Overview

Only by inhabiting Dao (the Way of Nature) and dwelling in its unity can humankind achieve true happiness and freedom, in both life and death. This is Daoist philosophy's central tenet, espoused by the person-or group of people-known as Zhuangzi (369?-286? B.C.E.) in a text by the same name. To be free, individuals must discard rigid distinctions between good and bad, right and wrong, and follow a course of action not motivated by gain or striving. When one ceases to judge events as good or bad, man-made suffering disappears and natural suffering is embraced as part of life. Zhuangzi elucidates this mystical philosophy through humor, parable, and anecdote, deploying non sequitur and even nonsense to illuminate a truth beyond the boundaries of ordinary logic. Boldly imaginative and inventively worded, the Zhuangzi floats free of its historical period and society, addressing the spiritual nourishment of all people across time. One of the most justly celebrated texts of the Chinese tradition, the Zhuangzi is read by thousands of English-language scholars each year, yet only in the Wade-Giles romanization. Burton Watson's pinyin romanization brings the text in line with how Chinese scholars, and an increasing number of other scholars, read it.

Full Product Details

Author:   Burton Watson
Publisher:   Columbia University Press
Imprint:   Columbia University Press
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 2.50cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.610kg
ISBN:  

9780231164740

ISBN 10:   0231164742
Pages:   368
Publication Date:   03 December 2013
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
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Language:   English

Table of Contents

Introduction Outline of Early Chinese History 1. Free and Easy Wandering 2. Discussion on Making All Things Equal 3. The Secret of Caring for Life 4. In the World of Men 5. The Sign of Virtue Complete 6. The Great and Venerable Teacher 7. Fit for Emperors and Kings 8. Webbed Toes 9. Horses' Hoofs 10. Rifling Trunks 11. Let It Be, Leave It Alone 12. Heaven and Earth 13. The Way of Heaven 14. The Turning of Heaven 15. Constrained in Will 16. Mending the Inborn Nature 17. Autumn Floods 18. Supreme Happiness 19. Mastering Life 20. The Mountain Tree 21. Tian Zifang 22. Knowledge Wandered North 23. Gengsang Chu 24. Xu Wugui 25. Zeyang 26. External Things 27. Imputed Words 28. Giving Away a Throne 29. Robber Zhi 30. Discoursing on Swords 31. The Old Fisherman 32. Lie Yukou 33. The World Index

Reviews

Burton Watson...possesses all the qualities which distinguish a master translator. As a craftsman and as a poet, he has inspired and challenged two generations. ASIAN AFFAIRS Translation of any of the classics...from the hand of Burton Watson is an event to be welcomed with gratitude. JOURNAL OF ASIAN STUDIES

Burton Watson...possesses all the qualities which distinguish a master translator. As a craftsman and as a poet, he has inspired and challenged two generations. * ASIAN AFFAIRS * Translation of any of the classics...from the hand of Burton Watson is an event to be welcomed with gratitude. * JOURNAL OF ASIAN STUDIES *

Author Information

Burton Watson has taught at Columbia, Stanford, and Kyoto Universities and is one of the world's best-known translators of Chinese and Japanese works. His translations include The Demon at Agi Bridge and Other Japanese Tales, The Analects of Confucius, The Tales of the Heike, and The Lotus Sutra; the writings of Zhuangzi, Mozi, Xunzi, and Han Feizi; The Columbia Book of Chinese Poetry; and Records of the Grand Historian.

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