Research upon Chih-jen Thoughts in "Chuang Tzu"

• Main Authors: Jui-Chu Huang, 黃瑞珠
• Other Authors: Tien-Ling Chou
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2005
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/92398637204262454763

碩士 === 國立嘉義大學 === 中國文學系碩士班 === 93 === This paper focuses on Chuang Tzu’s chih-jen thoughts and comprises 7 chapters. Chapter one (introduction): This chapter describes the research motive, exploration of literature and research method of this paper. Facing the unpredictable changes of the universe and the obstacles in human lives, Chuang Tzu had the feelings of uncertainty and frustration. He thus proposed the models of human beings: sheng-jen, chih-jen, chen-jen and shen-jen. His methods of reflection and state of liberation reveal the research significance and value in this uncertain era with rapidly changed environment, knowledge explosion, ambiguity of values and bewilderment of human beings. Chapter two (time and background of Chuang Tzu): This chapter analyzes the era of the Warring States of Chuang Tzu with respect to political and social environment as well as academic and cultural environment in order to access to the background of the writing of Chuang Tzu and further profoundly recognize and more adequately control the theme of the book. Based upon the life and achievement of Chuang Tzu, one can understand his spiritual state. Chapter three (the issues of the concern about human beings’ existence in Chuang Tzu) : This chapter analyzes the relationship of human beings and the heaven, human beings’ position in the universe and the social role of human beings and attempts to look for the stable position for the existence of human beings. Human beings are originally the production of nature. The natural instincts of human beings require people to follow the nature, return to the nature and be involved in the nature which is the value of human beings and the existence of happiness. People have to participate in the change of everything and exist with the nature. When participating in the flow of the world, one can also actively upgrade himself (herself) in order to reach the state of freedom without expectation. Chapter four (the detachment of human beings in Chuang Tzu): The chapter explores the human beings’ detachment when they encounter the obstacles of existence in Chuang Tzu. This paper proposes three strategies: breaking through the restriction of body, diminishing the deceiving of knowledge, breaking through the limitation of virtues. One expects to allow human beings to detach the obstacles of their existence. The life of “mo chi neng chi” can transformed into “ji hsiang chi chi”. Thus one can live freely and comfortably. Chapter five (the difference and similarity of sheng-jen, chih-jen, chen-jen and shen-jen in Chuang Tzu): This chapter categorizes and organizes the chapters related to different models of human beings in Chuang Tzu, analyzes them upon different perspectives of the scholars and further clarifies the difference and similarity of different ideal personalities in order to ensure the research subject of “chih-jen” of this paper. Chapter six (the ideal characteristics of chih-jen in Chuang Tzu): This chapter generalizes the characteristics of chih-jen as empty peace, relaxation without any expectation and enjoyment of natural life span. The state of chih-jen refers to “without oneself”; thus, one can reach the ideal state of “living with the world and involving oneself in everything” and “enjoying life with the Creator upwardly and downwardly making friends with the ones of eternal life”. Thus, one can be detached from the obstacles of life and accomplish the completeness of ideal life. Chapter seven (conclusion):The significance of time and value of chih-jen thoughts in Chuang Tzu: The chapter endows with the confirmation and spirit of time with respect to Chuang Tzu’s thoughts for thousand years which will be long standing. The chapter generalizes the above as the follows: 1) Recognizing the position of human beings from the perspective of the whole universe 2) Remaining the whole body from the perspective of natural life and death 3) Loitering in the world with free spirit 4) Returning to purity and simplicity upon breakthrough the chaos. In the era of turbulence, Chuang Tzu’s thoughts stabilize the life which allows one to possess the most natural and harmonious life and spiritual world.