A Three-Dimensional Dialectic of Views of the Body in Zhuangzi: Symbol Deconstruction, Blending Techniques, and Exchange of Qi Transformation

Vol. 42 No. 1   03/2012    

Title

A Three-Dimensional Dialectic of Views of the Body in Zhuangzi: Symbol Deconstruction, Blending Techniques, and Exchange of Qi Transformation

Author

Lai, Hsi-san  

Genre

Article  

Pages

1-43  

Download

PDF

Language

Chinese  

Key words

Zhuangzi莊子, body, ritual and propriety, language, deconstruction, technique, qi  

Abstract

        This paper discusses the holistic view of the body in Zhuangzi 莊子Zhuangzi’s treatment of the body can be analyzed from three angles. First, criticism of the body from a ritual and propriety aspect expresses a spirit of symbol deconstruction. Second, the artisanal view of the body sees it as a spirit of blending techniques. Third, from a transcendent view of the body of the zhenren (True Man), a spirit of exchange of qi  transformation is expressed. This paper further analyzes the dialectical relationship among these three aspects. Finally, a complete view of the body in Zhuangzi is defined in the seamless integration of the body as a symbol and the qi transformation of the body.  

 

 

Author: Lai, Hsi-san
Genre: Article