the complete works of chuang tzu burton watson

Before this time a number of works had been written which can be regarded as historical documents or chronicles, such as the Shu-ching (Book of Documents), the Ch’un-ch’iu (Spring and Autumn Annals), the Tso chuan (Tso’s Commentary), and the Kuo-yü (Discourses of the States). It was written as a matter of private initiative. The work produced by Ssu-ma Ch’ien and his father, Ssu-ma T’an, constitutes China’s first systematic history. For espousing Li Ling’s cause, Ssu-ma Ch’ien suffered disgrace and punishment by castration. Li Ling had been fighting at a great distance from his base and had been forced to surrender after a prolonged and gallant struggle. He defended Li Ling, an officer who had led a force of infantry against China’s enemies in central Asia. In his capacity as court official, Ssu-ma Ch’ien became involved in political rivalries. He completed a draft history of mankind started by his father. Ssu-ma Ch’ien (145-90 BC) has been described as the “Grand Historian of China,” held the office of T’ai-shih, or director of astrology, in the imperial government.

He was known for rejecting traditional values and was one of the founders of Taoism.

Channeling Chuang Tzu – Background, Narrative and Characters from Burton Watson’s Chuang Tzu’s Basic Writings IntroductionĬhuang Tzu – His personal name was Chou and he was native to a place called Meng, and once served as an official in the lacquer garden in Meng, his writings focused on skepticism and mystical detachment and freeing oneself from the world.

The complete works of chuang tzu burton watson