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Chuang Tzu: Chuang-Tzus
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Chuang-tzu is traditionally classified as the second greatest Taoist after Lao-tzu. He is a remarkable thinker who deliberates on almost everything, including epistemology, morality, statecraft and behaviour, and his thought has influenced China for more than two thousand years. Since he loves to utilise fable, tales, humour, irony and other poetic techniques to express his views, he is often distorted by commentators. Therefore it is important to give him a more precise evaluation.
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The authentic writings of the historical Chuang-tzu are called the "inner chapters" and comprise the first seven of 33 chapters. Translator Burton Watson ... includes chapters 17-19 and chapter 26 as representative in style and thought of the authentic Chuang-tzu. These chapters are "characterized by a wealth of lively and witty anecdotes," notes Watson.
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The Chuang-tzu is a passionate and highly individual book. While the Tao-te-ching speaks in parables and epigrams, the Chuang-tzu soars on flights of imagination and tells homely, often absurdly funny stories. Here is the sage in conversation with a supporter of the State:
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Even more, Chuang-tzu becomes an indefatigable critic of Confucius and of his disciples. His critical work brilliantly combines satire and sophism: "But Chuang was an admirable writer and skilful composer, and by his instances and truthful descriptions hit and exposed the Mohists and Literati. The ablest scholars of his day could not escape his satire nor reply to it, while he allowed and enjoyed himself with his sparkling, dashing style; and ... it was that the greatest men, even kings and princes, could not use him for their purposes."
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In contrast to the Tao-te Ching, which is addressed to the sage-ruler, the Chuang-tzu's primary concern is an individual's private life. Servants of the state, participants in state ritual, and logicians are ridiculed and rejected, while the free, humble, mindful life is exalted. The author "compares the servant of state to the well-fed decorated ox being led to sacrifice in the temple and himself to the untended piglet blissfully frolicking in the mire." {6}
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Chuang-tzu was apparently born in Meng, a district north of Shang-ch'iu (Shang Hill) city, in the east of what is today Honan Province. One can only assume that he was active somewhere around this area.
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