The Dao Shown in Skills or Integrated into Skills: An Examination of Zhuangzi's Aesthetics on Skills
Abstract
In Zhuangzi's relationship between Dao and skill, the prevailing understanding is that Dao can be shown in skills. This understanding, the paper argues, may not be internal to Zhuangzi's thought but derivative from later theorists and scholars on the basis of their understanding of artistic and aesthetic practice. The later theorization may also result from the integration of Confucian and Daoist thoughts. The within-heart epiphany and the experience of "sitting and forgetting" do not correspond to the spirit of arts or aesthetics but to the spirit of morality. The pursuit of the fantastic skills instead of the practical skills in Zhuangzi's thought is a way to approach the Dao starting from skills and ending in integrating skills into the Dao.
First Page
102
Last Page
110
Recommended Citation
Chen, Huoqing. 2013. "The Dao Shown in Skills or Integrated into Skills: An Examination of Zhuangzi's Aesthetics on Skills." Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art 33, (6): pp.102-110. https://tsla.researchcommons.org/journal/vol33/iss6/17
