“Where is the Way” Confucius and Zhuangzi Discuss the Dao

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Confucius: Salutations good sir, I am Confucius. I have come in good faith to pontificate the Dao, and discuss the path one must cultivate in order to harmonize one’s life on a personal and societal level. How are you on this fine day? Zhuangzi: Greetings Confucius, I am Zhuangzi. I am delighted you have come to this kingdom, as we can now seek mutual enlightenment on our quest for the Dao. I am very peaceful on this day thus far. Confucius: Well, Zhuangzi, I do believe I am aware of where the Dao is. Zhuangzi: Please enlighten me, Confucius! Confucius: I believe the Dao lies within the traditions of the fallen Zhou Dynasty. This dynasty was a golden age for our great nation, and only returning to strict adherence of li, our societal rituals and traditions, will lead us back to a successful path. Li was the cornerstone of our society before we gradually departed from our emphasis on ritual. This detachment from ritual is a fueling factor in our nation’s present social and political crisis. The Dao can be discovered through strict devotion to li. Zhuangzi: I understand our nation is in a perilous state due to political and social unrest. However, how did you determine your philosophy based on Li, Confucius? Confucius: I was not blessed with knowledge of the Dao upon birth, nor do I claim to have irrefutable knowledge now. However, “I am simply someone who loves antiquity and looks there for knowledge” (Confucius Book 7, CH 20). In a retrospective view of the Zhou Dynasty, I have concluded we must alter our practices to model strict adherence to ritual in order to once more be a harmonizing society. Zhuangzi: Our opinions seem to conflict, Confucius. I adamantly believe the practice of ritual is in no way crucial to Dao. Rath... ... middle of paper ... ...ile non-action keeping the process alive maintains legitimacy, I believe true non-action results from the unlearning process, and reverting to our original spirits. Confucius: I still cannot accept your arguments in their entirety as true. I believe second nature is the result of a learned process rather than instinctual quality. Zhuangzi: It seems we have reached an impasse in our philosophical discussions. I feel as if we will make no further progress from here, but it was very enjoyable conversing with you, Confucius. Confucius: You as well, Zhuangzi. Best of luck with your philosophical endeavors. Works Cited Zhuangzi. Zhuangzi: Basic Writings. Trans. Burton. Watson. New York: Columbia UP, 2003. Print. Confucius. The Essential Analects: Selected Passages with Traditional Commentary. Trans. Edward G. Slingerland Indianapolis: Hackett Pub, 2006. Print.

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