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.

Dimensioni: 202 x 11.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.

Collana: TRANSLATIONS FROM THE ASIAN CLASSICS.

Chuang Tzu: Basic Writings includes the seven 'inner chapters,' which form the heart of the book, three of the 'outer chapters,' and one of the 'miscellaneous chapters.' Watson also provides an introduction, placing the philosopher in relation to Chinese history and thought.Witty and imaginative, enriched by brilliant imagery, and making sportive use of both mythological and historical personages (including even Confucius), this timeless classic is sure to appeal to anyone interested in Chinese religion and culture. Central to these is the belief that only by understanding Tao (the Way of Nature) and dwelling in its unity can man achieve true happiness and freedom, in both life and death.

Using parable and anecdote, allegory and paradox, he set forth, in the book that bears his name, the early ideas of what was to become the Taoist school. And Burton Watson's lucid and beautiful translation has been loved by generations of readers.Chuang Tzu (369?-286? B.C.) was a leading philosopher representing the Taoist strain in Chinese thought. TRAMAThe basic writings of Chuang Tzu have been savored by Chinese readers for over two thousand years.

Chuang tzu watson