The Wisdom of Zhuang Zi on Daoism: Translated with Annotations and Commentaries by Chung Wu

Description

This book is concerned with the philosophy of Daoism based on the adapted beliefs of Zhuang Zi (369-286 B.C.), and not the religion of Daoism, which developed centuries later. A gifted philosopher and a literary giant as well as a keen observer and a humanist, Zhuang Zi developed Daoism in his own way. Furthermore, as a cynical philosopher, he was against the establishment and critical of the teachings of the sages. Throughout the years there have been several editions of Zhuang Zi’s book with significant differences in certain parts of the text. Not every word in the book came from Zhuang Zi’s pen. Contributions were made by his disciples and there have been many changes to the original text: errors in hand copying the text, in mistaking notations for text, and in outright forgery throughout centuries. Chen Guying’s 1976 edition of the book, an eclectic study of all the editions that identifies probable forgeries, is used as the text reference in the present translation. This work is the first translation to include annotations and commentaries in addition to hundreds of notes. These provisions will help guide readers to get the most out of the text. Courses related to Asian literature and philosophy would benefit greatly by using this book. The Wisdom of Zhuang Zi on Daoism Contents Introduction I The Inner Series 1 A Leisurely and Blissful Journey 2 On Equality 3 Nurturing the Spirit 4 The Mundane World 5 The Fortitude 6 The Grand Tutor 7 Governance by Non-Action II The Outer Series 8 Webbed Toes 9 Horses’ Hoofs 10 Stealing Trunks 11 On Being Content and Comfortable 12 Heaven and Earth 13 The Way of Heaven 14 Heavenly Revolutions 15 Sharpening the Will 16 Polishing the Natural Disposition 17 The Autumn Rain 18 Extravagance 19 Understanding Life 20 The Mountain Tree 21 Tian Zifang 22 Zhi Wandering North III The Miscellaneous Series 23 Gengsang Chu 24 Xu Wugui 25 Zeyang 26 Things External 27 The Allegories 28 Abdication 29 Zhi, the Brigand 30 A Discourse on Swords 31 The Old Fisherman 32 Lie Yukou 33 All Under Heaven Epilogue Bibliography Index of Personal Names