Heidegger and Asian Thought

Book excerpt: In the current resurgence of interest in Heidegger, an important aspect of his thought has been neglected--namely, his long-standing interest in Asian philosophy. Heidegger and Asian Thought is the first book devoted to exploring this fascinating topic. It brings together essays twelve scholars from India, China, Japan, Germany, and the United States, most of which were written especially for this volume. The essays discuss Heidegger`s thinking in relation to Vedanta, Taoism, Zen, and Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. Heidegger`s acquaintance with Asian thought--beginning from his familiarity with the Chuang-tzu as early as 1930--is fully documented, including an account of his work on a partial translation of the Tao Te` Ching into German. This book will be of interest not only to Heidegger scholars but also to students of Asian and comparative philosophy and religion.