In today’s society, it is difficult to find one’s way. This was similar during the Warring States Period of China. Zhuangzi, a popular Taoist sage of this period, used witty and whimsical fables to help people learn to cast aside the external worldly influences in order to align their inner self with the “Way”(Tao) of nature. By taking carefree, simple and selfless approaches to life’s common problems, his advice on how to deal with topics such as happiness, learning, peer pressure, respecting nature, love and death apply very well to today’s societal issues.
This eight-week course explores 74 of Zhuangzi’s fables narrated by both native and non-native English speakers; plus interviews with scholars of Zhuangzi and Taoist philosophy. Each module has a brief introduction, then Zhuangzi and his student Lin Qie will guide you through the fables, finally, we finish with an overview to summarize and explain how these seemingly simple concepts apply to our hectic modern life. The course is beautifully animated with 120 illustrations by five Chinese Painters and set to a score of traditional Chinese music.
A great course to not only learn about Chinese culture and philosophy but also help find your true “Way”(Tao).
