The Advantages, Shortcomings, and Existential
Issues of Zhuangzi’s Use of Images

doi:10.1007/s11466-010-0011-8

Front. Philos. China

2010, Vol. 5

Issue (2) : 196-211 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11466-010-0011-8

Research articles

The Advantages, Shortcomings, and Existential Issues of Zhuangzi’s Use of Images

BAO Zhaohui,

ISchool of Liberal Arts, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China;

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Abstract Zhuangzi is considered a creative poet-philosopher because of his use of imaginative images. He used the imaginative images of his system to construct the world of the Dao. He left the essence of material things as they are to speak for the mystery of existence itself, and let them express both the state of and the dream for human freedom. Zhuangzi’s way of using images shows his own lack of the understanding about images, and his lack of adequate assessments. He used images in accord with his own personal preferences and fixed characteristics. He also had a tendency to equate the Dao which he experienced in his mind with the Dao itself. These shortcomings limit his improving and understanding of the Dao, so that his Dao failed to become more open to a wider existence.

Keywords Zhuangzi image natural images imaginative images Dao which is experienced in one’s heart

Issue Date: 05 June 2010

Cite this article:

BAO Zhaohui. The Advantages, Shortcomings, and Existential Issues of Zhuangzi’s Use of Images[J]. Front. Philos. China, 2010, 5(2): 196-211.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/fpc/EN/10.1007/s11466-010-0011-8
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fpc/EN/Y2010/V5/I2/196

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