Guo Xiang and Xiang Xiu are discussed in this episode to the rise of Fangshi’s in society and Daoist Thought and Religion. The podcast covers the compilation of the Daozang and gives an overview of Daoism the philosophy and religion.
Zhuangzi's rejection of government life, influence on Daoism with his book Zhuangzi.
Emergence of Neo-Daoism blending Taoist theories with Confucian concepts, adapting to changing intellectual landscape.
Deep dives
Zhuang Tzu and the Philosophy of Daoism
Zhuang Tzu, a significant figure in Chinese philosophy, lived during the warring states period and rejected a life in government despite being well-respected. His book, the Zhuang Tzu, is considered a fundamental part of Daoism, along with the Dao Te Jing. Zhuang Tzu's work is divided into inner, outer, and mixed chapters, with the inner chapters specifically credited to him. The Zhuang Tzu is a collection of stories and dialogues that challenge conventional thinking, exemplified by his verbal sparring with Huixi and his contempt for government.
Neo-Daoism: Evolution of Taoist Thought
Neo-Daoism, also known as Xianxue, emerged in the third and fourth centuries, blending Taoist theories with Confucian concepts. Scholars like Guo Xiang and Wang Bi reinterpreted Taoist texts such as the Zhuangzi to make them more accessible to Confucian followers. Neo-Daoism sought to adapt Taoism to a changing intellectual landscape and enhance its philosophical sophistication. This movement played a crucial role in evolving Daoism into a full-fledged religion during the Eastern Han period.
Evolution of Daoist Texts and Influence
The compilation of the Dao Zang, the official collection of Daoist texts, reflected the evolution and codification of Daoist wisdom over the centuries. Under Emperor Xuanzong in the Tang Dynasty, Taoism flourished and became the state religion, unifying various Taoist sects. The Dao Zang underwent several revisions, culminating in the Ming Dynasty's version with nearly 5,000 scrolls of sacred Daoist texts. Taoism's influence fluctuated throughout Chinese history, sometimes favored by rulers like Xuanzong and becoming a significant religious and philosophical force.
We pick up with the second part of this overview of Daoism with Zhuangzi and his beloved book, "The Zhuangzi." We'll also move beyond Laozi and Zhuangzi and take a look at the rise of Fangshi’s 方士 in society, Daoist Thought and Religion, Xuanxue Dark Learning 玄学, Guo Xiang 郭襄, Xiang Xiu 向秀, and the compilation of the Daozang 道藏. I hope this basic overview gives some of you a good jumping-off point to explore more about Daoism the philosophy 道家 and Daoism, the religion 道教. Enjoy!