On Images: Far Eastern Ways of Thinking (Eranos Lectures Series, No 7) - Softcover

Toshihiko Izutsu; Hellmut Wilhelm

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0882144073 ISBN 13: 9780882144078

Publisher: Spring Publications, 1988

Synopsis

Very Good in Wraps; Paperback; 4to; 67 pages + advertisement; Spring Publications, Inc.; 1981; First Thus; Minor soiling to top edge of front wrap; text clean and unmarked.

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Review:

In On Images, Toshihiko Izutsu and Hellmut Wilhelm deftly explore the geography of imagination and sensory experience that shapes the realm of images. Izutsu examines the I Ching, the Classical Taoism of Lao Tzu-Chuang Tsu, and Zen Buddhism. Wilhelm primarily examines the I Ching, or more accurately, The Book of Changes. Izutsu observes that in their primal form, singular symbol systems within each of the sixty-four I Ching hexagrams mirror the positive-negative potentialities within every image, however fleeting the image itself might be to the mind's eye. The whole system composes a highly refined circuit-board of simultaneous impressions. He continues with an intriguing explanation of how hexagrams became attached to "judgement words" and "image words," interpreting each in terms of situation and verbal/nonverbal evolutionary consciousness. Finally, Izutsu distinguishes the image structure of the Classical Taoism of Lao Tzu-Chuang Tzu and Zen Buddhism from the I Ching as mythopoetic. In both Lao Tzu's and Chuang Tzu's system such images are inherently archetypal, and as such "reflect more faithfully ... the true structure of reality than ... afforded by sensation. perception and reason." Zen Buddhism differs from the other systems in its reliance on perception---even in visualizing die "psychic metaphyical Nothing" as in the image of a blank circle. Serving as an appropriate complement to the first lecture, Willhelin's analysis of The Book of Changes moves from its historicaL primordial origins to a detailed look at both image and concept of yin-yang. Using creation myths, poetry, folktales, and hexagrams, he tram the evolution of the polarity of yin-yang and "the polarity between two layers of the human mind." Ibis recalls lzutsu's discussion, but Wilhelm concentrates not so much on the abstractness of emerging images as on their impact on hinnan experience and expression. He then elucidates the various stages of "interplay" between image and concept such as contemplation of perceived images; judgments regarding the nature of such images; formation of the abstract system of hexagrams to represent such images; the names of the hexagrams themselves; and analysis of imagery (including hierarchical connotations) in hexagrams to show the appropriateness of interpretations attached to diem. Ultimately, Wilhelm's lecture both extends Izutsu's and provides a satisfying polarity of thought and image in a difficult field of inquiry. TVs collection is highly recommended for all University libraries with general collections and for specialized collections in Oriental philosophy. -- From Independent Publisher

About this edition

• Publisher: Spring Publications
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 0882144073
• ISBN 13: 9780882144078
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 67