“Resorting to Huang Lao” and “Non-Being” ── Comparative Study of Han Fei and Wang Bi’s Interpretation of Lao Tzu’s philosophy
Author：Hsiao-Po Wang
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Han Fei is a descendent of former aristocracy who livedduring the Warring States Period, while Wang Bi livedduring the Late Han. Although separated by six hundredyears, they have both left us with annotations dealingwith the philosophy of Lao Tzu. Han Fei wrote"Interpretation of Lao Tzu" and "Expounding Lao TzuMetaphorically," while Wang Bi is known for "Annotating onLao Tzu." In their annotations of Lao Tsu’s texts theysuggested new interpretations and systems of thought. HanFei became leading legalist of Xian Qin period, and WangBi laid the foundation of metaphysics school of Wei & JinDynasty. Lao Tzu was interpreted differently by Han Feiand Wang Bi. Han relied on method of "comparing and examining," while Wang emphasized "comprehending and let aside words." Han’s argument is "in the Beginning there was Universe" and then "Tao". On the other hand, Wang held that Tao comes "before the Beginning of the Universe." Han maintains that law is essential while for Wang the essentialthe Universe." Han maintains that law is essential while for Wang the essential is Wu (Non being).Han believed that "inactivity activated all deeds", while Wang countered by asserting "inactivity is activation".Thus, Han’s philosophy helped establish autocratic empires since the Qin and Han dynasties. Wang’s interpretation of Lao Tzu helped introduce the Buddhist philosophy during the Sui and Tang dynasties.