Zhuangzi Essays

Section 2, “Discussion on Making All Things Equal” speaks on arguments. One of the stories within the section that stood out to me had a quote on arguments and winning them. Chü Ch’üeh-tzu is asking Chang Wu-tzu many questions. Chang Wu-tzu begins to answer them and has one quote that I found especially thought-provoking. He said, “Suppose you and I have had an argument. If you have beaten me instead of my beating you, then are you necessarily right and am I necessarily wrong?” (pg.43, lines 20-22)

Arguments 1. Zhuangzi’s skeptical relativism justifies his anti-authoritarian stance, so he is an anarchist. Attitude: for Argument: According to the historical records, Zhuangzi was addicted in nature scenes and the constant indulgence in lighthearted life made him sure that the highest-class government was more like an inaction government but not a hustle and bustle government. As he used to mention, the world "does not need governing; in fact it should not be governed," and, "Good order results

Knowledge of early Daoism is based mostly on two surviving books, the Daodejing and Zhuangzi. The Daodejing, or the Classic of the Way and It's Power, is attributed to Laozi of the sixth century BCE but more likely compiled in the third century BCE. A recurrent theme in it is the preference for the yielding over the assertive and silence over words. The highest good is like water: “Water benefits all creatures but does not compete. It occupies the places people disdain and thus comes near to the

Zhuangzi, titled after the author himself, explores the idea of multiple perspectives and the ability to recognize the limitations of each of these perspectives due to the fact that there is no “view from nowhere,” or such a thing as a God’s-eye perspective. This concept is established from the first chapter of the Zhuangzi, which he opens with the story of the great bird. The story begins with the great bird rising up ninety thousand li in order to gain enough wind to support her massive wings

the teachings of Lao Tau or Laozi and his apprentice Zhuangzi while religious practitioners follow a more structured and ritualistic hierarchy set of rules and guidelines. Taoism originated in ancient China from a tribe of shaman healers and diviners whom were believed to have the gift of conversing with nature and its elements. Taoism is an ancient tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation of shamans. Laozi and Zhuangzi are known to be two of the most influential figures

It is extremely ironic that in his writings, Zhuangzi often employs language and logical argument to undermine the usefulness of language and logical argument. Setting aside the problem of this possible inconsistency, here I will explain Zhuangzi’s argument regarding truth and human capacity–or lack thereof–to understand it. Zhuangzi begins by describing a familiar situation: You and I have opposing views on a topic and argue to figure out who is right and who is wrong. Suppose one of us “wins” the

a strong awareness of the process of change in Daoism. Both nature and human beings are continuously undergoing transformations. Zhuangzi therefore seems to consider death as a natural process or transformation, which ones change to another phase of existence. A well-known story about the death of Zhuangzi’s wife is a case at point. When Zhuangzi’s wife died, Zhuangzi sit on the ground, sing, and ban on pots. He explained his unordinary action, “At the very beginning, she was not living, having no

Introduction Suffering is omnipresent and omnipotent. Wherever exists human, there exists desire; wherever exists desire, there exists suffering. Suffering itself is suffering for mankind since its powers, both constructive and destructive, are tremendously immeasurable. For within our society, suffering can be either the source for betterment, or the source for deterioration – this is an exemplification of the essence of inter-being (Thich Nhat Hanh, 1988); and within ourselves, suffering can

others, which everyone who lives a life in companionship with others will feel, at some point in their life. Dr. Olberding states that the problem of death is actually the problem of loss. In her essay she uses the traditions of both Confucius and Zhuangzi and their reflections on the death of others. By meticulously researching both sides of western and eastern philosophies on death Dr. Olberding concludes that finding the best way to cope with individual mortality and mortality of others are equally

The Iliad by Homer The Iliad was a really good representation of the chaotic war-torn times of the area surrounding the Mediterranean Sea; this includes the countries Rome and Greece. It was a time where nations were trying to expand their power and influence and warriors were claiming their spoils of war. I mean the beginning of book I of The Iliad, Achilles and Agamemnon are arguing over the rewards and the spoils of war. Agamemnon didn’t want to give up his prize girl Chryses in order to please

