The Book Of Lieh Tzu

The Book Of Lieh Tzu

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The Book of Lieh Tzu: A Taoist Classic of Stories and Philosophy

The Book of Lieh Tzu (Chinese: åå; WadeâGiles: Lieh-tzu) is a Taoist text attributed to Lie Yukou, a c. 5th century BC Hundred Schools of Thought philosopher[^1^]. Although there were references to Lie's Liezi from the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, a number of Chinese and Western scholars believe that the content of the current text was compiled around the 4th century CE by Zhang Zhan[^1^].

The Book of Lieh Tzu is a collection of stories and philosophical musings that reflect the Taoist view of reality, nature, enlightenment, and personal freedom. The stories often feature Lie Yukou as a protagonist or narrator, who encounters various sages, rulers, animals, and supernatural beings in his journeys. The stories illustrate the principles of Taoism, such as wu-wei (non-action), ziran (naturalness), and xian (immortality). The stories also express a sense of humor, irony, and paradox that challenge conventional wisdom and morality.

The Book of Lieh Tzu is divided into eight chapters: Heaven's Gifts, Yellow Emperor, Tang Wen, King Mu of Zhou, Questions of Tang, Confucius, Explaining Conjunctions, and Autumn Floods. Each chapter contains several anecdotes or dialogues that explore different aspects of Taoism. Some of the most famous stories include:

The story of how Lie Yukou learned to ride the wind and travel across the world without any effort[^2^].

The story of how Zhuang Zhou dreamed he was a butterfly and wondered if he was really a butterfly dreaming he was Zhuang Zhou[^3^].

The story of how Huizi tried to convince Zhuang Zhou that his happiness was relative and dependent on external circumstances[^4^].

The story of how a skull on the roadside told Confucius that death was better than life.

The story of how a man named Gengsang Chu cured a dying prince by teaching him to forget his illness and his self.

The story of how a man named Ying Zheng became a tyrant by following the advice of a sage named Lao Ai.

The Book of Lieh Tzu is considered one of the three main texts of Taoism, along with the Tao Te Ching and the Zhuangzi. It is valued for its literary style, its insight into human nature, and its practical guidance for living in harmony with the Tao. The Book of Lieh Tzu has influenced many Chinese poets, philosophers, artists, and religious thinkers throughout history.The history of Taoism stretches throughout Chinese history. Originating in prehistoric China, it has exerted a powerful influence over Chinese culture throughout the ages. Taoism evolved in response to changing times, with its doctrine and associated practices being revised and refined. The acceptance of Taoism by the ruling class has waxed and waned, alternately enjoying periods of favor and rejection. Most recently, Taoism has emerged from a period of suppression and is undergoing a revival in China.

Taoism is often associated with Lao Tzu, who is traditionally regarded as the author of the Tao Te Ching and the founder of the Taoist religion[^1^]. However, some sources claim that Taoism as a religion began in the year 142 CE with the revelation of the Tao to Zhang Daoling by the personified god of the Tao, Taishang laojun (Lao Tzu) [^1^]. Others suggest that Taoism dates back to the 4th or 5th century BCE, drawing its cosmological notions from the School of Yinyang and the I Ching, or reviving an ancient philosophical tradition from the Shang Dynasty (1558-1102 BCE) [^1^]. There is also a legend that Lao Tzu left his job and rode off west on an ox in the 6th century BCE [^1^].

Taoism has four main components: philosophical Taoism, which is based on the writings of Lao Tzu and Zhuangzi; techniques for achieving ecstasy, such as meditation, breathing exercises, and alchemy; practices for achieving longevity or immortality, such as diet, exercise, and herbal medicine; and exorcism, which involves rituals for warding off evil spirits and diseases [^2^]. Some of these components may have originated from prehistoric folk religions in China that later coalesced into a Taoist tradition .

Taoism became well-known in the 8th century CE as the religion of the Tang dynasty. In the following centuries, it coexisted alongside Buddhism and Confucianism (another philosophical religion). However, during the Communist takeover in 1949, Taoism, Confucianism, and other religions were banned. This caused a decline in the practice of Taoism in China [^2^]. Today, Taoism is recognized as one of the five official religions in China and has millions of followers worldwide. aa16f39245