Harmonizing Diversity: Insights from Zhuangzi’s Concept of <i>Zhi</i> 知
Zhuangzi articulates a framework for harmonizing diversity in both thought and practice. An in-depth analysis of the concept of <i>zhi</i> 知 is essential for understanding Zhuangzi’s perspective on achieving harmony concerning the diverse and ever-changing nature of existence. Previous s...
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| author | Cheng Wang |
| author_facet | Cheng Wang |
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| description | Zhuangzi articulates a framework for harmonizing diversity in both thought and practice. An in-depth analysis of the concept of <i>zhi</i> 知 is essential for understanding Zhuangzi’s perspective on achieving harmony concerning the diverse and ever-changing nature of existence. Previous studies on Zhuangzi either label his philosophy as anti-intellectual or fail to sufficiently examine the multi-dimensional nature of <i>zhi</i> as presented in his writings. This article identifies a hierarchical framework of knowledge in the <i>Zhuangzi</i>, including <i>xinzhi</i> 心知 (conscious knowing), <i>xiaozhi</i> 小知 (lesser knowledge), <i>dazhi</i> 大知 (greater knowledge), and <i>zhenzhi</i> 真知 (true knowledge), and discusses its implications for both inner and external harmony. It illustrates Zhuangzi’s critique of conventional forms of knowledge, which often create rigid divisions. The study reveals how practices such as <i>xinzhai</i> 心齋 (fasting of the heart-mind) lead from limited understanding toward <i>zhenzhi</i>, culminating in the realization of <i>zhenren</i>, who lives in accordance with <i>dao</i>. The analysis of various levels of knowing illuminates Zhuangzi’s approach to transcending conventional epistemology while proposing methods to embrace diverse perspectives and achieve better harmony in existence. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-1c6eb627dbd2484d9a2e794f644ed405 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2077-1444 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Religions |
| spelling | doaj-art-1c6eb627dbd2484d9a2e794f644ed4052025-08-20T01:49:03ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442025-03-0116335310.3390/rel16030353Harmonizing Diversity: Insights from Zhuangzi’s Concept of <i>Zhi</i> 知Cheng Wang0Center for Studies of History of Chinese Language/Research Institute for Ancient Books, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, ChinaZhuangzi articulates a framework for harmonizing diversity in both thought and practice. An in-depth analysis of the concept of <i>zhi</i> 知 is essential for understanding Zhuangzi’s perspective on achieving harmony concerning the diverse and ever-changing nature of existence. Previous studies on Zhuangzi either label his philosophy as anti-intellectual or fail to sufficiently examine the multi-dimensional nature of <i>zhi</i> as presented in his writings. This article identifies a hierarchical framework of knowledge in the <i>Zhuangzi</i>, including <i>xinzhi</i> 心知 (conscious knowing), <i>xiaozhi</i> 小知 (lesser knowledge), <i>dazhi</i> 大知 (greater knowledge), and <i>zhenzhi</i> 真知 (true knowledge), and discusses its implications for both inner and external harmony. It illustrates Zhuangzi’s critique of conventional forms of knowledge, which often create rigid divisions. The study reveals how practices such as <i>xinzhai</i> 心齋 (fasting of the heart-mind) lead from limited understanding toward <i>zhenzhi</i>, culminating in the realization of <i>zhenren</i>, who lives in accordance with <i>dao</i>. The analysis of various levels of knowing illuminates Zhuangzi’s approach to transcending conventional epistemology while proposing methods to embrace diverse perspectives and achieve better harmony in existence.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/3/353Zhuangzi<i>zhi</i>harmony<i>dao</i>epistemology |
| spellingShingle | Cheng Wang Harmonizing Diversity: Insights from Zhuangzi’s Concept of <i>Zhi</i> 知 Religions Zhuangzi <i>zhi</i> harmony <i>dao</i> epistemology |
| title | Harmonizing Diversity: Insights from Zhuangzi’s Concept of <i>Zhi</i> 知 |
| title_full | Harmonizing Diversity: Insights from Zhuangzi’s Concept of <i>Zhi</i> 知 |
| title_fullStr | Harmonizing Diversity: Insights from Zhuangzi’s Concept of <i>Zhi</i> 知 |
| title_full_unstemmed | Harmonizing Diversity: Insights from Zhuangzi’s Concept of <i>Zhi</i> 知 |
| title_short | Harmonizing Diversity: Insights from Zhuangzi’s Concept of <i>Zhi</i> 知 |
| title_sort | harmonizing diversity insights from zhuangzi s concept of i zhi i 知 |
| topic | Zhuangzi <i>zhi</i> harmony <i>dao</i> epistemology |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/3/353 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT chengwang harmonizingdiversityinsightsfromzhuangzisconceptofizhiizhī |