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. He was an influential Chinese philosopher who lived around the 4th century BC. Chuang Tzu (or Zhuangzi) was a key contributor to what is known as a golden age of Chinese philosophy. 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. Let’s explore the man, the way of Chuang Tzu, and a few fundamental practices of Taoism. 

Taoism, the philosophical school with which Chuang Tzu is most associated, was not a predominant one during his time. 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. The prevalent philosophical school of Chuang Tzu’s time was Confucianism, one that he openly criticized with humor and wit.

The way of Chuang Tzu: Embracing one’s own true nature

Chuang Tzu saw absolute power as a problem, and promoted the idea that individuals have the right to seek their own salvation. This emancipation of the individual and self-expression were central tenets of his school of thought. 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. 

Chuang 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. He famously rejected positions of power when offered to him. He likened political positions to a sacrificial ox, decorated in lavish garments, but ultimately trapped inside the temple once the gates close behind him.

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The subtle, mystical and sophisticated thought of Chuang Tzu has left an indelible mark on Chinese culture and the Chinese character itself. 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. This influence was one that received a highly hypothetical and conservative Indian Buddhism and molded it to coexist with humor and criticism. Many scholars credit these qualities of Taoism for having influenced and evolved into Zen Buddhism. 

What did Chuang Tzu believe?

Peace of mind comes not from the absence of conflict but rather from the acceptance of it. There will always be hurdles along the path of life. Most of us are at war with reality. Problems will come our way. If there were no mountains to climb, then the world would only be an arid desert, void of all life. This does not mean that we should not work toward solving problems that come our way. Quite the opposite is true. 

We need the courage to change the things we can, but also acceptance of what we cannot change—and the wisdom to know the difference. And wisdom is key here. How do we acquire this wisdom? By getting to know ourselves and the world around us and paying close attention to our experiences. Chuang Tzu taught that ‘when the mind is still, the whole universe surrenders.’

The way of Chuang Tzu: Flow

Chuang Tzu is known for many things. His rejection of logic and his embrace of eclecticism and his sense of humor are among them. However, I’d like to touch on one idea that is closely associated with the man and with Taoism practices. The idea is encapsulated in the phrase ‘wu-wei’, which is usually translated as ‘actionless action’ or ‘non-doing’. Chuang Tzu provides us with a brief passage to describe this concept: 

“Heaven produces nothing,

Yet all life is transformed;

Earth does not support, 

Yet all life is sustained,

The Emperor and the king take actionless action, 

Yet the whole world is served.”

To peel away the oxymoronic layers of this concept, we can see underneath a prescription to take no action that is not in accord with nature. To peel away yet another layer, we see that it means action without struggling against the idea of action. Doing the dishes is not a difficult activity. Yet when we are tired from a long day of other tasks, the dishes may seem daunting. We may struggle against the idea of doing the dishes rather than flowing with the nature of the water, soap, and the gentle movement our bodies generate.

An imperfect, contemporary label for ‘wu-wei’ is flow state. This is the condition that you have likely experienced one time or another. You get lost in your work and the output of your effort just seems to happen. Among athletes in particular this is also called ‘the zone’. It is characterized by a loss of awareness of time, not thinking about the activity as it is being performed, and a spontaneous creativity.

Four practices of Taoism

Like most ancient writing on Taoism, it is difficult to discern who developed these four practices of Taoism. Some attribute them to Lao Tzu. Some maintain that Lao Tzu was a fictional character. Either way, they are not dissimilar to the Four Stoic Virtues, in that they serve as moral signposts for living life in accordance with nature. Here are four principles of Taoism:

Kindness

Kindness in words creates confidence;

Kindness in thinking creates wisdom;

Kindness in giving creates love. 

Essentially, being gentle means giving up the need to be right; being kind is more important than being correct and asserting your own beliefs. When we are gentle, we stop trying to dominate others and instead live in harmony with others. Empty your boat!

Natural Serenity

When pure sincerity (authenticity) forms within, it is outwardly realized in other people’s hearts. Without being authentic, we can’t live in harmony. Being swayed by outside forces makes us lose sight of who we really are and who we want to be. By accepting the truth about ourselves and others, we not only find peace in this life but we can help others along their paths as well.

Reverence For All Life

Living in the moment brings you a sense of reverence for all of life’s blessings. Chuang Tzu believed that respecting all forms of life was essential for harmony: “All creation and creatures are equally important and they require equal respect.” Trying to dominate and control life only leads you away from harmony and balance. You can’t find peace in the midst of a struggle for control. A truly spiritual perspective tells us that love is freedom.

Supportiveness

Be supportive, but let go of the outcome, even when it comes to helping others. Just like the other practices of Taoism, supportiveness applies to everything and everyone, including ourselves. It allows us to come from a healthier place and be there for others who might need help along their own path.

This comes naturally to everyone, but society—the cold conditioning we’ve received as adults and our modern culture—teaches us something different. Sink or swim—everyone for themselves. But supporting others and ourselves brings about the highest happiness.

The way of Chuang Tzu in his own words

Mindfulness and the Eastern philosophy that has developed and propagated it are drawn upon fundamentally in the writing of The Mindful Stoic blog. I thought it would be entertaining to explore the life of an influential and colorful figure of Eastern thought. I hope I was able to provide a very brief presentation of Taoism and the characteristics thereof that evolved into current schools such as Zen Buddhism. When philosophical teachings on how to operate within the human condition are passed down and remain after millenia, I think they’re worth exploring and sharing. I’ll end by sharing some Chuang Tzu quotes. 

For more on Taosim and Chuang Tzu check out our article 13 Principles For Practicing Taoism or the books The Way Of Chuang Tzu by Thomas Merton, The Book Of Chuang Tzu by Martin Palmer and Elizabeth Breuilly, or the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu.

If a man is crossing a river

And an empty boat collides with his own skiff,

Even though he be a bad-tempered man,

He will not be angry.

But, if he sees a man in the boat,

He will shout for him to stay clear.

If the shout is not heard, he will shout again 

And yet again, and begin cursing. 

And all because there is somebody in the boat.

Yet, if the boat is empty

He would not be shouting and not be angry.

 

If you can empty your own boat 

Crossing the river of the world,

No one will oppose you, 

No one will seek to harm you.

When the heart is right, ‘for’ and ‘against’ are forgotten.

Silence is a great source of strength.

To the mind that is still, 

the whole universe surrenders.

Nothing is softer or more flexible

than water yet, 

nothing can resist it.

Nature does not hurry,

yet everything is accomplished.

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