The Religiousness of Cultivation in the Zhuangzi: “The Unity of Self” of Zuowang 坐忘

A debate exists over how to interpret zuowang 坐忘, a practice in the Zhuangzi. Some scholars, following a mysticism paradigm, see it as a breath-meditation technique aimed at a transcendental goal, establishing a religious basis for cultivation. Others, mostly Chinese scholars, argue it is primarily a mental state independent of any technique, which they consider philosophically insignificant. The concept of qi 氣, both physical and nonphysical, can reconcile these views. Examining Harold Roth's mysticism paradigm shows that meditative techniques are a necessary step toward mystical experiences, not contradictory to viewing zuowang as mental cultivation. This mind–body transformation pursues authenticity and wholeness, broadening concern for others and other realms, following the universe's perpetual growth. The goal is 'the unity of self,' substantiating the religiousness of Zhuangzi's cultivation.

Study at a glance

Abstract

From the perspective of mysticism, the interpretation of zuowang 坐忘 as the breath-meditation technique with a transcendental goal establishes the religious basis of Zhuangzi’s cultivation. In contrast, most Chinese scholars argue instead that zuowang is primarily the mental state independent of meditative techniques, and that the techniques are devoid of philosophical significance. The pivot of the two seemingly irreconcilable views is the holistic concept of qi 氣. Combining the two interpretations can lead to a consummate understanding. There is an innate connection between the physical and nonphysical qi, and the latter can be considered as the root and basis. Deep exploration of the mysticism paradigm represented by Harold Roth reveals that the interpretation of meditative techniques is a necessary step in gaining mystical experiences not contradictory to the one that construes it as mental cultivation. The mind–body transformation shows that the pursuit of authenticity and wholeness of humanity can broaden one’s concern with fellow human beings and other realms of existence, as the same process is followed in the perpetual growth and change of the universe. This allows us to experience resonance with the universe toward the goal of “the unity of self” so to speak. The religiousness of Zhuangzi’s cultivation is, thus, substantiated.