Chinese Way of Life - (Illustrated Treasure Edition) - (Illustrated Treasure Edition)

Author: Mu Qing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features:
Zhuangzi on Swords
Zhuangzi (approximately 369-286 BC), named Zhou, was a native of Meng (now northeast Shangqiu County, Henan Province) in the State of Song during the Warring States period. He was a representative figure of the Taoist school in the Warring States period following Laozi. At the same time, he was also an outstanding litterateur and philosopher. His masterpiece, Zhuangzi (also known as The Classic of the South), elaborates on the essence of Taoist thought, develops the Taoist doctrine, and makes it a philosophical school with a profound influence on later generations. During the Warring States period, King Huiwen of Zhao was obsessed with swordsmanship and neglected state affairs. The crown prince, Kui, was deeply concerned for the country. Someone recommended Zhuangzi to him. Thus, the crown prince sent someone to seek him out with a thousand pieces of gold. Zhuangzi refused the gold and went to Zhao with the messenger. The crown prince treated him as a distinguished guest. The crown prince Kui prepared the clothes of a swordsman for Zhuangzi and asked him to go and persuade King Huiwen of Zhao to give up his obsession. Three days later, Zhuangzi put on the clothes of a swordsman and went to see the king with the crown prince. The king had already taken up his sword to wait. When Zhuangzi saw the king, he did not bow. The king asked, "What swordsmanship do you have to teach me that required the crown prince to introduce you first?" Zhuangzi calmly replied, "To meet the king with swordsmanship..."