The Complete Works of Zhuangzi

Burton Watson

• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Year: 2013
• eBook ISBN:
  9780231536509
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Ancient & Classical Literary Collections

Only by inhabiting Dao (the Way of Nature) and dwelling in its unity can humankind achieve true happiness and freedom, in both life and death. This is Daoist philosophy's central tenet, espoused by the person—or group of people—known as Zhuangzi (369?-286? B.C.E.) in a text by the same name. To be free, individuals must discard rigid distinctions between good and bad, right and wrong, and follow a course of action not motivated by gain or striving. When one ceases to judge events as good or bad, man-made suffering disappears and natural suffering is embraced as part of life.

Zhuangzi elucidates this mystical philosophy through humor, parable, and anecdote, deploying non sequitur and even nonsense to illuminate a truth beyond the boundaries of ordinary logic. Boldly imaginative and inventively worded, the Zhuangzi floats free of its historical period and society, addressing the spiritual nourishment of all people across time. One of the most justly celebrated texts of the Chinese tradition, the Zhuangzi is read by thousands of English-language scholars each year, yet only in the Wade-Giles romanization. Burton Watson's pinyin romanization brings the text in line with how Chinese scholars, and an increasing number of other scholars, read it.

Table of contents

• Cover 
• Series Page
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents 
• Introduction
• Outline of Early Chinese History
• 1. Free and Easy Wandering
• 2. Discussion on Making All Things Equal
• 3. The Secret of Caring for Life
• 4. In the World of Men
• 5. The Sign of Virtue Complete
• 6. The Great anerable Teacher
• 7. Fit for Emperors and Kings
• 8. Webbed Toes
• 9. Horses’ Hoofs
• 10. Rifling Trunks
• 11. Let It Be, Leave It Alone
• 12. Heaven and Earth
• 13. The Way of Heaven
• 14. The Turning of Heaven
• 15. Constrained in Will
• 16. Mending the Inborn Nature
• 17. Autumn Floods
• 18. Supreme Happiness
• 19. Mastering Life
• 20. The Mountain Tree
• 21. Tian Zifang
• 22. Knowledge Wandered North
• 23. Gengsang Chu
• 24. Xu Wugui
• 25. Zeyang
• 26. External Things
• 27. Imputed Words
• 28. Giving Away a Throne
• 29. Robber Zhi
• 30. Discoursing on Swords
• 31. The Old Fisherman
• 32. Lie Yukou
• 33. The World
• Index
• Series List