A selection of books representing Japanese philosophy
In the realm of intellectual history, the task of encapsulating an entire tradition within a few pivotal books proves challenging.
History, contrary to the notion posited by 19th-century historian Thomas Carlyle, does not solely unfold through the endeavors of “great men.”
Rather, it emerges from a complex interplay of social, economic, political, cultural, environmental, and even arbitrary forces that defy easy categorization.
Intellectual history mirrors this complexity, where certain works may stand out for their impact, such as the Bible in the West or the Confucian Analects in the East, yet they alone cannot define an entire intellectual tradition.
The selection of books to represent Japanese thought encounters hurdles, notably in defining the contours of Japanese philosophy itself.
While some argue against the existence of Japanese philosophy due to its heavy reliance on imported Chinese thought, others contend that its distinctiveness lies in its syncretic nature, blending opposing theories rather than outright rejection.
The following texts reflect this syncretism and serve as foundational pillars within Japanese intellectual history:
Prince Shōtoku’s Seventeen-Article Constitution, although more a moral guide than a philosophical treatise, marks the inception of syncretism by intertwining Buddhist and native Shintō principles.
The Kojiki and Nihonshoki, while initially historical narratives, gained philosophical significance through the Native Studies movement of the 18th century. Scholars like Kada no Azumamaro revived these texts, asserting their importance in reclaiming a “Japanese heart” amidst perceived Chinese influence.
Kūkai’s Treatise on the Secret Mandala of the Ten States of Mind introduces esoteric Buddhism, challenging the dominance of exoteric schools and emphasizing spiritual practices over intellectual exercises.
Inazo Nitobe’s Bushido: The Soul of Japan, though a romanticized portrayal, crystallizes Bushidō as a guiding ethos, resonating with Japanese society and later adopted by the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces.
Nishida Kitarō’s Inquiry into the Good epitomizes the fusion of Eastern and Western thought, birthing modern Japanese philosophy. Through concepts like “absolute nothingness,” Nishida and the Kyoto School navigate the complexities of existence, striving to transcend dualistic modes of understanding.
In sum, these works, while diverse in nature, collectively embody the syncretic essence of Japanese intellectual history, reflecting the nation’s continual dialogue with both internal and external influences.
