The philosophy of Nishitani Keiji, 1900-1990 : lectures on religion and modernity

"These essays offer a significant and accessible account of Nishitani's mature thought." (Prof. Robert E. Carter Trent University) "The book makes a valuable contribution to both the fields of philosophy and religious studies." (Prof. Lisa Grumbach Institute of Buddhist Studies)" This is a translation of a key text for understanding the Kyoto School of Japanese philosophy. Nishitani Keiji has often been regarded as one of the foremost Japanese thinkers of the second half of the twentieth century. For those who are unacquainted with the writings of Nishitani Keiji, it is essential to situate him in the prewar intellectual climate of Kyoto University. His mentor, Nishida Kitaro, set the direction and tone for his thinking about philosophy, religion, and internationalism. Nishitani had many dialogues with Western scholars such as Martin Heidegger, Paul Tillich, and others throughout his life. There are several reasons why this present volume of Nishitani's lectures and essays should be brought to the attention of the Western scholars at this particular time. One reason is that never before in history have Asian and Judeo-Christian religions become so closely associated with one another as they are today. This is evident not just regarding their understanding and friendly relations toward each other, but with regards to shared religious practice such as the forms of meditation and monastic life. Table of Contents 6 Preface 8 Acknowledgements 12 Chapter One - Contextualizing Nishitani Keiji 13 1. Introduction 13 2. The Kyoto School of Philosophy 16 3. The Historical Frame 18 4. The Lectures and Essays 21 "Religiosity in Japan" 23 "Religion and History" 23 "Religion and Rehabilitation" 24 "Religion and Education" 24 "Religious Mentalities in Pre-modern Japan" 25 "Religious Faith and Nihilism" 25 "Some Reflections on Mysticism" 25 Chapter Two - Religiosity in Japan 27 1. Christian Conceptions 27 2. Relativity and Irrationality 32 3. Positivistic Rationalism 40 4. Faith and Reason 45 5. Non-discrimination 49 6. Syncretism 55 Chapter Three - Religion and History 63 1. Toynbee's Approach 63 2. Cyclical history 65 3. Karma 69 Chapter Four - Religion and Rehabilitation 73 1. Alienation 73 2. Mechanization 75 3. Rehabilitaiton 78 Chapter Five - Religion and Education 81 1. Foundations 81 2. Natura Naturans 83 3. The Role of the Teacher 87 4. Self-realization 92 Chapster Six - Religious Mentalities in Pre-Modern Japan 95 1. Understanding of Reality 95 2. Venerable Beauty 100 3. Arinornama 102 Chapter Seven - Religious Faith and Nihilism 107 1. Nihilism 107 2. Subjectivity 113 3. Tathiigata 115 Chapter Eight - Some Reflections on Mysticism 121 1. Mystical Union 121 2. Indirectness and Immediacy 122 3. Pantheism 133 Bibliography 137 Index 140 Nishitani Keiji was an influential member of the 20th century Japanese philosophical scene known as the Kyoto School. His work fuses existentialism, notably that of Martin Heidegger, with Eastern influences such as Confucianism, various strands of Buddhist thinking, and even Christianity into a melting pot of original ideas. There are deep discussions of metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of religion which showcase Keiji's broad range of interests. Religiosity in Japan Religion and history Religion and human rehabilitation Education and religion Traditional religious mentalities in Japan Nihilism and religious faith Research in mysticism.