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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.

Tianwen Editorial Team February 7, 2026 85 min read PDF Markdown
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"

I. Core Concepts

ConceptSourceInterpretation in this Article
Yǔ Tài Dìng (宇泰定)Zhuangzi, Geng Sang ChuThe tranquility, unimpeded flow, and stability of the inner universe (the mind’s space).
Tiān Guāng (天光)Zhuangzi, Geng Sang ChuThe inherent radiance of the Heavenly Dao, manifesting naturally.
Rén Jiàn Qí Rén (人见其人)Zhuangzi, Geng Sang ChuThe manifestation of the true self.
Tiānmín (天民)Zhuangzi, Geng Sang ChuPeople belonging directly to the Heavenly Dao, transcending secular order.
Tiānzǐ (天子)Zhuangzi, Geng Sang ChuOne assisted by the Heavenly Dao (a spiritual, not political, identity).
Tiān Jūn (天钧)Zhuangzi, Qi Wu Lun & Geng Sang ChuThe balancing force operating in the equilibrium of the Heavenly Dao.
Bǎo Guāng (葆光)Zhuangzi, Qi Wu LunPreserving the natural light.
Xīn Zhāi (心斋)Zhuangzi, Ren Jian ShiThe emptiness of the mind—"Emptiness is the Fasting of the Mind."
Zuò Wàng (坐忘)Zhuangzi, Da Zong ShiForgetting the form and knowledge to identify with the Great Connection.
Tiān Ní (天倪)Zhuangzi, Qi Wu Lun & Yu YanThe natural boundaries and equilibrium of Heaven.