For thousands of years, Confucianism and Daoism—two enormously noble and virtuous ideologies—found life around the world. Correspondingly, teachings of both Confucius and Zhuangzi actively influence cultures around the world—inspiring many in political activity, music, art, film, poetry, and much more. Joseph Smith once stated, “I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.” Meaning the faithful learn truth and they follow their own paths guided by those correct and inspirational teachings

misunderstanding of the Ultimate Sacred Reality. This ideology’s concepts of emptiness and co-origination challenge the concept of own-being and lead to an approach toward understanding Reality outside of linguistic boxes. The second objection comes from Zhuangzi and Kierkegaard who are generally regarded as antinationalists. While these two greatly disagree on the nature of Reality, they both argue that reason alone cannot lead someone to an understanding of the Ultimate Sacred Reality, rather understanding

The texts Dao De Jing by Laozi written and the Zhuangzi by Chuang Tzu both written between the 4th-3rd Century B.C. both give perspectives of Daoism in different themes. Dao De Jing presents Daoism in a beautiful and mysterious, while the Zhuangzi presents Daoism with anecdotes and paradoxes. In the Dao De Jing, fundamental Daoism believes are beautifully interpreted in mysterious ways. Segment one explains how Dao cannot be explained or named, if so then it is not Dao. Since the Dao is so widespread

nature, of "outer" and "inner". Mythology and spirituality were the most significant elements of Chinese culture. Therefore, the religion had the most profound influence on the traditions and culture of the Chinese people. For the world view of Zhuangzi, the concept of the world as an absolute unity had great importance. There is no place for a clear boundary between things, everything is merged with one another, and everything is present in everything. In this world there are no absolute values

“Hindu Philosophy,” by Philip Pecorino In this article, it is stated that Hindus believe that the universe is an enclosed, spherical shape, and time is cyclic. After each cycle, it is destroyed and reborn. This belief of how the universe works is similar to how they see life. Hindus believe in reincarnation, and after death, a soul is reborn as another living thing, such as a human, animal, plant, or mineral. This leads to a separation in views on how to live life, and separates the two groups of

there will something happen. People are dare to try going ahead in the life. All things will enter death which is natural process, and no one can change natural law. Everything will pass whatever it is good or bad in one’s short or long life. As Zhuangzi said, “the wise man or woman accepts death with equanimity and thereby achieves absolute

There are many great religions of the world. Two very popular ones were Confucianism and Daoism. Confucianism and Daoism have many similarities and differences. The similarities between Confucianism and Daoism are the founders, how the religion started, where it originated, and where the followers worship. Some differences are their belief of gods, the goal of each religion, and the fact that Confucianism is more of a political system for society, while Daoism is more of a personal self improvement

Wang Wei and Zhuang Zi In ancient China lots of people wished to have free life. The modern life people can see it in their poem or story. Just like the Wang Wei and Zhuang Zi, in their poem and story we can feel their life attitude. One was the poet other was philosopher . Wang Wei was a very famous poet in Tang Dynasty. His poem “My Cottage at Deep South Mountain” was a poem which talk about life he wanted. He wanted the nature life. “ I walk until the water ends, and sit waiting

Daoism and Confucianism are both philosophies and religions that have existed in China for many years. They were found by different people and are practiced by different groups. Laozi and Zhuangzi founded Daoism. Daoism philosophy is about intuitive awareness, nurtured by peaceful contact with nature while exiling out anything artificial. Daoists follow the principle called the Dao it’s the underlying principle of the universe meaning you combine yourself with the principles of the yin and the yang

1 Daoism and Confucianism are both widely misunderstood in the Western culture. People who practice and follow Daoism are called Daoists; while, people who practice and follow Confucianism are called Confucians. The word “Dao” is equivalent to the word of way, path, and road. In which, the significance of the meaning refers to the Daoist’s religion of the natural way of life. On the other hand Confucianism originated as a Western term, in which it focuses on ethics and education. Both of these religion