A Study on the Concept of Spirituality in Daisetsu Suzuki's Thought

Abstract

Daisetsu Suzuki (1870-1966) was the first Japanese scholar who addressed systematically, in Japanese language, the work of the Swedish mystic, Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772). Beside translating Swedenborg's works, Suzuki also discussed the 18th century mystic's ideas in his own writing. The study treats the following questions: To what extent-and in what way-was Suzuki's ideas about spirituality influenced by those of Swedenborg? Inquiry focuses on discussion of spirituality in Suzuki's Nihonteki Reisei (Japanese Spirituality), Reiseiteki Nihon no Kensetsu (Building of Spiritual Japan), and Nihon no Reiseika (Spiritualization of Japan). The study's findings are as follows: 1. Suzuki's conception of spirituality was strongly influenced by Swedenborg. Swedenborg construed spirituality as being beyond nature and natural things and closely connected with the human soul (anima). Likewise, Suzuki conceived of spirituality as transcending nature and being rooted in the depth of mentality. 2. Suzuki and Swedenborg both saw spirituality as acts of free will. Swedenborg believed that human will (voluntas) is more fundamental than human intellect (intellectus). Suzuki had simillar ideas. He equated human will with spirituality and saw spirituality as the foundation for intellect. 3. In stressing soul and will over intellect, Suzuki and Swdenborg stand outside contemporary trends in thought in the West, which tend to emphasize intellect.