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Guanzi
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Guanzi

Chinese text
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Quick Summary

The Guanzi is a Chinese text of uncertain date that contains Taoist chapters emphasizing "the art of the heart (mind)." This concept suggests that the heart, as the governing center, can achieve a state of desirelessness and emptiness, becoming a pure receptacle for the indwelling Tao. The text also explores the idea of a "soul" as an inner spiritual essence.1

It is important to distinguish this text from Gu Yanwu, a prominent Ming dynasty loyalist and scholar of the Qing dynasty. Gu Yanwu was known for his critiques of neo-Confucian philosophy and advocated for practical knowledge and a return to original Confucian classics.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. Gu Yanwu
  2. Taoism - Guanzi and Huainanzi

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