metaphysics, and religion are in your wheelhouse, then I have no doubts that Izutsu’s work will both impress and enlighten!

Incredible scholarly work. The book can be divided into three sections. In the first two, author delves into each tradition separately, then compares the key philosophical concepts of the two traditions in the final section. A highly valuable comaprison of what would seem to be two distant, unrelated traditions. I am not aware of a similar work that compares Sufism/ ibn Arabi to the Taoist tradition, particularly of this depth.

Dr. Izutsu patiently and meticulously unpacks the metaphysics of first, Ibn 'Arabi, and then Zhuangzi and Laozi. He also--particularly with regard to the Daoist masters--beautifully outlines the programs through and by which one comes to embody/become that metaphysics. Finally, he compares and locates deep congruences between Ibn 'Arabi and Zhuangzi/Laozi. This erudite and deeply felt work will stimulate and inspire anyone who is interested in spiritual expansion and/or comparitive mysticism; it might change the minds of those who feel the comparitive mysticism project is misguided, or impossible.

As a sufi, Its very good to compare what others understand, sometimes it can be therorethical which is the problem, to understand sufism you have to practice... I have not finished the whole book, its a big chunk, I recommend.

Excellent item, well described, packaging and speed of mailing were great. Thank you.

The mystics will recognise all the familiar "landmarks" in this amazing book, despite it sounding technical, formal and wordy.I absolutely loved this book.

highly recommended to read

I seem to be addicted to comparative mystical religious studies,and this was truly wonderful.

This took alot of concentrated time to read but it was worth every minute. His study of Sufism and Taoism is original and well researched. Truly a work of scholarship, recommended for serious students of Sufism and Taoism.