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| On the Daoist Concept of Animals from the Perspective of Life Aesthetics |
| Li Pei |
| (Institute of Taoism and Religious Culture， Sichuan University， Chengdu 610065) |
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Abstract Animals， like humans， are isomorphic to the universe and are living and spiritual beings. The existence of “animals” reinforces and highlights the Daoist concept of life. The pursuit of life and the breakthrough and transcendence of life dilemmas in Daoism have thus acquired aesthetic attributes， becoming a tangible and authentic aesthetic experience of life. From an interdisciplinary perspective of life aesthetics， in the Daoist concept， animals are first and foremost “supernatural” beings， more flexible and agile than humans， with long lifespans and the ability to change. They can also endorse divine will and guide ascension to immortality as important media. Secondly， animals are also life of “Wuhua” (materialization). The homology between humans and all things in the universe， as well as the ecological equality concept of Daoism， are not only prerequisites for the mutual transformation of characters， but also bring a new interpretation to Zhuangzi’s theory of “Wuhua”， echoing the theme of life in Chinese aesthetics. Thirdly， animals are still life of “Chengfu” (bearing burden). The concept of “Chengfu” in Daoism about animals is closely related to Daoist understanding of “goodness” and has profound historical roots. It demonstrates Daoist unique experience in the aesthetic relationship between man and nature， the strong inclusiveness of Daoist thought， and its strong identification with the ethical values of the Chinese nation. In short， the life activities of animals and the Daoist life practices centered on animals present the sacred concepts， environmental ethics， and aesthetic emotions of Daoism from multiple levels and perspectives. While constructing religious order， Daoism also greatly inspires classical Chinese aesthetics with its attention to the value of life and principles about life.
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Received: 30 September 2024
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2024, Vol. 63 
