Journal of Beijing Normal University(Social Sciences) ›› 2026, Vol. 0 ›› Issue (2): 107-118.
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YU Xuetang
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Abstract: “Wuqiong” (infinity) is a defining concept in Zhuangzi.The character “qiong” itself implies a spatial connotation,and the spatial dimension of the term “wuqiong” is emphasized in Zhuangzi.In short,“wuqiong” signifies transcending limits and boundaries.Specifically,“wuqiong” is a transcendent space created by the subjects' activity of “wandering”,characterized by transcending human affairs,internally dissolving all distinctions,and transcends categorizations.“wuqiong” is a shared spatial characteristic of both the “Dao” and “things”,intrinsically consistent with the idea that “the Dao exists within all things”.It transcends the notion of opposition between the Dao and things.Relatedly,in Zhuangzi,numerous terms begin with “wu” that carries not merely the meaning of “nothingness”,but also an connotation of transcendence.Some of the words following “nothingness” represent the problems Zhuangzi addressed,as well as the concepts or methods he sought to transcend and break through.This series of terms beginning with “nothingness” forms a crucial component of the discursive system in Zhuangzi.These ideas in Zhuangzi exhibit originality among the pre-Qin texts.
Key words: infinity, Zhuangzi, space, nothingness, transcendence
CLC Number:
I206.2
YU Xuetang. The Spatial Implications of “Wuqiong” in Zhuangzi:With a Discussion on the Transcendent Meaning of the Character “Wu”[J]. Journal of Beijing Normal University(Social Sciences), 2026, 0(2): 107-118.
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