Zhuangzi, whose surname was Zhuang and whose given name was Zhou. He was born in the Song Dynasty during the Warring States Period and his ancestors were said to have been kings of the Song Dynasty. Although he himself has never been a monarch, he is a famous figure in the Taoist school.
The essence of Zhuangzi’s lifelong thoughts is collected in his book "Zhuangzi". The final article of "Zhuangzi·Waipian" is "Zhibeiyou", from which we can know the status of the article "Zhibeiyou" in Zhuangzi's mind. If we are familiar with and understand "Zhibeiyou", we can understand the main connotation of Zhuang Zhou's philosophy. "Zhibei You" comprehensively and systematically discusses Zhuang Zhou's concepts on life and death as well as his ideal moral concepts.
The name of the article "Zhibei Travel" comes from a very simple source, which is the three words at the beginning of this article. Although the title of the chapter is a bit confusing at first glance, once you understand that "zhi" is the name of a person imagined by Zhuangzi, the title of the chapter is quite easy to understand. That is, a person named "Zhi" traveled to the north. The purpose of this Zhuangzi imaginary character named "Zhi" traveled to the north not for leisure and entertainment as we know it, but to explore philosophical views such as "Tao" and "Qi". The final conclusion reached is that Zhuangzi wants to teach us The philosophical thoughts discussed.
"Zhibeiyou" spends a lot of space asking and seeking the "Tao". In the process, it points out to us what is the essence of the universe in which we live? As a person living in this vast universe How should tiny human beings face the universe and everything else? "Zhibeiyou" also attempts to explore the origin of the universe, the secrets of why humans live and die, etc. Some of Zhuang Zhou's philosophical thoughts are materialistic and some are idealistic. We should look at them dialectically now.
Original text and translation of Zhuangzi’s wife’s death
Zhuangzi once had three wives. Because his family was poor, those wives left him one after another. Later, Zhuangzi I no longer yearn for my own home as much as before, so I just drag my life away.
Later, Zhuangzi and a wealthy woman, Tian, ??started a family together. Although Tian is a young lady from a rich family, she does not dislike Zhuang Zi's poverty. Because of Zhuang Zi's talent, she has a deep love for Zhuang Zi. So he ignored his family's obstruction and returned to the countryside with Zhuangzi to live an ordinary farm life.
The good times did not last long. Zhuangzi's good days did not last long this time. His wife Tian died unexpectedly. Zhuangzi's good friend Huizi went to express his condolences and prepared to comfort Zhuangzi. But when Huizi arrived at Zhuangzi's home, he found that Zhuangzi was sitting with his legs spread like a dustpan, beating the fou and wooden basin and singing.
Keiko said in surprise: "You have lived with your dead wife for so long. You were supposed to have children and raise children until they grew old together. It would be fine if you don't feel sad and cry when you die, but you are banging on the earthenware fou and the wooden basin. Singing a song, this is too much!"
Zhuangzi said calmly: "No. When my wife first died, how could I not be desperate and sad! But I was careful. After thinking about it, she was never born in the first place. Not only was she not born, but she should not have had a life form in the first place. Not only had she not had a life form, but she had never formed a vitality in the trance environment. The vitality changes and comes into existence, the vitality changes and comes into being, and the body changes into life, and now it returns to death, just like the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter, the dead person will sleep peacefully between heaven and earth. But when I cry around her sadly, I cannot understand the true meaning of destiny, so I am not sad and sad, but happy for her."
What does Zhuangzi mean by fishing in the Pu River?
Zhuangzi's work "Qiu Shui" is very classic. There is a short fable in the article, which tells the story of Zhuangzi's refusal to be invited to a high school. Zhuangzi was fishing in Pu River. The king of Chu sent two envoys to Pu River to invite Zhuangzi.
The messenger said to him, our king has entrusted you with the responsibility of governing the country, and I hope you will accept it without any trouble. He continued fishing without getting up, and just said to the messenger, "It is rumored that there is a turtle beast in your country, which has been dead for a long time. Your king wrapped the turtle in brocade, kept it in a box, and enshrined it in the temple." I would like to ask, would this turtle be willing to die and be honored and enshrined, or would it rather live and crawl freely in the mire? The two envoys replied, of course it would like to crawl in the mire.
At this time Zhuangzi said loudly, you go back, I just want to live like a turtle in the mire.
Zhuangzi once traveled around the world and lived a free and straightforward life. Later, he refused the official position of the King of Chu and lived in seclusion to write books. Zhuangzi's thoughts are the same as his own, and he opposes people's pursuit of fame, which was very rare in ancient times. Most of the articles he wrote were fables, and a few short metaphors vividly displayed the meaning to be expressed. He believes that being an official in the court and seeking fame and power is like wearing noble clothes and being in a prestigious place, but it is like dying, while living naturally, although material conditions are scarce, can make oneself physically and mentally comfortable. He has a famous saying that there is no greater sorrow than death, and he believes that spiritual pursuit is more important than material pursuit, which can also be reflected here.
In fact, he is really great. How many literati study just to gain the favor of the dynasty and become an official to show their wealth, but when he faced the official position and generous salary offered by a king, he was not moved at all. After reading this story, I admire Zhuangzi's character even more.
Full text translation of Zhuangzi's "The Way of Heaven"
"The Way of Heaven" is one of Zhuangzi's works, which mainly embodies his philosophical thoughts. He believed that things themselves have a state of motion, and the laws of nature are the only laws they need to obey.
Zhuangzi was a figure from the Warring States Period. His calmness was in sharp contrast to the turmoil of society. The monarch of Chu State agreed with Zhuangzi's thoughts very much and planned to invite him to be the prime minister of Chu State. He specially sent someone to invite Zhuangzi. Zhuangzi was unwilling to serve as an official. He believed that once he got involved in the court, the Tao and the Dharma would not become the Dharma, and he would become an unlikeable person. In addition, monarchs believe that their power status is sacred and inviolable, and the equality they advocate for everyone is naturally contradictory to the monarch's ideas. At that time, the prime minister of Chu State was a friend of Zhuangzi. He was also afraid that the king of Chu would reuse Zhuangzi, and he would be laid off and unemployed.
After Zhuangzi heard about it, he took the opportunity of his travels to come to Chu State and had a long chat with his friend, the prime minister. He explained to his friends the way of nature. Everything in nature is in a state of balanced movement. If it is deliberately changed, the original aura and laws will be destroyed. Zhuangzi said that he pursued truth and freedom throughout his life and would not focus on the center of power. The prime minister was very ashamed and felt that his villainous heart could not hold his head high in front of Zhuangzi's gentlemanly virtues. He met with the King of Chu, told the King of Chu Zhuangzi's true thoughts, and advised the King of Chu not to use force to make Zhuangzi surrender. The King of Chu carefully read Zhuangzi's "The Way of Heaven" and found that Zhuangzi could not be judged by ordinary people's thinking.
Zhuangzi's literary attainments were very high, which complemented his Taoist thoughts. With the help of writing, he was able to present his thoughts authentically, express his admiration and respect for nature, and let the world interpret the intangible Taoism through tangible literary works.