The Way of Chuang-TzŭWorking from existing translations, Father Merton composed a series of personal versions from his favorites among the classic sayings of Chuang Tzu, the most spiritual of the Chinese philosophers. Chuang Tzu, who wrote in the fourth and third centuries B.C., is the chief authentic historical spokesman for Taoism and its founder Lao Tzu (a legendary character known largely through Chuang Tzu's writings). Indeed it was because of Chuang Tzu and the other Taoist sages that Indian Buddhism was transformed, in China, into the unique vehicle we now call by its Japanese name -- Zen. The Chinese sage abounds in wit, paradox, satire, and shattering insight into the true ground of being. Father Merton, no stranger to Asian thought, brings a vivid, modern idiom to the timeless wisdom of Tao. Illustrated with early Chinese drawings. Book jacket. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
action antinomianism asked attain becomes begin boat called centipede Chinese philosophy Chuang Tzu book Confucian Confucius death deep delights disciple disciple of Confucius empty ethical fasting fishes happy forgotten four basic virtues grasp hearing heart heaven and earth hedonism Hence hidden Hui Tzu human idea invisible justice Keng Sang Chu King Yao knowledge Kwan Lao Tzu light live look Master Mencius ment mind monkeys mountain nature ness never No-Form non-action Non-Being non-doing objects one's Perfect joy person Phoenix physiognomist Prince realize recluse rest right and wrong sea bird seek self-conscious Shun silence sing sorrow spirit spontaneity Tao Teh Ching Taoism teaching tell things THOMAS MERTON thought tion tree true Tzu replied Tzu's understand unhappy virtuous Void Where'd you go whole wisdom wise words wu wei Yang and Yin Yellow Emperor Yen Hui χχίν



