This commentary on Zhuangzi ‑ Dazongshi sums up its peak Daoist thought. It depicts the True Person, explains “Sitting and Forgetting”, and advocates merging humans with the Dao while transcending attachments including life‑death.
This commentary on Zhuangzi ‑ Yangshengzhu explores stress‑free living. Through four fables including Chef Ding’s story, it advocates following nature, moderating desires and transcending obsessions to nurture spirit amid worldly hardships.
This commentary on Zhuangzi’s Qi Wu Lun explores ending conflict and inner anxiety. It expounds relative judgments, the unity of all things, and iconic fables such as the butterfly dream, advocating transcendence over biased human distinctions.
This commentary on Zhuangzi‑Xiaoyaoyou explores true spiritual freedom. Analyzing Kun‑Peng and key fables, it discusses relativity of perspectives, “no‑dependence”, and the wisdom that uselessness can be great use.
The autumn chrysanthemums bloom in splendid hues;Dew-kissed, I pluck their petals.I steep them in this sorrow-forgetting brew,To distance myself from worldly cares.Though I drink this cup alone,When the cup is empty, the pot pours on its own.As the sun sets, all bustling life comes to rest,And homeward-bound birds fly to the woods, singing.Beneath my…
In early summer, grass and trees flourish,Lush branches encircle my thatched cottage.The flock of birds rejoices in their shelter,And I, too, cherish my humble dwelling. Having plowed and sown my fields,I now return in due season to read my books.My narrow lane is cut off from the deep ruts of the main road,Which keeps…
Zhuang Zhou, a core Daoist thinker, rejects lavish official offers twice. Using tortoise and sacrificial ox metaphors, he chooses humble, free rural life over dangerous noble power, maintaining lifelong seclusion to preserve his spiritual autonomy.
Huangfu Mi (215–282 CE), courtesy name Shi’an and courtesy title Xuan Yan Xiansheng (Master Xuan Yan), was a renowned scholar, writer, and physician in ancient China who lived through the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the Three Kingdoms Period, and the early Western Jin Dynasty. Though widely celebrated as the “father of acupuncture” for his…
Zhuangzi (c. 369–286 BCE) was a major philosopher of the Warring States period. His given name was Zhou, and he was a native of Meng in the state of Song—traditionally identified either as northeast of modern Shangqiu, Henan, or near Dingyuan, Anhui.