During a time of political and social upheaval in China, the insights of the Daoist sage Zhuangzi (369?-286? B.C.) offered a path to natural living. Inspired by Zhuangzi's wisdom, Taiwanese cartoonist Tsai Chih Chung created a bestselling comic book that brings his key parables to life, translating Zhuangzi's enlightening sayings into modern Chinese. Tsai's work made the core parts of Zhuangzi accessible to millions of Chinese speakers who might not otherwise engage with this significant Daoist text. Now translated into English by Brian Bruya, the comic book reaches a Western audience, featuring the classical Chinese text in the margins. Through playful illustrations and the translation, readers are encouraged to embrace spontaneity, letting go of presuppositions and ambitions to attune themselves to the music of nature. Alongside Laozi's writings, Zhuangzi's philosophy has profoundly influenced Chinese culture, impacting painting, literature, and martial arts, and significantly shaping Chan Buddhism (Japanese Zen). An afterword by Donald Munro provides historical and cultural context for Daoism and the Zhuangzi, enriching the reader's understanding of its enduring legacy.
Brian Bruya Livres
Brian J. Bruya est un traducteur accompli de classiques chinois et un professeur d'histoire et de philosophie. Il consacre son travail à rendre accessible le riche héritage intellectuel de la Chine aux lecteurs occidentaux. Ses efforts de traduction considérables rapprochent les idées profondes des anciens penseurs chinois d'un public contemporain. La formation universitaire de Bruya en philosophie et en études chinoises lui permet de s'engager profondément dans les nuances des textes originaux, en les présentant d'une manière captivante et compréhensible.
