A masterpiece of ancient Chinese philosophy, second in influence only to the Tao Te Ching
One of the founders of Taoism, Chuang Tzu was firmly opposed to Confucian values of order, control, and hierarchy, believing the perfect state to be one where primal, innate nature rules. Full of profundity as well as tricks, knaves, sages, jokers, unbelievably named people, and uptight Confucians, The Book of Chuang Tzu perceives the Taothe Way of Naturenot as a term to be explained but as a path... (show more)
Reviews (9)
Not always the greatest translation, but occasionally hits it right on. Helpful to have another translation alongside this one.
Zhuangzi is for me the most engaging of Chinese philosophers. Like most of his contemporaries, details concerning his life are so scant that his very existence as an historical figure is cast into doubt (though less so than in the case of the more famous and arcane Laozi). Nonetheless, the book attributed to him is regarded as one of the three greatest works of Daoist philosophy, and to my mind at least it is the most enjoyable. Zhuangzi is not so esoteric as many of his fellow Daoists; he employs parables to make his points, often to a great effect (the butterfly dream and the death of his wife being probably the most famous examples). He also takes obvious pleasure in baiting (though, it is clear, not without affection) Confucius and many of the other great minds of his day. He is at once greatly affecting, disarmingly humorous, and deeply inspiring. This is definitely one of the most wonderful books of the world library.
I'm alwlays interested in reading Taoist literature. I found The Book of Chuang Tzu to be compelling reading. I was left with many lovely little Taoist insights that will hopefully leave their mark on future behaviour/thinking.
My favourite travel book. If you are going on a long trip and have read some eastern philosophy - this book rocks! Lots of short pieces - so you can open it anywhere and find something interesting.
Chuang tzu is one of the three main Taoist figures - and what a figure!!! He is funny and an iconoclast. If you hold onto any image that spirituality has to be a certain way - this book is not for you - if you see spirituality as something that reflects something deep and ungraspable by anyone - then you will revel in this book
A pretty good translation of the Zhuangzi. Contains all of the chapters. The Zhuangzi is a great read and an essential part of any Daoist's collection.
Great Taoist wisdom. A pill that any average American would do well to take.
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