The Zhuangzi is an ancient Chinese text that is one of the two foundational texts of Taoism, alongside the Tao Te Ching. It was written during the late Warring States period (476–221 BC) and is named for its traditional author, Zhuang Zhou.
The Butterfly Dream, by Chinese painter Lu Zhi (c. 1550)
Replica of a Tang-era manuscript of the "Heavenly Revolutions" chapter (No. 14), published in Tokyo in 1932
Zhuangzi Dreaming of a Butterfly, by 18th-century Japanese painter Ike no Taiga
Zhuangzi Dreaming of a Butterfly, by Japanese painter Shibata Zeshin (1888)
Taoism or Daoism is a diverse tradition indigenous to China, variously characterized as both a philosophy and a religion. Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao—generally understood as being the impersonal, enigmatic process of transformation ultimately underlying reality. The concept originates in the Chinese word 道, which has numerous related meanings: possible English translations include 'way', 'road', and 'technique'. Taoist thought has informed the development of various practices within the Taoist tradition and beyond, including forms of meditation, astrology, qigong, feng shui, and internal alchemy. A common goal of Taoist practice is self-cultivation resulting in a deeper appreciation of the Tao, and thus a more harmonious existence. There are different formulations of Taoist ethics, but there is generally emphasis on virtues such as effortless action, naturalness or spontaneity, simplicity, and the three treasures of compassion, frugality, and humility. Many Taoist terms lack simple definitions and have been translated in several different ways.
Laozi Riding an Ox by Zhang Lu (c. 1464–1538)
Illustration of "The Debate on the Joy of Fish" from the Zhuangzi
Han dynasty Chinese talisman, part of the Wucheng Bamboo-slips [zh]
Zhang Daoling, the first Celestial Master