Zhuangzizhu

work by Xiang Xiu and Guo Xiang

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June 24, 2026

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The Zhuangzizhu, or "Commentary on the Zhuangzi", is a significant work in Chinese neo-Daoist philosophy. While attributed to Guo Xiang, it is believed to have been started by Xiang Xiu. Guo Xiang incorporated Xiang Xiu's work into his own commentary, leading to the work sometimes being called the Guo-Xiang commentary.1

The commentary interprets the Dao as nothingness, suggesting that everything produces itself spontaneously. Guo Xiang argued for the importance of adapting social institutions and moral ideas to changing situations. He also reinterpreted the Daoist concept of wuwei (nonaction) to mean spontaneous action rather than inaction. This approach, while deviating from original Daoism, aligns with the thought of Zhuangzi, emphasizing that following one's true nature leads to satisfaction. The Zhuangzi text itself, likely authored by Zhuang Zhou, presents a process-oriented view of the cosmos and advocates for cultivating emptiness and embracing spontaneity for a fulfilling life.12

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Guo Xiang
His Zhuangzizhu (“Commentary on the Zhuangzi”) is thought to have been begun by another neo-Daoist philosopher, Xiang Xiu. When Xiang died, Guo is said to have incorporated Xiang’s commentary into his own. For this reason the work is sometimes called the Guo-Xiang commentary.
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His Zhuangzizhu (“Commentary on the Zhuangzi”) is thought to have been begun by another neo-Daoist philosopher, Xiang Xiu. When Xiang died, Guo is said to have incorporated Xiang’s commentary into his own. For this reason the work is sometimes called the Guo-Xiang commentary.
Read More