Zhuangzi - The Sage of Uncertainty

In this video, we talk about one of the most central texts and figures in Daoism.

Sources/Further Reading:

Komjathy, Louis (2013). "The Daoist Tradition: An Introduction". Bloomsbury Academic.

Lao Tzu (2013). "Tao Te Ching - A New Translation. Translated by William Scott Wilson. Shambala Publications. Hackett Publishing Co, Inc.

Zhuangzi (2008). "Zhuangzi - The Essential Texts: With Translations from Traditional Commentaries". Translated by Brook Ziporyn.

#Zhuangzi #Daoism #Philosophy

[scamdemicpoliticalvirus]

“Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness.” Zhua

[TheSamuiman]

"Coarse rice to eat, water to drink, my bended arm for a pillow - therein is happiness. Wealth and rank attained through immoral means are nothing but drifting clouds." ― Confucius ---

[billwheeler]

I read the Zgyangzi ("Chuang Tzu") as a teenager. My reaction was the same as yours: "How can you not love this guy?"

[zanka]

Wait a high quality, informative channel with a calm demeanor covering topics I'm genuinely interested in?
YouTube ain't working right

[oredaze]

You summarize this so well, great job.
Also I find it that daoism is the closest humans have gotten to understanding the world. Really profound insight these people had to come up with that so long ago.

[natezhuang]

Always love to learn about Zhuangzi. Because according to my dad, he is my ancestor.

[SoulAudeo]

The more I learn about eastern philosophy, the more I feel like it came from someone I know, not to toot my own horn, but most of this stuff resonates w me so deeply, I’ve always looked at the world in similar ways…it’s nice to hear it from someone else that’s all

[twatts]

The music accompanying your narration put me into a trance. So peaceful and soul soothing.

[harperho]

Your voice and the content of this video really make me feel calm and peaceful. Thanks.

[arttrashuberalles]

I think Zhuang Zi, Diogenes, and Camus would have some of the most insightful and entertaining discussions in philosophy had they ever had the chance to meet and speak. Ah to be a fly on the wall at a meeting like that....

[Cranb]

I’ve just discovered your channel, and I’ve really enjoyed the level of detail and research you’ve put into these different cultures, practices and religions. Especially the amount of information not generally known by an anglophonic audience. Thanks, man!

[keenanarthur]

Daoism is one of my favorite traditions, along with some specific Śākta/Śaiva and Buddhist tantric traditions, Sikhism, and Paganism. Also, there's a (audio)book called "Daoism Explained: From the Dream of the Butterfly to the Fishnet Allegory, " in which Hans Georg-Moeller offers a different translation of the butterfly story mentioned in the video, with different implications, specifically refuting translations in which the dream is remembered upon waking.

[sajadahmad]

I fell in love, with your art of explaining things and the ocean of knowledge you posses, on that very day when my friend recommended me this channel.
THANKS FOR ENLIGHTENING ME.
❤️ from KASHMIR.

[jackjhmc]

As a Chinese beginning to study zhuangzi, I got to say this video is explained pretty well.

[raginaldmars]

.. as a German Biologist - you do not have to name and label anything - the self deception starts right there. It is the attitude of amazement, wonder, - deep curiosity - what is this - what is the composition - what forces are acting - the Art of any Science...deep admiration, gratitude - I am blessed to be here and be part of it - each second so precious! No matter what happens. Even being a Solshenyzyn in the worst GULAG. I study, learn - give my experiences to others.

[Hollylivengood]

Great explanation of Zhuangzi. I love Brook Ziporyn's translation because there are whole paragraphs of footnotes explaining Chinese phrases, and even their older jokes that you have to understand to get what he says.

[finding_mojo]

Fascinating how much you clearly understand and convey all these different philosophies and faiths with such equanimity.

[TerribleShmeltingAccident]

What an overwhelmingly positive comment section, refreshing!

[locuus]

chang po tuan's understanding reality is another great book of daoism. Sufism and Taoism: A Comparative Study of Key Philosophical Concepts by Izutsu, another great book that compares ibn arabi with Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu.

[westsidesmitty]

How fortunate that as a child I heard of Chuang Tzu (the sacred butterfly scroll of Chuang Chou!) in an episode of tv's Kung Fu series in the early 70's. A seed was planted in my young boy mind. Though I now practice the Theravada lineage, I love Ch'an Buddhism for its pleasing mixture of Mahayana and the native Taoism when the former was brought to China. I have enjoyed Mair's translation, but treasure Cleary's translation of the ''Inner Chapters''. The indelible impression of Chuang Tzu's personality (as it appears consistently through the Inner Chapters) leads me to conclude that he was, indeed, an historical figure. So much has been lost due to war, disaster, and fanaticism, that it is a miracle to be celebrated that these precious writings have survived. Had I my life to live over, I would have studied Classical Chinese! But alas, ''Life is short, while art is long''! I also celebrate the blessing of this wonderful channel!