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 śūnyatā, the Christian concept of divine kenosis, and the Ṣūfī concept of fanā’ 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.

1148115271
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 śūnyatā, the Christian concept of divine kenosis, and the Ṣūfī concept of fanā’ 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.

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Three Times Emptiness: Sunyata, Kenosis, Fana'

Three Times Emptiness: Sunyata, Kenosis, Fana'

by Thorsten Botz-Bornstein
Three Times Emptiness: Sunyata, Kenosis, Fana'

Three Times Emptiness: Sunyata, Kenosis, Fana'

by Thorsten Botz-Bornstein

Overview

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 śūnyatā, the Christian concept of divine kenosis, and the Ṣūfī concept of fanā’ 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9783032072702
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland
Publication date: 12/23/2025
Series: Comparative Philosophy of Religion , #6
Pages: 210
Product dimensions: 6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

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).

Table of Contents

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

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