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#Zhuangzi #Geng Sang Chu #Light of Heaven #Vast and Stable Universe #Pre-Qin Philosophy
An Exploration of Pre-Qin Philosophical Origins of "Those Whose Universes are Vast and Stable Emit the Light of Heaven" in Zhuangzi's "Geng Sang Chu"
This paper deeply interprets the core proposition "Those whose universes are vast and stable emit the light of heaven" from Zhuangzi's "Geng Sang Chu." Integrating Pre-Qin classics, it analyzes the proposition's five-layered progressive meanings, exploring the essence of Zhuangzi's thought concerning inner stillness, the interaction between Heaven and humanity, the transcendence of intellectual limits, and the cosmic order.
Appendix: Index of Key Concepts
I. Core Concepts
| Concept | Source | Interpretation in this Article |
|---|---|---|
| Yǔ Tài Dìng (宇泰定) | Zhuangzi, Geng Sang Chu | The tranquility, unimpeded flow, and stability of the inner universe (the mind’s space). |
| Tiān Guāng (天光) | Zhuangzi, Geng Sang Chu | The inherent radiance of the Heavenly Dao, manifesting naturally. |
| Rén Jiàn Qí Rén (人见其人) | Zhuangzi, Geng Sang Chu | The manifestation of the true self. |
| Tiānmín (天民) | Zhuangzi, Geng Sang Chu | People belonging directly to the Heavenly Dao, transcending secular order. |
| Tiānzǐ (天子) | Zhuangzi, Geng Sang Chu | One assisted by the Heavenly Dao (a spiritual, not political, identity). |
| Tiān Jūn (天钧) | Zhuangzi, Qi Wu Lun & Geng Sang Chu | The balancing force operating in the equilibrium of the Heavenly Dao. |
| Bǎo Guāng (葆光) | Zhuangzi, Qi Wu Lun | Preserving the natural light. |
| Xīn Zhāi (心斋) | Zhuangzi, Ren Jian Shi | The emptiness of the mind—"Emptiness is the Fasting of the Mind." |
| Zuò Wàng (坐忘) | Zhuangzi, Da Zong Shi | Forgetting the form and knowledge to identify with the Great Connection. |
| Tiān Ní (天倪) | Zhuangzi, Qi Wu Lun & Yu Yan | The natural boundaries and equilibrium of Heaven. |
II. Pre-Qin Texts Cited
| Classic | Cited Chapters/Sections |
|---|---|
| Zhuangzi | Xiaoyao You, Qi Wu Lun, Yang Sheng Zhu, Ren Jian Shi, De Chong Fu, Da Zong Shi, Ying Di Wang, Tian Di, Tian Dao, Tian Yun, Ke Yi, Zai You, Zhi Bei You, Geng Sang Chu, Yu Yan, Rang Wang, Lie Yukou, Shan Mu, Ma Ti, Quie Qie, Dao Zhi, Tianxia |
| Laozi | Ch. 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 28, 30, 32, 33, 37, 40, 41, 45, 47, 48, 52, 54, 58, 64, 66, 71, 73, 77, 79, 80, 81 |
| I Ching | Qian, Kun, Tai, Heng, Da You Hexagrams, Gua Zhuan, Xi Ci Shang, Xi Ci Xia |
| Analects | Xue Er, Wei Zheng, Li Ren, Gong Ye Chang, Yong Ye, Shu Ye, Zi Han, Zi Lu, Wei Ling Gong |
| Mencius | Gongsun Chou I, Wan Zhang I, Jin Xin I |
| Xunzi | Quan Xue, Jie Bi |
| Mozi | Xiao Qu, Xiu Shen, Gui Yi |
| Guanzi | Nei Ye |
| Shangshu | Yao Dian, Tang Shi, Tang Gao, Mu Shi |
| Shijing | Bin Feng (Qi Yue), Da Ya (Huang Yi, Jia Le, Wen Wang) |
| Zuo Zhuan | Duke Xi 23, Duke Xuan 2, Duke Zhao 2, Duke Ai 1 |
| Guoyu | Jin Yu IX |
| Da Xue | Chapter 1 |
| Huangdi Sijing | Jing Fa (Dao Fa) |
| Heguanzi | Tai Hong, Du Wan |