Approaching the Dao: From Lao Zi to Zhuang Zi (original) (raw)

The paper explores the philosophical relationship between the Daodejing and Zhuangzi, two central texts of Daoism, focusing on their shared insights regarding the concept of the Dao. It critiques existing scholarly views on the chronological relationship between the texts and emphasizes the Zhuangzi's criticisms of the Daodejing, particularly in its shift from cosmology to a focus on human existence. The analysis highlights the cyclic nature of the Dao, the importance of recognizing multiple possibilities in life, and the liberation from preconceived notions as key themes in understanding the Dao as it relates to human experience.