Selected and Commented-on Works of Zhuangzi - China Literary and Historical Classics Lecture Hall

Author: Yang Yi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: Joyful Journey is one of the important representative works reflecting Zhuangzi's philosophical thoughts. Its placement as the first chapter of Zhuangzi also demonstrates its significance. What does "Joyful Journey" mean? The Tang Dynasty scholar Lu Deming said: "Unrestrained and carefree, finding joy and contentment." (Commentary on the Classics) The famous Qing Dynasty Zhuangzi scholar Wang Xianqian provided a clearer interpretation: "To roam freely beyond the constraints of external things, following one's natural nature and wandering endlessly." (Comprehensive Explanation of Zhuangzi) "Heaven" refers to a person's natural disposition. It means to follow one's innate nature, free from the burdens of external things, and to roam freely in the vast universe. Wang Xianqian also said: "To roam in the endless without relying on external conditions is the essence of Joyful Journey." "Without reliance" means not depending on objective conditions. Zhuangzi believed that only by "without reliance" could one "roam in the endless." To illustrate this philosophical thought, he did not use abstract reasoning but employed vivid images such as the Kun Peng, the snipe, the cicada, and Liezi to vividly explain the philosophy of effortless freedom. Zhuangzi believed that the Kun Peng's wings span ninety thousand miles, the snipe and the cuckoo "take flight with a sudden leap," and Liezi "roams on the wind"—all of them "still rely on external conditions." Only by forgetting oneself and others, transcending all utilitarian goals—achieving the "superhuman," the "divine," and the "sage" (the "selfless," the "effortless," and the "nameless"—the enlightened ones)—can one "ride the right path of heaven, control the six transformations of qi, and roam in the endless." In reality, people face countless sorrows and pains in life. As Su Shi said: "People experience joy and sorrow, separation and reunion; the moon has its dark and bright phases, its full and waning—such things have never been complete since ancient times." (Ode to the Moon on the Mid-Autumn Festival)