Three Times Emptiness: Sunyata, Kenosis, Fana'

This book offers a triangular comparative analysis by evaluating three different religious approaches to emptiness. It reveals what emptiness or nothingness mean in different cultural and religious contexts. Further, it assesses each tradition's emptiness concerning the emptiness of the believer, the emptiness of the world, and perhaps even the (temporary or permanent) emptiness of God.

Chapters include perspectives on different religions and though being manifest in different ways within their respective traditions, the Hindi and Buddhist concept of nyat, the Christian concept of divine kenosis, and the f concept of fan' share a common denominator: all three signify emptiness. Covered are both sprititual and mundane functions of this emptiness that the three religions address. This monograph appeals to students and researchers and reveals that the idea of an empty reality that is purified of superfluous fullness are philosophical concepts relevant for all domains of life.

Defines the common denominator in three religious traditions Achieves in making the discussion of emptiness relevant for modern philosophy Provides an overall evaluation of mysticism

Autorentext

Thorsten Botz-Bornstein is professor of philosophy at the Gulf University for Science and Technology in Kuwait. He was born in Germany, studied philosophy in Paris and received his PhD from Oxford University. He received his 'habilitation' from the EHESS of Paris and works on comparative philosophy and aesthetics. He has published 19 authored books, 8 edited books, and over 100 articles and book chapters. His latest book is called How Much Religion is Good for You? If Religion Were a Game (2024).

Inhalt

Chapter 1. Preliminary Considerations.- Chapter 2. The Historical Background.- Chapter 3. Comparative Mysticism.- Chapter 4. Kenosis, Dynamic nyat, and Weak Thought: Abe Masao and Gianni Vattimo.- Chapter 5. Tawd and Nothingness: Nishida Kitar and Muhammad 'Abduh on God and Reason.- Chapter 6. nyat, Kenosis, Fan'
Chapter 7. Absorption, Extinction, and Intoxication.- Chapter 8. Pantheism and the Absolute Self.- Chapter 9. The Bird and the Butterfly.- Conclusion.