The Zhuangzi Confucianism Facility

Zhuang Zi's ideology directly originated from that of Lao Zi, but it was also closely related with Confucianism. Mainly based on documents themselves, this paper delineates the resemblances between Zhuang Zi's ideology and the Confucianism, and lays stress on discussing the fusion of Zhuang Zi's ideology and the inner spirits of Confucianism.The paper consists of two major parts.Part one: The examination of the relation between Zhuang Zi and ConfucianismThis part first summarizes several ideas about "Zhuang Zi's ideology originating from Confucianism". Then through examing and analyzing the following three aspects: Zhuang Zi's public declaration of the classical connotations of Confucianism, the fables in Zhuang Zi relying on Confucius for support, and the similarities and resemblances between Zhuang Zi and Yan Hui, this part points out that there is a close relation between Zhuang Zi and Confucianism, and holds that the theory of "Zhuang Zi's ideology originating from Yan Hui's Confucian ideology" possesses certain grounds.Part two: The fusion between Zhuang Zi's ideology and the inner spirits of Confucianism1.In the Confucian theory of Heaven and destiny, "Heaven" contained both the meaning of nature and agnostic inevitability;"destiny" embodied the implication of inevitability and contingency.Zhuang Zi's "Heaven" bearing natural meaning not only stemed from Lao Zi, but also absorbed the Confucian ideas; however, the "Heaven" bearing the meaning of inevitability and the "destiny" embodying the double meaning of inevitability and contingency came from Confucianism directly.2.Confucius designed two scholary life patterns. His this-worldly idea was abundant and integrated, and the contour of the otherworldly idea was also formed. Zhuang Zi assimilated the this-worldly spirits of Confucianism, but he concealed it in recesses; in addition, with the Confucian other-worldly theory, Zhuang Zi absorbed Lao Zi's ideas, developed and constructed an integrated theory of seclusion.3.Both Confucius and Lao Zi held the social political ideal of "nonaction". Developing this train of thought, Zhuang Zi formed his own ideal social pattern.