One and Many : A Comparative Study of Plato's Philosophy and Daoism Represented by Ge Hong

"Is the world one or many? Ji Zhang revisits this ancient philosophical question from the modern perspective of comparative studies. His investigation stages an intellectual exchange between Plato, founder of the Academy, and Ge Hong, who systematized Daoist belief and praxis. Zhang not only captures the tension between rational Platonism and abstruse Daoism, but also creates a bridge between the two."--Pub. desc

Based on ethnographic fieldwork and archival research, it is one of the first studies to give readers a sense of what is happening on the front lines as a growing number of Buddhist priests try to reboot their roles and traditions to gain greater significance in Japanese society.

The book profiles innovative as well as controversial responses to the challenges facing Buddhist priests. From traditional activities (conducting memorial rituals; supporting residences for the elderly and infirm; providing relief for victims of natural disasters) to more creative ones (collaborating in suicide prevention efforts; holding symposia and concerts on temple precincts; speaking out against nuclear power following Japan's 2011 earthquake; opening cafés, storefront temples, and pubs; even staging fashion shows with priests on the runway), more progressive members of Japan's Buddhist clergy are trying to navigate a path leading towards renewed relevance in society. An additional challenge is to avoid alienating older patrons while trying to attract younger ones vital to the future of their temples.

The work's central theme of "experimental Buddhism" provides a fresh perspective to understand how priests and other individuals employ Buddhist traditions in selective and pragmatic ways. Using these inventive approaches during a time of crisis and transition for Japanese temple Buddhism, priests and practitioners from all denominations seek solutions that not only can revitalize their religious traditions but also influence society and their fellow citizens in positive ways.

Contents List of Figures Abbreviations Introduction: “One and Many” as an Ontological Problem Part one Textual Studies Chapter 1. Ge Hong’s Doctrine of Xuan Dao Chapter 2. Plato’s Answer to the Pre-Socratic Debate Chapter 3. Ge Hong’s Preservation of the One Chapter 4. Plato’s Doctrine of Forms Chapter 5. Two Forms of Enlightenment Chapter 6. Ge Hong’s Doctrine of Immortal Beings Part Two Comparative Ontology Chapter 7. Nothing Chapter 8. The One Chapter 9. The Many Conclusion: Comparative Methodology Notes Bibliography Index About the Author SOCIETY FOR ASIAN AND COMPARATIVE PHILOSOPHY MONOGRAPH SERIES