During a time of political and social upheaval in China, the insights of the Daoist sage Zhuangzi (369?-286? B.C.) offered a path to natural living. Inspired by Zhuangzi's wisdom, Taiwanese cartoonist Tsai Chih Chung created a bestselling comic book that brings his key parables to life, translating Zhuangzi's enlightening sayings into modern Chinese. Tsai's work made the core parts of Zhuangzi accessible to millions of Chinese speakers who might not otherwise engage with this significant Daoist text. Now translated into English by Brian Bruya, the comic book reaches a Western audience, featuring the classical Chinese text in the margins. Through playful illustrations and the translation, readers are encouraged to embrace spontaneity, letting go of presuppositions and ambitions to attune themselves to the music of nature. Alongside Laozi's writings, Zhuangzi's philosophy has profoundly influenced Chinese culture, impacting painting, literature, and martial arts, and significantly shaping Chan Buddhism (Japanese Zen). An afterword by Donald Munro provides historical and cultural context for Daoism and the Zhuangzi, enriching the reader's understanding of its enduring legacy.
Brian Bruya Book order (chronological)
Brian J. Bruya is an accomplished translator of Chinese classics and a professor of history and philosophy. He dedicates his work to making the rich intellectual heritage of China accessible to Western readers. His extensive translation efforts bring the profound insights of ancient Chinese thinkers to a contemporary audience. Bruya's academic background in philosophy and Chinese studies enables him to deeply engage with the nuances of original texts, presenting them in a compelling and understandable manner.
