earticle

한국어

he philosophy of the Dao is intrinsically without demarcations; a principle articulated in the Qiwu Lun (“The Adjustment of Controversies”) chapter of the Zhuangzi: “The Dao at first met with no responsive recognition.” However, divergent human viewpoints lead to the emergence of zhěn (畛, demarcations). This paper addresses the central question of how these divisions can be reconciled and comprehended within ultimate unity. First, the paper utilizes the concept of zhěn (man-made boundaries) as an example to discuss the relationship between being and non-being. The formation of zhěn establishes antithetical pairs-such as right/wrong, good/evil, and beauty/ugliness. Yet, from the viewpoint of the Dao, being and non-being coexist and mutually transform, negating any absolute distinction. Secondly, the paper examines the concept of qiáng (牆, wall) to explore the relationship between reality and nothingness. While the wall itself is real, the space it encloses is void. It is within this void, or nothingness, that demarcation appears and divides space. The paper then discusses the meaning of tōng (通, comprehension) through the Fu Hexagram (復卦, Hexagram for Return) from the I Ching. The Fu Hexagram, which symbolizes the cyclical return of vitality and life, illustrates a tōng that represents the regularity and cyclical movement by which all things sustain existence. Finally, as the philosopher Thomé H. Fang indicated (referencing the Dazongshi chapter), it is only on the common ground of equality that one can grasp the “mysterious situation” where everything achieves unity with the Great Pervader.