Under the Heaven (6)

1 The ancient thoughts which Chuang Tzu prefers were: Self-nature, Buddha-nature, Qi, calmness and soul are formless. What is life and death? Are universe and man integrated? What is the destination the soul and consciousness go; how they settle down. All things unfolding before us but we can’t find the trace of source from them.

2 Chuang Tzu expressed his opinion on life and universe with humoristic and free language. Chuang Tzu argued that universe exists under the chaotic condition so common description is not enough to describe its trueness. Therefore, for the same reason, people couldn’t understand life and universe via a single description only.

3 Chuang Tzu used unprejudiced word to be the main frame of his book; quoted authority's words to narrate truth; used fable to enrich and vivify the book. As other sage who attained enlightenment, Chuang Tzu was able to communicate with heaven and earth, and became more modest and respectful.

4 He was well aware that all things are holy and worshipful to him; all things actually are integrated, without any discrimination. He stood on the top of world to watch the change of this world as if ant crawled on ground and bustled for life. He didn’t question for right and wrong. So, he could live well in various kinds of environment. He could get well along with it and even melted into it.

5 His articles were harangue, seeming lengthy, which was an unavoidable shortcoming, mainly because his head teemed with various thoughts which could not help rushing out.

6 His intonation was unique, scoff in seriousness. Most of them were funny and lovely. On metaphysics, he roamed around with the creator; out of metaphysics, he made friends with the gentlemen of Zen practice and of seeking for Tao.

7 Chuang Tzu’s thought system was broad and profound; the point of his articles covered all things and all phenomena. It is difficult to master the frequently-changing life and entity of all things; the operational rule of Tao is limitless, profound and obscure. So, Chuang Tzu’s article was elusive, which was bound to be so.