Breath (Vital energy), Body and Politics — Analysis on《Commentary of Lao Tsu》(by Her Shang Gong)
Author: Chun-Hung Lin
Abstract / Chinese PDF Download
This paper deals with the text in Han dynasty, known as《Commentary of LaoTsu》(by Her Shang Gong：河上公). My dissertation here is Taoist thought has itsown internal and axial development when treated as a academic community whichalways interacts with other academic communities led by Confucian School. Thispaper tries to follow this hypothesis and investigates three dimensions of this text:Tao (the ultimate origin) and breath or vital energy, breath or vital energy and body,body and politics. Therefore, we may partially sketch the contours of so-called“gasification” viewpoint, epistemological and ontological understanding existed inHan dynasty . And we may draw the outline of the process that《Commentary》conveys the internal essence of thought of Lao-Chung Taoist and Yellow-Lao Taoist(“Four Texts of Yellow Emperor “and “Hwai Nan Tsu” included) to Wei-JingTaoist(also famous as Wei-Jing Mysticist).We can easily trace the important transition process in middle-age Chinesepolitical philosophy just by analyzing what we get in this Taoist text. Therelationships as well as the linkages between categorical issues such as “body andpolitical affairs”, “rulers and the ruled” and “root and branch” can also be put inorder by following the context of《Commentary》. Finally, we may discover someclues of the internal connection between Han Taoist School and Wei-Jing mysticismand we shall try to initiate some critical points introspectively for further study in conclusion.