·
Zhuangzi: written
by Zhuang Zhou, it was linguistically and conceptually challenging, collection
of parables and tall tales. This work was highly influential in the development
of subsequent Chinese philosophy and religion of Daoism. The overall text
itself describes how the cosmos is in a state of constant flux because of the
Dao (Way), which always creates and manipulates the “ten thousand things”—of
which the human race is one—that constitute the world. The world (or “nature”;
see tian), which is the external manifestation of the Dao, is spontaneous
(ziran). Human beings, however, often inhibit this natural spontaneity with logic,
language, and ritual. According to the text, cultivating emptiness (xu) and
embracing spontaneity permits a “free and easy wandering” within the Dao and is
a way of “nourishing life” and subverting the stultifying effects of culture.
·
Laozi (Daodejing): previously been called Laozi in the belief that it was written
by Laozi, better known as the founder of Daoism. The Laozi presented a way of life intended to restore harmony and
tranquility to a kingdom racked by widespread disorders. The Dao of the Daodejing is full of elusiveness and
mystical overtones, and it has been a basic concept in both philosophy and
religion. In essence, it consists of “non-action” (wuwei), understood as no
unnatural action rather than complete passivity. It implies spontaneity,
noninterference, letting things take their natural course: “Do nothing and
everything is done.” Chaos ceases, quarrels end, and self-righteous feuding
disappears because the Dao is allowed to flow unchallenged and unchallenging.
Everything that is comes from the inexhaustible, effortless, invisible, and
inaudible Way, which existed before heaven and earth. The overall language used
within it is simple, poetic, and enigmatic in nature.
·
Daozang: also
called Daoist Canon; it is a large, imperially sponsored collection of Daoist
writings, very few of which have been translated into English. The original
canon, printed by the Daoist emperors of the Song dynasty was comprised of almost
5,000 volumes, but many of these were destroyed by imperial decree during the
Yuan dynasty. The present Daozang, numbering well over 1,000 volumes, contains
a variety of texts including speculative philosophical writings and esoteric
works on Daoist meditation, alchemy, and divine revelation.
