Laozi Interpretation

Author: Lan Xianding
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: This book is based on the Mawangdui silk manuscript of the Laozi, supplemented by the Guodian bamboo slips and the traditional versions, for comprehensive collation and interpretation. The author argues that the central issue of Laozi's thought revolves around the relationship between "wholeness" and "partiality." The "Dao" is the whole and infinite, while any specific thing is finite and thus "partial." It is precisely the contradiction between human existence's finitude and the "aspiration" for the infinite that gives rise to Laozi's concept of "wu wei" (non-action). Through "wu wei," one can achieve "nothing less than all," realizing limitless existence in the process. Thus, human virtue becomes the "mysterious virtue" of the infinite. The author's research is profound, and his insights are novel, marking a breakthrough in the study of Laozi's thought and holding significant academic value.