The Theory of Dao in the Four Chapters of the Guanzi
Author：Guying Chen
Abstract /
The four chapters of the Guanzi embody the adaptation and further development of Laozi`s theory of the dao by the Daoists in Qi. The paper first shows, where Guanzi builds on the theory of dao in the Laozi. Then the further development of this theory through the notions of "non action" and "emptiness" is analysed. The notion of emptiness is incorporated into the cosmological framework in such a way as to describe the origin of all things. In an epistemological context the "emptiness" describes a certain state in which the subject should be. The Jixia Daoists as presented in the four chapters of the Guanzi on one hand concretise the dao with the help of the notion of jingqi. On the other hand they implement the dao in the social realm by the means of the rites (li) and the law (fa). Thus by the combination of the metaphysical dao with the empirical dao the Jixia Daoists are putting the dao into practice. Furthermore the concept of following (yin) is a major focal point in the four chapters of the Guanzi. Not only should one "Give up oneself and follow the things", but under the premise that "the dao values following" the principle of "following the times and reacting to the things" is put forward. In an epistemological context the concept of "following" as exemplified in "the dao of following quietly" also plays an important role. Xunzi later on is to adopt this concept into his thinking.