Different Routes the Same Destination: “Oneness with Dao through Skill” in the Zhuangzi

Abstract

In “The Great and Venerable Teacher”, the Woman Crookback points out the path from words and language to behavior and practice, to enlightenment, and lastly, to obtaining the Dao, which is congruent with the “oneness with Dao through skill” route implicitly described in the Zhuangzi. The essential difference between “Zhuangzi’s skill”, which is capable of reaching the realm of Dao, and ordinary skills and arts is not found in the kind or level of abilities, nor in the tools required to do the skills, but rather in the self-knowledge of the “skill”. In order to clarify the natural patterns of things and one’s spiritual nature, as well as to reach the realm of “losing and again losing” and to remove all influences on the mind, one can use “Zhuangzi’s skill”, which can help the practitioner focus on one thing. Ultimately, the spiritual nature and the natural patterns will be in harmony with one another, matching up “Heaven” with “Heaven”, and becoming one with Dao.