Inevitably, any rendering of Chuang Tzu is bound to be very personal. These “readings” are then not attempts at faithful reproduction but ventures in personal and spiritual interpretation. The notes have in time acquired a shape of their own and have become, as it were, “imitations” of Chuang Tzu, or rather, free interpretative readings of characteristic passages which appeal especially to me. The texts from Chuang Tzu assembled here are the result of five years of reading, study, annotation, and meditation. The rather special nature of this book calls for some explanation. I found it helpful to see Taoism through the eyes of a western contemplative. I’m certainly no Taoist expert, but I’ve read a lot of Taoist thought and I don’t think I’ve ever found a clearer explanation of its basic principles than I found here. The experience has been almost diametrically opposed to previous experiences.įor me, Merton’s introduction to Chuang Tzu and Taoism is worth the price of the book in itself. As it turns out, this is by far my favorite of Merton’s works I’ve read. However, I’ve been wanting to read another book on Taoism so when I read positive views of Merton’s work I decided to give him another try, though I definitely hesitant to do so. Merton is one of those writer’s I’ve always thought I should like, try to like, but generally end up disappointed in his books.
I’ve been struggling with Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac: With Other Essays on Conservation from Round River for over a month now and still haven’t managed to organize my ideas effectively. I’ve noticed lately that the more I like a book the harder it is for me to discuss it.
I finished reading Thomas Merton’s The Way of Chuang Tzu over a week ago and have struggled to find the best way to offer my impressions of it since.
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