The Concept of Zhen 真 in the Zhuangzi
Philosophy East and West April 1, 2011 DOI: 10.1353/pew.2011.0019 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 21 |
| Key points | Argues that examining the various meanings and uses of zhen throughout the Zhuangzi leads to a broader understanding of the zhen ren in different contexts, rather than reading the figure solely as evidence of a mystical element in the text. |
Abstract
The term zhen in the Zhuangzi is commonly associated with the zhen ren or the "true person," who is described, for example, as capable of going through fire and water unharmed. Some scholars take this as typifying a mystical element in the Zhuangzi . This essay investigates the various meanings and uses of zhen in the Zhuangzi and reaches a broader understanding of the zhen ren in various contexts.