The Philosopher Poet & the Mythic Peng Bird: Expressing the Unknown in Zhuangzi (Taoist Philosophy)

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Published: Mar 15th, 2024

A philosopher has the unique challenge of expressing that which is beyond us through the limitations of language. For many, this is done through a series of logical arguments; for the Taoist philosopher Zhuangzi 莊子 the Way of Nature, called Tao 道 is best approached in another way, through the powerful, poetic language of metaphor. Zhuangzi sets the tone through the marvelous image of the mythological Peng 大鵬 bird which rises beyond the limits of our understanding. Yet, we will see, even the lofty Peng can affect our lives. Transcript: https://ancientworld.website/b/mythosandlogos/view_post.php?id=7 Mythos & Logos are two ancient words that can be roughly translated as “Story & Meaning.” Support the channel by subscribing, liking, and commenting to join the conversation! Support the channel financially through your generous Patreon donation: patreon.com/mythosandlogos This channel is a collection of thoughts of one person on the important stories that we humans have shared with each other. I believe that, in respectfully approaching storytelling traditions, we can find timeless wisdom and beauty that apply to modern life. I do my best to find and share that wisdom. I encourage you to share your thoughts and stories as well. The stories presented here have all been freely shared by their original tellers. I encourage you to study each story directly and consult traditional sources whenever possible.

00:00 Introduction 00:21 Zhuang Zhou from the National Folk Museum of Korea 00:33 Chinese Landscape from the Cleveland Museum of Art 01:03 Tao Te Ching, Chapter 1, translated by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English 01:23 Zuangzi in front of Waterfalls 02:08 Journey Through Darkness 03:13 The Land is So Rich in Beauty by Fu Baoshi & Guan Shanyue 03:35 Dapeng from the Kyōaka Hyaku-Monogatar, 19th century Japan. Image upscaled via use of artificial intelligence. 04:51 Universal Harmony 05:08 Chinese Trading Junk, Moored in the River of Guangzhou by Robert James Elliott 05:54 Zhuangzi, Chapter 1, “Free & Easy Wandering,” translated by Burton Watson 07:30 Difference In Perspective 07:45 Qing Dynasty Zhuangzi from National Museum of China 08:32 The Monk Zhidun Admiring a Horse by Ren Yi 10:01 Conclusion: Free & Easy Wandering

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