Zhuangzi: A New Translation of the Sayings of Master Zhuang as Interpreted by Guo Xiang

The Zhuangzi is a Chinese philosophical text that is the cornerstone of Daoist thought. Guo Xiang's commentary on the Zhuangzi is the earliest and most influential, offering insights into the meaning and significance of its aphorisms, narratives, and parables. Richard John Lynn's new translation of the Zhuangzi is the first to follow Guo's commentary in its interpretive choices, rendering the text in terms of Guo's understanding. The book also features a translation of Guo's complete interlinear commentary and is annotated throughout. A critical introduction provides an account of Guo's life and times and analyzes his contributions to the development of Chinese philosophy. Lynn sheds new light on how the Daoist classic is situated in its historical context and considers it a guide to personal cultivation and self-realization.

Format: Hardback
Length: 808 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The Zhuangzi, also known as the Sayings of Master Zhuang, holds a revered position as one of the foundational texts within the Chinese philosophical tradition and serves as the cornerstone of Daoist thought. The earliest and most influential commentary on this text is attributed to Guo Xiang, a scholar who lived from 265 to 312. Not only did Guo Xiang edit the Zhuangzi into its renowned thirty-three-chapter version, but his commentary also adds profound insights into the meaning and significance of the text's concise yet often enigmatic aphorisms, narratives, and parables.

In order to provide a fresh and comprehensive translation of the Zhuangzi, Richard John Lynn has undertaken the task of rendering it into English. His translation is remarkable in that it adheres closely to the interpretive choices made by Guo Xiang. By adopting Guo's perspective, Lynn's translation enables a seamless integration of the text of the Zhuangzi with Guo's commentary. Furthermore, the book includes a complete interlinear commentary by Guo, providing further clarification and insight into the text.

To enhance the reader's experience, the Zhuangzi is extensively annotated throughout, offering additional explanations, references, and cross-references. Additionally, a critical introduction provides a detailed account of Guo Xiang's life and times, as well as an analysis of his essential contributions to the esoteric learning of the fourth century and the development of Chinese philosophy. Lynn sheds new light on how the Zhuangzi, often perceived as a timeless book of wisdom, is situated within its historical context while also considering it as a valuable guide for personal cultivation and self-realization.

In summary, Richard John Lynn's new translation of the Zhuangzi is a groundbreaking achievement that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on this ancient text. By closely adhering to Guo Xiang's commentary and providing a comprehensive interlinear commentary, Lynn enables readers to delve deeper into the meaning and significance of the Zhuangzi. The extensive annotations and critical introduction further enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of this influential philosophical work.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231123860