Chuang Tzu
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Classical Taoist philosophy and mysticism

Chuang Tzu: Mystical Works (Zhuangzi)

Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu)3000
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Foundational Taoist philosophical text attributed to Zhuangzi (ca. 4th century BCE). Collection of philosophical anecdotes, paradoxes, fables, and mystical teachings on the nature of Tao, spontaneous action, spiritual freedom, and transcendence. Uses whimsical stories, paradoxes, and philosophical dialogues to point beyond rational understanding toward direct mystical experience. Emphasizes wu-wei (non-action), ziran (spontaneity), and abandonment of artificial distinctions. More poetic and mystical than Tao Te Ching. Central to Taoist philosophy and profoundly influenced Chinese and later East Asian thought.

Also known asZhuangzi · The Complete Works of Chuang Tzu · Chuang-tse · The Butterfly Dream
This edition1926
EditionHerbert A. Giles translation and edition, 1926. Classical text attributed to Zhuangzi (ca. 369-286 BCE), compiled later. Giles' translation is standard English version emphasizing literary and poetic qualities of original.
meditationEasternmeditation and contemplationContemplationZiran (Spontaneity)BuddhismMoral philosophy and ethicsEastern philosophyMeditation practicesSkepticism & IdentityTaoismWu Wei (Non-action)Transformation of Things

Contents43 chapters

  1. 01Chuang Tzŭ
  2. 02CONTENTS.
  3. 03Introduction.
  4. 04Note on the Philosophy of Chaps. i-vii.
  5. 05CHAPTER I.
  6. 06CHAPTER II.
  7. 07CHAPTER III.
  8. 08CHAPTER IV.
  9. 09CHAPTER V.
  10. 10CHAPTER VI.
  11. 11CHAPTER VII.
  12. 12CHAPTER VIII.
  13. 13CHAPTER IX.
  14. 14CHAPTER X.
  15. 15CHAPTER XI.
  16. 16CHAPTER XII.
  17. 17CHAPTER XIII.
  18. 18CHAPTER XIV.
  19. 19CHAPTER XV.
  20. 20CHAPTER XVI.
  21. 21CHAPTER XVII.
  22. 22CHAPTER XVIII.
  23. 23CHAPTER XIX.
  24. 24CHAPTER XX.
  25. 25CHAPTER XXI.
  26. 26CHAPTER XXII.
  27. 27CHAPTER XXIII.
  28. 28CHAPTER XXIV.
  29. 29CHAPTER XXV.
  30. 30CHAPTER XXVI.
  31. 31CHAPTER XXVII.
  32. 32CHAPTER XXVIII.
  33. 33CHAPTER XXIX.
  34. 34CHAPTER XXX.
  35. 35CHAPTER XXXI.
  36. 36CHAPTER XXXII.
  37. 37CHAPTER XXXIII.
  38. 38INDEX
  39. 39ERRATA AND ADDENDA
  40. 40FOOTNOTES:
  41. 41Transcriber's Notes:
  42. 42THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
  43. 43"Cover"

Contributors

Herbert A. Gileseditor

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