From Zhuangzi To Guo Xiang

The Book of Zhuangzi and Guo Xiang's Commentary on The Book of Zhuangzi are regarded as classical texts and foundational works in Chinese culture. Their profound and philosophical ideas continue to offer inexhaustible insights. This research project, through comparison and interpretation of these two works, investigates the life of Zhuang Zhou, explores the authenticity and structure of The Book of Zhuangzi, examines the authorship of Guo Xiang's Commentary, and delves into the ideological factors that contributed to the development of Daoism during the Wei-Jin period. Additionally, it analyzes Zhuang Zi and Guo Xiang's philosophical ideas through four key themes: Zhuang Zi's concept of "carefree wandering" versus Guo Xiang's "inner sagehood and outer kingliness"; Zhuang Zi's theory of the Dao versus Guo Xiang's theory of "self-transformation"; Zhuang Zi's notion of the "equality of things" versus Guo Xiang's theory of "interdependence"; and Zhuang Zi's ideas on "forgetfulness" versus Guo Xiang's theory of "profound concordance." This book examines and organizes the ontological thoughts of Zhuang Zi and Guo Xiang. It also explores philosophical issues related to metaphysics and ontological thought, positioning Zhuang Zi and Guo Xiang within the historical and logical development of ancient Chinese philosophy's ontological theories.