Title

The Thought of Zisheng and Duhua in the Context of the Zhuangzi

Author

Genre

Pages

447-482

DOI

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Language

Chinese

Key words

Guo Xiang 郭象, Zhuangzi, zisheng 自生, duhua 獨化, dao 道 and wu 物, Wei-Jin philosophy

Abstract

Guo Xiang’s 郭象 (c. 253-312) zisheng 自生 and duhua 獨化 are important concepts in Wei-Jin Philosophy. It is often argued that Guo denied the existence of the source of wu 物, and that this position is not consistent with Zhuangzi’s thought. However, if we meticulously analyze Zhuangzi’s text, we can see that this conclusion is in need of further discussion and debate. This article examines the concepts of zisheng and duhua in the context of Zhuangzi’s thought. In Zhuangzi’s view, because the dao 道─the source of wu─is not wu, the relationship between dao and wu is very special. At the level of wu, the relationship is not one of generation and control. Therefore, when we investigate the source of wu, we cannot find another wu as its source. In other words, since wu is based on dao, it is not produced or changed by other wu. Therefore, it can be said that wu is produced by itself, changes independently and naturally, and possesses self-reliance. This view provides a reference point for understanding zisheng and duhua from the perspective of Zhuangzi, and for understanding both the thought of Zhuangzi and Wei-Jin philosophy.