Tuesday, March 25th, 2014
Zhaungzi: Daoism
Zhuangzi’s writing focuses on the philosophy of Daoism. In contrast to Confucianism, Daoism doesn’t offer a method or a system for enlightenment whereas Confucianism provides guidelines for moral living. In Zhuangzi’s writing, he entertains that “Dao” or “The Way” is the source to happiness, but following “The way” is mysterious, strange and spontaneous. The Sage shall accept all chaos and feelings as worthwhile and valuable. The sage is not concerned with changes in the world because they accept that they must live in accordance to nature. His ideas implements a “free” lifestyle.
Zhuangzi’s idea of achieving “the dao” or “The Way” entertains that one must be able to “make all things equal”. This suggest that one should find equality between self perspectives and other’s perspective. In other words, one shall not have feelings, or thoughts of the world/nature and accept all that is happening among him. This is the key to achieving happiness and wisdom. Do you think this idea is realistic or idealistic? Why?