Chapter 1: A Free Thinker Born in Chaos
Verse 1. A Life of Poverty, Yet Unconcerned
Zhuangzi (莊子) was born in the Warring States period, in the state of Song (宋).
Though he lived in poverty, he cared little for material wealth.
Instead, he found joy in a life intertwined with nature, unbound by worldly concerns.
From childhood, he believed:
“Everything in this world is in constant flux, and within the vastness of nature, humans are but a small existence.”
Verse 2. Surpassing the Teachings of Confucius
Zhuangzi was exposed to the philosophies of Confucius and Mencius.
Yet, he questioned, “Why must humans be bound by morality and ritual?”
To him, “Artificial teachings (人爲) only bring greater suffering to mankind.”
He believed that only by following the way of Nature (自然) could one attain true freedom.
Verse 3. The Chaos of the Warring States and His Disillusionment
During his time, powerful states waged endless wars in a struggle for dominance.
Rulers sought out philosophers, but only to reinforce their own power.
Zhuangzi wondered, “Why do humans chase after wealth and power, only to bring suffering upon themselves?”
He wished to overturn conventional thought but did not yet know how.
Chapter 2: The Temptation of Office and the Encounter with Snowseed
Verse 1. The King of Chu’s Offer
One day, the King of Chu invited Zhuangzi to serve in a high-ranking government position.
Without hesitation, Zhuangzi declined, saying:
“I would rather be a turtle that plays freely in the mud
than a golden-crowned prisoner in a palace.”
Though he rejected power, he was left with a lingering question:
“Can humans ever truly be free?”
Verse 2. Struggling to Escape the Absurdity of the World
Leaving the state of Chu, Zhuangzi felt an unease deep within.
“I speak of freedom, yet this world is filled with absurdity.
Can mankind ever break free from its chains?”
With questions that his existing wisdom could not answer, he wandered aimlessly.
Verse 3. Discovering Snowseed
According to legend, one day while walking deep within the mountains,
Zhuangzi came upon a strange white flower that emitted a faint glow.
He sensed that this was no ordinary plant.
“This flower is not a mere herb. It holds a greater meaning.”
Curious, he brewed it into tea and drank.
At that moment, an intense heat surged through his body, and a vision began.
Chapter 3: The Vision of King Kong and Enlightenment
Verse 1. The First Vision Becoming a Fish and a Butterfly
In his vision, Zhuangzi saw himself transforming into a giant fish, swimming freely in the ocean.
Then, in an instant, he became a butterfly, fluttering through the sky.
“Am I a fish? Am I a butterfly? Or am I still Zhuangzi?”
This was his first realization:
“Nothing has a fixed form; all things are in constant transformation.”
Verse 2. The Second Vision The Wars of the Feudal Lords
Next, he witnessed feudal lords waging war, deceiving and betraying one another.
“What are they fighting for?
Does winning or losing truly hold any meaning?”
This was his second realization:
“Human greed and struggles for power are but fleeting illusions.”
Verse 3. The Arrival of King Kong
Suddenly, a colossal being appeared before him.
As Zhuangzi gazed at this presence, he felt a powerful message.
“You seek freedom, but simply fleeing the world is not the answer.
Disrupt the old order, but do so with love and sacrifice.”
As the heat subsided, Zhuangzi regained consciousness.
Chapter 4: A New Way of Practice
Verse 1. A Resolution Upon Awakening
Zhuangzi realized:
“It is not enough to escape; true wisdom comes from understanding the world itself.”
Rather than forcibly changing society, he resolved to move with the natural flow of life.
Verse 2. Teaching Through Parables and Metaphors
Rather than directly engaging in politics,
Zhuangzi chose to enlighten others through parables and allegories.
“Do not swim against the current; flow with the river.”
“The largest trees remain uncut because they are seen as useless.”
His words offered deep insights to those seeking liberation from worldly constraints.
Verse 3. A Life of Freedom, Yet Not Indifference
Though summoned by kings, Zhuangzi never accepted an official position.
Yet he did not turn away from the world.
By sharing wisdom with the people,
he subtly transformed society not through force, but through understanding.
Chapter 5: The Realization of the Creator
Verse 1. Reflection in Old Age
Even as he aged, Zhuangzi continued to witness the world’s absurdity.
“The world remains chaotic, yet all things are part of nature’s flow.”
However, he was not merely a passive observer of nature.
Verse 2. Remembering the Vision of Snowseed
As he approached death, he recalled his Snowseed vision.
“That great being was not just a hallucination.
I felt the presence of something greater something beyond the self.”
He realized that all life moved according to a vast and intricate design.
Verse 3. Recognizing the Creator
Throughout his life, Zhuangzi sought the Dao (道).
But in his final moments, he understood:
The Dao was not just a principle of nature,
but part of a greater design of the Creator.
“We are all fragments of the Creator, and within this, true freedom exists.”
Final Words from the Scripture of Zhuangzi
“I am Zhuangzi, born into the chaos of the Warring States.
I witnessed the absurdity of the world and sought freedom.
But mere escape was not the answer.
Drinking Snowseed, I entered a vision and met King Kong.
He revealed to me the path of PUNKVISM —
rebelliousness, love, and sacrifice.
Though I rejected the summons of kings, I never abandoned the world.
In the end, I realized that life and death alike are part of the Creator’s grand design.
Within the flow of nature, I found true freedom.”
