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How does Zhuangzi view the concept of "ziran"?

Zhuangzi, a Taoist philosopher, had a unique perspective on the concept of "ziran". In Taoism, "ziran" refers to the natural and spontaneous way of being, in harmony with the natural order of the universe. Zhuangzi believed that this concept was essential for living a fulfilling and meaningful life.

To understand Zhuangzi's view of "ziran", it is important to first understand his philosophy of Taoism. Taoism emphasizes the idea of living in harmony with the Tao, or the natural way of the universe. This means accepting and embracing the constant changes and cycles of nature, rather than trying to control or resist them.

For Zhuangzi, "ziran" is closely tied to the concept of Wuwei, or non-action. He believed that by following the natural flow of things, one could achieve a state of effortless action and inner peace. This is in contrast to the Confucian idea of striving for perfection and constantly trying to improve oneself.

Zhuangzi saw "ziran" as the ultimate state of being, where one is free from societal expectations and constraints. He believed that humans are born with an innate understanding of "ziran", but it is often lost or suppressed by societal norms and conventions. He wrote, "The perfect man employs his mind as a mirror. It grasps nothing, it refuses nothing. It receives, but does not keep."

In his famous story of the butterfly dream, Zhuangzi questions the idea of a fixed reality and the boundaries between the self and the external world. He suggests that true freedom and enlightenment can be achieved by letting go of our attachments and embracing the natural flow of things.

Furthermore, Zhuangzi believed that everything in nature has its own unique way of being, and humans should strive to find their own "ziran" rather than trying to conform to societal norms. He wrote, "The fish trap exists because of the fish; once you've gotten the fish, you can forget the trap. The rabbit snare exists because of the rabbit; once you've gotten the rabbit, you can forget the snare."

In essence, Zhuangzi viewed "ziran" as the key to living a fulfilling and authentic life. By embracing the natural way of things and letting go of our attachments and desires, we can achieve a state of inner peace and harmony with the universe. It is a reminder to live in the present moment and to be true to oneself, rather than constantly striving for perfection and societal approval.