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Reassessing the Relationship Between “Xu Jing” in Wenxin Diaolong and Daoist Thought in Zhuangzi



Author(s)

CHENG Huirong

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DOI:10.17265/2328-2177/2024.11.009

The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK

This paper compares the concept of xu jing (虛靜) in Liu Xie’s (劉勰) Wenxin Diaolong (文心雕龍) with the ideas of xinzhai zuowang (心齋坐忘) and xushi shengbai (虛室生白) in Zhuangzi (莊子). It argues that xinzhai zuowang is Zhuangzi’s method for self-cultivation to attain the Dao (道), while xushi shengbai serves as the premise for the relationship between Liu Xie’s xu jing and Zhuangzi’s xinzhai zuowang. This study challenges the traditional view that Daoist thought is purely epistemological and that xu jing is merely methodological, suggesting that Liu Xie’s philosophical perspective is not inferior to that of Zhuangzi. By applying Zhuangzi’s concept of relativism, the paper proposes three levels of xu jing: artistic creation, anticipation of inspiration, and attaining the Dao. It asserts that Liu Xie’s xu jing can achieve the highest level of attaining the Dao and align with Zhuangzi’s philosophical essence.

Chinese literature, Chinese philosophy, Daoism, Zhuangzi, Liu Xie, Wenxin Diaolong, xu jing