What is Zuowang (坐忘)?
Sitting in forgetfulness — a Taoist meditation practice of emptying the mind, forgetting the self, and merging with the Tao. Described in the Zhuangzi. Described in the sixth chapter of the Zhuangzi, zuowang means letting go of body, mind, knowledge, and self. It is one of the earliest Taoist meditation forms and influenced Chan/Zen sitting practice.
Key Takeaways
- Zuowang (坐忘) is a key concept in Taoism philosophy.
- Sitting in forgetfulness — a Taoist meditation practice of emptying the mind, forgetting the self, and merging with the Tao. Described in the Zhuangzi. Described in the sixth chapter of the Zhuangzi, zuowang means letting go of body, mind, knowledge, and self. It is one of the earliest Taoist meditation forms and influenced Chan/Zen sitting practice.
Understanding Zuowang
Zuowang (坐忘) is a Taoism concept. Sitting in forgetfulness — a Taoist meditation practice of emptying the mind, forgetting the self, and merging with the Tao. Described in the Zhuangzi. Described in the sixth chapter of the Zhuangzi, zuowang means letting go of body, mind, knowledge, and self. It is one of the earliest Taoist meditation forms and influenced Chan/Zen sitting practice.
In Taoism philosophy, Zuowang represents central to understanding Taoist thought about naturalness, spontaneity, and harmony with the Tao.
How to Practice Zuowang
- Understand Zuowang — Sitting in forgetfulness — a Taoist meditation practice of emptying the mind, forgetting the self, and merging with the Tao. Described in the Zhuangzi. Described in the sixth chapter of the Zhuangzi,
- The Piping of Heaven — Who blows through the ten thousand hollows?
- The Bird That Was a Fish — Scale changes everything
- The Cicada’s Laughter — Every world feels complete from the inside
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zuowang in Taoism?
Sitting in forgetfulness — a Taoist meditation practice of emptying the mind, forgetting the self, and merging with the Tao. Described in the Zhuangzi. Described in the sixth chapter of the Zhuangzi, zuowang means letting go of body, mind, knowledge,
What does 坐忘 mean?
坐忘 (Zuowang) is a Taoism concept. Sitting in forgetfulness — a Taoist meditation practice of emptying the mind, forgetting the self, and merging with the Tao. Described in the Zhuangzi. Described in the sixth chapter of the Zhuangzi,
How does Zuowang fit into Taoism philosophy?
In Taoism, Zuowang is understood as central to understanding Taoist thought about naturalness, spontaneity, and harmony with the Tao.
Why is Zuowang important?
Zuowang matters because it offers a practical framework for central to understanding Taoist thought about naturalness, spontaneity, and harmony with the Tao.