{"product_id":"chuang-tzu-basic-writings-9780231105958","title":"Chuang Tzu: Basic Writings","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe basic writings of Chuang Tzu have been savored by Chinese readers for over two thousand years. And Burton Watson's lucid and beautiful translation has been loved by generations of readers. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eChuang Tzu (369?-286? B.C.) was a leading philosopher representing the Taoist strain in Chinese thought. 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. 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003eChuang Tzu: Basic Writings\u003c\/i\u003e 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWitty 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBurton Watson is one of the world's best-known translators from the Chinese and Japanese. His translations include \u003ci\u003eThe Lotus Sutra, The Vimalakirti Sutra, Ryokan: Zen Monk-Poet of Japan, Saigyo: Poems of a Mountain Home, \u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Columbia Book of Chinese Poetry: From Early Times to the Thirteenth Century, \u003c\/i\u003e all published by Columbi\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Columbia University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50631122223378,"sku":"9780231105958","price":30.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_ba044a31-2c25-43d0-93e6-2d1f5508ce88.jpg?v=1732765692","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/chuang-tzu-basic-writings-9780231105958","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}