Zhuangzi Inner Chapters Commentary (莊子內篇注)

This chapter discusses the way of the sage in the world. Yet "The Nourishing of Life" is about not letting worldly affairs harm one's life. The practice of nourishing life, in turn, comes from engaging with worldly experiences and learning from them. It says that if one truly can cultivate themselves, then in dealing with the world, they will naturally avoid the faults of showing off their talents, seeking fame, or acting recklessly. When assisting a ruler or carrying out orders, they will avoid the pitfalls of boasting about achievements or over-praising. Their practice, moreover, comes from the "fasting of the mind" and "sitting in forgetfulness"—emptying the self and engaging with the world—so that they can avoid misfortune. The text emphasizes the extreme difficulty of navigating human relationships and worldly affairs. If one does not have an empty mind while dealing with things, but harbors even a slight desire for talent or fame, they cannot avoid trouble. Therefore, the chapter concludes with "uselessness" as the ultimate principle. Only when one can navigate the world without harm does it truly show that they are skilled at nourishing life. This chapter actually mutually illuminates the preceding one. Because Confucius was a sage who engaged with the world, and Yan Hui was a distinguished disciple of his school, the text uses them as examples to lend weight, so that readers may believe it.