There is little doubt that this type of thinking and culture that Chuang Tzu espoused had a transformative effect on Taoism and later Zen Buddhism in China, Korea and Japan. The subtle, mystical and sophisticated thought of Chuang Tzu has left an indelible mark on Chinese culture and the Chinese character itself. He likened political positions to a sacrificial ox, decorated in lavish garments, but ultimately trapped inside the temple once the gates close behind him. He famously rejected positions of power when offered to him. Chuang Tzu rejected the position that the human spirit is fundamentally evil, as was held by philosophers planted atop the power structure who believed that the only way to overcome our tainted essence was through brutal rule.Ĭhuang Tzu’s primary objection to this idea is rooted in the fact that absolute rulers essentially attempt to tame or harness the true nature of all aspects of creation. This emancipation of the individual and self-expression were central tenets of his school of thought.

The way of Chuang Tzu: Embracing one’s own true natureĬhuang Tzu saw absolute power as a problem, and promoted the idea that individuals have the right to seek their own salvation. The prevalent philosophical school of Chuang Tzu’s time was Confucianism, one that he openly criticized with humor and wit. In fact, Taoism had not yet evolved into the balance of forces, the emphasis of flow, or the fidelity to one’s own nature as we know it today.

Taoism, the philosophical school with which Chuang Tzu is most associated, was not a predominant one during his time. Let’s explore the man, the way of Chuang Tzu, and a few fundamental practices of Taoism. He wrote (although scholars debate exactly which portions he wrote himself) a book known by his name, the Zhuangzi, which is one of a few fundamental texts of Taoism. Chuang Tzu (or Zhuangzi) was a key contributor to what is known as a golden age of Chinese philosophy.

He was an influential Chinese philosopher who lived around the 4th century BC. Who was Chuang Tzu? He was a champion of the individual, he drew lines in the sand against established power structures, and he often used humor and colorful paradox to convey his teachings.

Chuang tzu writings