Keiji Nishitani

We had a spirited and enlightening discussion of the works of Martin Heidegger. I particularly appreciated how the conversation evolved toward the practical—how we might apply his philosophy in daily life.

Since we began last fall, we’ve been building toward a discussion of Keiji Nishitani, a major figure in the Kyoto School. Along the way, we’ve explored Nietzsche, Deleuze, Simone Weil, and Heidegger—thinkers whose influence is deeply felt in Nishitani’s work.

Nishitani was both a student of Heidegger and a devoted reader of Nietzsche. In many ways, he follows them in dismantling the subject–object paradigm that has shaped Western philosophy since Plato. But he goes further—beyond nihilism, into what he calls the field of nothingness.

Like Simone Weil, Nishitani’s method is subtractive: peeling away layers of the self and the world until we reach a kind of groundlessness. And like Weil, he was deeply influenced by mystical traditions—especially Meister Eckhart, whose insights into detachment and divine emptiness resonate with Zen. Nishitani integrates these strands into a striking synthesis of Western existentialism and Mahayana Buddhism, a fusion that has been particularly meaningful to me.

That said, I recognize that my enthusiasm for Nishitani may reflect personal resonance more than universal appeal. He may or may not speak to you in the same way. I may not have been ready for him at an earlier point in my life. Still, I invite those who are intrigued to join me in exploring his thought. Buddhism has profoundly shaped my own way of seeing the world, and Nishitani’s weaving of Buddhist and Western perspectives offers a fertile ground for reflection.

One logistical note: our discussions often face a kind of delightful constraint. For example, spending 90 minutes on Heidegger with only 15 minutes devoted to Dasein is a bit like spending 90 minutes on heart surgery with just 15 minutes on metabolic pathways. It's not quite enough time to do justice to the ideas we’re engaging with.
So I’m rethinking our format a bit. I propose we devote at least two sessions to Nishitani. The first is scheduled several weeks out to give anyone who’s interested (including me) time to read his book Religion and Nothingness. As always, reading the book is not required—just an option. The only essential preparation is listening to the relevant podcast episodes:

• Episode #216 – The Self-Overcoming of Nihilism
• Episode #217 – Religion and Nothingness
• Episode #223 – Religion and the Duck-Rabbit

A few days before our meeting, I’ll send around some background material and an outline. I may also add materials such as videos to this Description if I find anything particularly worthwhile. Feel free to add recommendations in the comments.

As always, I’ve limited attendance to ensure a small, engaged group, so sign up early. Look for the bust of Socrates on the table—that’s where we’ll be gathered, thinking big thoughts!

Looking forward to seeing you in June!