Author: Rui, Pu

Annotation: The phrase "following nature and valuing truth" comes from the chapter "The Fisherman" in Zhuangzi. In this chapter, Zhuangzi proposed it through the teachings of a fisherman to Confucius. Zhuangzi believed that "truth" is "sincerity" and an existence that conforms to the natural way of heaven and earth. By using the three figurative expressions of "true person", "true knowledge", and "true nature" to describe the connotation of "truth", a unique aesthetic was formed, which emphasizes following the natural way, embodying authenticity, and achieving the state of "oneness with heaven and humanity" through "admiring nature" and "returning to simplicity". The "truth" Zhuangzi pursued is most directly manifested as the grand beauty of heaven and earth, an unobstructed and natural existence. However, to comprehend "truth", this cannot be achieved through language but rather through a unique aesthetic approach. Zhuangzi's admiration for nature promoted people's attention and appreciation of the beauty of nature, and had an impact on the landscape literature and art of later generations.

Keywords: Wei-Jin period; landscape painting; Zhuangzi; following nature and valuing truth

Pages in journal: 370 - 376