Zhan Fangsheng Jin Dynasty litterateur 湛方生
Paul PengShare
Zhan Fangsheng
A litterateur and metaphysician of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. He once served as a military advisor (Weijun Ziyi Canjun) in the mid-Eastern Jin Dynasty. In philosophy, he took the thoughts of Laozi and Zhuangzi as his ultimate guide, advocating for nurturing one’s nature, dwelling in ease, and achieving longevity with clear vision (Inscription on Lingxiu Mountain).
He praised the northern elder, who had a profound understanding of metaphysical principles, for being transcendent of honor, disgrace, gain, and loss: "He did not yearn for the return of his lost horse; he grew even happier after breaking his arm" (Eulogy to the Northern Elder).
Zhan Fangsheng
Lamenting the transience of life, he advocated indulging in the metaphysical spirit. He said: "All that lives must wither; how can one not feel sorrow at such a sentiment? If the sacred talisman is not false, who can forget such attachments? Why is the hanging worry so hard to let go? I wish to seek relief in the mysterious realm. Brush away the dust from my heart with the metaphysical wind; dispel recent stagnation through Laozi and Zhuangzi" (Autumn Night, recorded inAnthology of Literary Works, Volume 3).
Adhering to Zhuangzi’s views, he advocated the unity of all things and unrestrained freedom following one’s nature. He stated: "Embrace the great dimension of freedom; grasp the general principle of the equality of all things. Equate heaven and earth to a single finger; reduce Mount Tai to a tiny grain" (ibid.).
He also upheld Laozi and Zhuangzi’s ideas of "severing emotions and discarding wisdom" and "forgetting both self and things." He said: "Ten thousand worries are suddenly dispelled at once; emotional burdens are completely forgotten. Self and things merge into one body; why then distinguish between the longevity of Peng Zu and the short life of Shang Yu?" (ibid.).
His main metaphysical thoughts included revering Laozi and Zhuangzi, indulging in the metaphysical spirit, disregarding honor and disgrace, nurturing one’s nature while dwelling in ease, severing emotions and discarding wisdom, and forgetting both self and things. He originally had a collection of 10 volumes, which is now lost. Some of his works are compiled in Volume 140 ofComplete Prose of the Jin Dynasty.
About the Author
Paul Peng
Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.
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