A great deal of knowledge is needed to make traps, snares and nets, but the result is that the animals are disturbed and seek refuge in marshy lands. A great deal of knowledge is needed to make fishing lines, traps, baits and hooks, but the result is that the fish disperse in distress in the water. How do I know about all this? A great deal of knowledge is needed to make bows, crossbows, nets, arrows and so forth, but the result is that the birds fly higher in distress.

If those in authority search for knowledge, but without the Tao, everything under Heaven will be in terrible confusion. From the chapter ‘Broken Suitcases’ from The Book of Chuang Tzu, he talks about the mistakes we make in collecting the kind of knowledge that is short-sighted and transient. Chinese philosopher Chuang Tzu, whose writings form one of the pillars of Taosim, took a dim view of much of human activity and the accumulation of power and knowledge, recommending instead the cultivation of a kind of wisdom in tune with the Tao, or the Way. Witty and imaginative, enriched by brilliant imagery, and making sportive use of both mythological and historical personages (including even Confucius), this timeless classic is sure to appeal to anyone interested in Chinese religion and culture.With great power also comes great responsibility, but not always great wisdom.

Central to these is the belief that only by understanding Tao (the Way of Nature) and dwelling in its unity can man achieve true happiness and freedom, in both life and death.Ĭhuang Tzu: Basic Writings includes the seven 'inner chapters,' which form the heart of the book, three of the 'outer chapters,' and one of the 'miscellaneous chapters.' Watson also provides an introduction, placing the philosopher in relation to Chinese history and thought. Using parable and anecdote, allegory and paradox, he set forth, in the book that bears his name, the early ideas of what was to become the Taoist school. And Burton Watson's lucid and beautiful translation has been loved by generations of readers.Ĭhuang Tzu (369?-286? B.C.) was a leading philosopher representing the Taoist strain in Chinese thought. The basic writings of Chuang Tzu have been savored by Chinese readers for over two thousand years.

The book of chuang tzu