Who is Zao Ju 枣据

Zao Ju
(c. 232–284) A litterateur and Taoist of the Western Jin Dynasty, styled Daoyan, and a native of Changshe in Yingchuan (east of present-day Changge, Henan Province). His original surname was Ji. He was skilled in literary composition and held successive official positions, including Magistrate of Shanyang, Shangshu Lang (a subordinate official of the Secretariat), Youcheng (Vice Director), Congshi Zhonglang (Consultant Gentleman), Huangmen Shilang (Court Attendant), Jizhou Cishi (Inspector of Jizhou), and Taizi Zhongshuzi (Assistant to the Crown Prince).

Ideologically, he leaned toward Taoism. His work Fu on the Boat adopted the technique of "discussing an object by drawing analogies," and through the description of a boat, he elaborated on the philosophical thoughts of Laozi and Zhuangzi, especially such fundamental Taoist viewpoints as simplicity, emptiness, acting without leaving traces, having a mind free from striving, and blending the noble and the humble. He wrote:

"Moreover, when discussing this object by drawing analogies, it resembles the purity and virtue of a gentleman. Externally, it is simple and unadorned; internally, it is empty to hold what fills it. It drifts away when encountering currents and stops when hitting obstacles. It responds to commands like an echo, journeying only when the time is right. It does not shun toil or detest movement, nor does it seek ease to rest on its own. It does not covet wealth to pursue merit, nor does it worry about exertion and desire to be light. Its abundance or frugality follows its quality and capacity; what it undertakes matches its inherent form. Though not ridden, it always floats; though traversing dangers, it always stays upright.

Furthermore, its movement leaves no tracks, and its stopping has no root. It is not swift, yet moves quickly, suddenly like a galloping horse. It travels through twists and turns, its movement in harmony with time. It carries much and bestows kindness, with a mind free from striving. It encompasses all things, enduring disgrace and containing glory. It only carries what the journey requires, blending the noble and the humble in one realm. It embraces and connects with morality, containing and accepting like heaven and earth. Feeling the vastness of its function, one truly believes in the existence of the way of humanity." (Fu on the Boat)

In addition, Zao Ju's thoughts also contained some Confucian elements, such as not shunning toil or seeking ease, being sure to stay upright, and bestowing kindness.

Zao Ju has a biography in Volume 92 of The Book of Jin. He wrote more than 50 poems, fu (rhapsodies), and treatises, most of which are lost. Some of his works are compiled in Volume 67 of Quan Jin Wen (Complete Prose of the Jin Dynasty).