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“The Butterfly Dream” is a work of the Ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi. He was instrumental in forming both Taoist philosophy and Zen philosophy. “The Butterfly Dream” appears in the second book of his self entitled Zhuangzi. (If you like to know more about him, here is his Wikipedia page.)
The Modern English translation usually goes something like this:
”Once Zhuangzi dreamt he was a butterfly, a butterfly flitting and fluttering around, happy with himself and doing as he pleased. He didn't know he was Zhuangzi. Suddenly he woke up and there he was, solid and unmistakable Zhuangzi. But he didn't know if he was Zhuangzi who had dreamt he was a butterfly, or a butterfly dreaming he was Zhuangzi. Between Zhuangzi and a butterfly there must be some distinction! This is called the Transformation of Things. (2, tr. Burton Watson 1968:49)”
( Am I a butterfly dreaming of being Gilbert Nightray? )
Potential spoilers for recent chapters in discussion.
Post at LJ so we can have something of one discussion for both comms.
The Modern English translation usually goes something like this:
”Once Zhuangzi dreamt he was a butterfly, a butterfly flitting and fluttering around, happy with himself and doing as he pleased. He didn't know he was Zhuangzi. Suddenly he woke up and there he was, solid and unmistakable Zhuangzi. But he didn't know if he was Zhuangzi who had dreamt he was a butterfly, or a butterfly dreaming he was Zhuangzi. Between Zhuangzi and a butterfly there must be some distinction! This is called the Transformation of Things. (2, tr. Burton Watson 1968:49)”
( Am I a butterfly dreaming of being Gilbert Nightray? )
Potential spoilers for recent chapters in discussion.
Post at LJ so we can have something of one discussion for both comms.
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