The Zhuangzi is one of the great classic Taoist texts. Zhuangzi (or Zhuang Tzu) himself was born during the upheavals and chaos of China’s Warring States period (475–221 BC). His outstanding written style, vivid and fantastical imagination, and marvelous fables exercised a profound influence on the formation of traditional Chinese culture, whilst he himself occupied a commanding position amongst the thinkers of the day. He disdained worldly fame and profit and lived in transcendent calm and unaffected ease. Amidst the rush, busyness, and ever-increasing tempo of life today it is easy to become lost and exhausted. However, Zhuangzi and his wisdom can teach us how to find spiritual comfort in this vast world of ours. This book takes the essence of Zhuangzi’s classic and in a single phrase or topic or even a story in its commentary provides us with a concise and original interpretation in an easily understood form. It combines the philosophy of the classic with modern life. In this dialogue with the sages of Chinese philosophy, we can understand the real meaning of life.

Translated by: Tony Blishen