Selected Works of Zhuangzi: Chinese Literary and Historical Classics Lectures

Author: Yang Yi, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: Joyful Journey is one of the important representative works reflecting Zhuangzi's philosophical thought. 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 contentment in oneself" (Commentary on the Classics). The famous Qing Dynasty Zhuangzi scholar Wang Xianqian provided a clearer interpretation: "To roam freely beyond the constraints of things, following one's nature and wandering endlessly" (Comprehensive Explanation of Zhuangzi). "Heaven" refers to a person's natural disposition. The meaning is that one should follow one's nature, free from the burdens of external things, and roam freely in the vast universe. Wang Xianqian also said: "To roam in the endless without relying on anything 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 elaborate this philosophy of effortless freedom. Zhuangzi believed that the Kun Peng's wings span ninety thousand li, the snipe and the cuckoo "take off abruptly," and Liezi "roams on the wind"—all of them "still rely on something." Only by forgetting oneself and others, transcending all utilitarian goals—achieving "no self," "no merit," and "no fame"—as the "supreme person," "divine person," and "sage," or those who have attained enlightenment, 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 bright and dark phases, its full and waning—such things have never been complete since ancient times" (Pine and Moon).