Henry Corbin's Studies of Islamic Gnosis with an Emphasis on Hermetic Tradition

Based on the studies conducted by a group of Orientalists and Islamologists, the effects of Hermetic thoughts on not only Western religious and philosophical traditions but also on Iranian culture and Islamic philosophy, in general, and on Shaykh Ishraq’s works, in particular, have been quite noteworthy. As a result, a more accurate study of this topic could introduce some new horizons in the realm of comparative religions. Henry Corbin’s studies of Iranian wisdom and spirituality, which follow a phenomenological approach, have paid particular attention to this issue. In a sense, Hermes and Hermetism play significant roles in deciphering the messages of his works in this regard. In his research endeavors, Corbin has focused on Hermetic philosophy as the key to understanding the meanings of spirituality and wisdom. This paper is mainly intended to provide an analytic account of Hermetism, its relationship and interactions with Sufism and Shi‘ism with an emphasis on Corbin’s works. To this end, the writers initially review the structure and basic principles of the Hermetic tradition. Then they provide an analysis of the relationship between Hermetism and Sufism and Shi‘ism from Corbin’s point of view. Finally, they explore his Batini (esoteric) approach, which lies at the heart of his philosophy and underlies his distinctive method of scientific and spiritual wayfaring.