Returning to Zhen: An Investigation of Zhen Highlighted by Zhuangzi and Daoist Self-Transcendence
Shaojun Wang
Religions April 21, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/rel16040534 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that zhen 真 is a Daoist philosophical concept denoting the existential authenticity of each individual and the whole world, and that one deviates from zhen by yielding to su 俗, which includes Confucian moral regulations as well as sensual desires. Contends that transcending secular values enables one to become a true person (zhenren 真人), and that Confucians, concerned with shan 善, even seek to repress zhen with shan, which the author identifies as the fundamental reason they are unwilling to mention zhen. |
Abstract
Very few people know that there is not even one character of zhen 真 in the Thirteen Classics revered by Confucians. Among the three axiological categories, Confucianism attaches importance to shan 善 (goodness) and mei 美 (beauty), while Daoism highlights zhen. It was Daoism that first put forward zhen as a philosophical concept and discussed it extensively. However, the existing research about it is still insufficient and mingled with misunderstandings. In this article, I will explore its innermost connotations. I will mainly employ methods such as a literature analysis and comparative research in this inquiry. Zhen indicates the existential authenticity of each individual and the whole world. Daoists believe that one will deviate from zhen once he/she yields to su 俗. Su not only refers to sensual desires but includes Confucian moral regulations as well. Only when one has transcended these secular values will it be possible for him/her to become a true person (zhenren 真人). What Confucians are concerned with is shan, and they even want to repress zhen with shan. This is the fundamental reason that they are unwilling to mention zhen.