Posted 2016/8/12
Chuangtse, a classic Taoist work in China, was written by Chuangtse, the renowned ideologist, philosopher and writer in the Warring States Period.
The extant text of Chuangtse consists of thirty-three chapters including 7 Inner Chapters, 15 Outer Chapters, and 11 Miscellaneous Chapters. It is generously acknowledged that the inner chapters were written by Chuangtse himself, the outer were written by his disciples and the miscellaneous chapters were written either by his disciples or by other Taoist scholars. Chuangtse, having profound influence on Chinese ideologists and men of letters in history, occupies a significant place in Chinese philosophy and literature.
Chuangtse formed a particular philosophical and ideological system based on Laosim and Taoism. Tao, regarded as an entity was thought to be the origin of the world. The motto, "That government is best which governs least", mirrors its political claim and explains Chuangtse's distaste for conventional hierarchy. It advocates an outlook on life of "non-action in face of nature", which recommends maintaining personal freedom of body and mind, and of attaining a complete spiritual liberty and harmony between man and nature, instead of pursuing material comfort and secular fame. All these thoughts and claims have exerted far-reaching impact on later generations.
The splendor of Chuangtse not only rests upon the depth of its philosophical thought but also upon the brilliance of its literary style. The political claims and philosophical thoughts were illuminated by vivid and witty parables. The book is superb and appealing also in its refined diction, unusual imagination and magnificent images. Coherent thoughts were well presented through a peculiar structure which seemed inconsistent. The book also boasts a wide range of sentence patterns and detailed descriptions. It is no wonder that Chuangtse has become a pearl of Chinese literature as well as the symbol of the maturity of prose in the Pre-Qin Period, and represents the highest achievement in this period.
