The way of Chuang Tzu
A Personal and Spiritual Interpretation of the Classic Philosopher of Taoism
by Thomas Merton · first published 1968
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…Philosophy's excellent article on Zhuangzi: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/zhuangzi/ And Thomas Merton's poetic interpretations: "The Way of Chaung Tzu" https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Way_of_Chuang_Tzu.h...
on “How Stoical Was Seneca? (2014)” ↗…a similar experience with Taoism. It is a kind of tough nut to crack coming from Western cultures what with our extensive theologies, holy books, and prescriptivist religions. I highly recommend “The Way of Chuang Tzu” by Thomas Merton. Perhaps this betrays some fundamental ignorance on my part, but I think understanding and internalizing the Taoist mindset makes meditation a little less relevant or necessary. Taoism…
on “How scientists are bringing advanced meditation out of the monastery” ↗…out of his mind! His skill has not changed. But the prize Divides him. He cares. He thinks more of winning Than of shooting— And the need to win Drains him of power. From "The Way of Chuang Tzu", as translated by Thomas Merton, © 1965.
on “Ask HN: How do you deal with professional jealousy and getting older?” ↗…get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Thomas Merton! He was a truly wise man and I have several of his books (highly recommend Zen and the Birds of Appetite and The Wisdom of the Desert!) and enjoy his "The Way of Chuang Tzu ". But Merton wasn't a translator and was instead arranging others translations, as well as interpreting passages in his own way. So while I'd certainly recommend his books I wanted to stay within the…
on “How scientists are bringing advanced meditation out of the monastery” ↗…The non-action of the wise man is not inaction. It is not studied. It is not shaken by anything. The sage is quiet because he is not moved, Not because he wills to be quiet. - Thomas Merton, The Way of Chuang-Tzu
on “Nothing: Simply Do Nothing” ↗