Chuang Tzu Quotes

A collection of quotes by Chuang Tzu.

Chuang Tzu was an influential Chinese philosopher and writer who lived in the fourth century BCE during the Warring States period. He is considered one of the primary contributors to Taoism, alongside Lao Tzu. However, little is known about his personal life and background.

Chuang Tzu's philosophical views are expressed in his writings, which primarily survive in the form of the book that bears his name, "Chuang Tzu." This collection of stories, anecdotes, and parables displays his deep understanding and interpretation of Taoist principles. The central concept in his teachings is the pursuit of Wu Wei, or effortless action, which emphasizes living in harmony with the natural order of the universe.

Chuang Tzu's writings highlight the relativity of human perception and challenge conventional wisdom. He often employed vivid allegories to convey his ideas, using stories of the natural world, animals, and dreams to provoke thought and contemplation. His work deeply influenced subsequent generations of philosophers and had a significant impact on East Asian culture and literature.

Despite his enigmatic life and mysterious origins, Chuang Tzu's writings continue to inspire people seeking spiritual and philosophical insights. His emphasis on embracing change, skepticism towards societal norms, and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things remain relevant even in the modern era.

Once I dreamed I was a butterfly, and now I no longer know w

Once I dreamed I was a butterfly, and now I no longer know whether I am Chuang Tzu, who dreamed I was a butterfly, or whether I am a butterfly dreaming that I am Chuang Tzu.

All that is limited by form, semblance, sound, color is call

All that is limited by form, semblance, sound, color is called object. Among them all, man alone is more than an object. Though, like objects, he has form and semblance, He is not limited to form. He is more. He can attain to formlessness. When he is beyond form and semblance, beyond this and that, where is the comparison with another object? Where is the conflict? What can stand in his way? He will rest in his eternal place which is no-place. He will be hidden in his own unfathomable secret. His nature sinks to its root in the One. His vitality, his power hide in secret Tao.

Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness.

Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness.

Flow with whatever is happening and let your mind be free. S

Flow with whatever is happening and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.

I know the joy of fishes in the river through my own joy, as

I know the joy of fishes in the river through my own joy, as I go walking along the same river.

Rewards and punishment is the lowest form of education.

Rewards and punishment is the lowest form of education.

We cling to our own point of view, as though everything depe

We cling to our own point of view, as though everything depended on it. Yet our opinions have no permanence; like autumn and winter, they gradually pass away.

Horses have hoofs to carry them over frost and snow; hair, t

Horses have hoofs to carry them over frost and snow; hair, to protect them from wind and cold. They eat grass and drink water, and fling up their heels.... Such is the real nature of horses.

If water derives lucidity from stillness, how much more the

If water derives lucidity from stillness, how much more the faculties of the mind! The mind of the sage, being in repose, becomes the mirror of the universe, the speculum of all creation.

Easy is right. Begin right, and you will be easy. Continue e

Easy is right. Begin right, and you will be easy. Continue easy and you are right... The right way to go easy is to forget the right way, and forget that the going is easy.

The torch of doubt and chaos is what the sage steers by.

The torch of doubt and chaos is what the sage steers by.