Reflections on Zhuangzi (Zhuangzi from the Perspective of "Image Thinking")

Author: Wang Shuren, Li Mingzhu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: "Zhuangzi" is a classic of ancient Chinese literature, and over two thousand years, there have been numerous interpreters and annotators. This book presents a fresh interpretation of "Zhuangzi," where the authors emphasize the concept of "suspension" in understanding Zhuangzi's writings and strive to enter the text of Zhuangzi through the "symbolic thinking" that gave rise to it, thus offering a unique perspective. The main body of Zhuangzi consists of allegories, where the so-called "repeated speech" and "spontaneous speech" all serve the purpose of the allegory. This purpose is "building symbols with words, generating realms with symbols, and expressing meaning through realms." This makes Zhuangzi possess poetic uncertainty expressed through symbols and metaphors, and it also endows Zhuangzi with infinite possibilities for original creative thinking in thought. The profound depth and eternal charm of Zhuangzi lie in this. The central focus of the book is to contemplate and specifically elaborate on Zhuangzi's great wisdom of "the Way is one," embedding interpretation within commentary, providing a detailed analysis of each chapter, combining commentary and interpretation, and paying attention to both ancient-modern and East-West comparisons. Thus, it not only reveals the true essence of Zhuangzi's thought but also its modern and global significance.