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“The Mountain Tree”: Beyond Useful and Useless
This commentary analyzes Zhuangzi ‑ Shan Mu, unpacking nine fables including the tree‑goose paradox and empty‑boat parable. It rejects useful‑useless binaries and advocates riding the Dao to preserve inner authenticity.
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螳螂捕蝉，黄雀在后 (Táng láng bǔ chán, huáng què zài hòu)
This entry explains idiom “Tang lang bu chan, huang que zai hou” from Zhuangzi. It warns that one obsessed with immediate profit may overlook hidden perils looming behind, as shown by the mantis‑cicada‑oriole parable.
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君子之交淡如水 (Jūn zǐ zhī jiāo dàn rú shuǐ)
This entry explains idiom “Jun zi zhi jiao dan ru shui”, from both Liji and Zhuangzi. It means noble‑character people’s sincere, value‑based friendship is plain yet enduring, unlike interest‑driven fleeting bonds.
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Chapter 20. The Mountain Tree (Shan Mu)
This Zhuangzi ‑ Shan Mu (The Mountain Tree) chapter explores the usefulness‑uselessness paradox. It includes famous tales like the empty‑boat metaphor and mantis‑cicada‑oriole, urging adaptive, ego‑free living aligned with the Dao.