The Factual lements and Rhetoric of Paoding Jie Niu’s fables

In Zhuangzi’s writings, the most common elements are fables. Fable, which involves telling stories by relying on something else, is a method Zhuangzi employs to convey the Dao(道) through fictional narratives. He also inserts devices to ensure these stories are not dismissed as mere nonsense. This approach is evident in the allegory of ‘Paoding Jie Niu(庖丁解牛)’ found in ‘Yangshengzhu’. Particularly, in the setup of this fable, one can glimpse realistic elements that reveal plausibility and verisimilitude.<br/> The research findings suggest that the dance of Sanglin and the music called Jingshou are not only metaphors for Paoding’s skill but also relate to the rituals of offering sacrifices to heaven. During these rituals, it was customary for the king to preside over the ceremonies and offer humans or animals as sacrifices. In this context, Paoding’s act of dismembering an ox could also be seen as part of a sacrificial ritual. Therefore, the encounter between King Wen Hui and Paoding in the allegory, along with Paoding’s act of cutting up an ox in front of Lord Wen Hui, gains plausibility. Consequently, the conclusion that King Wen Hui attains enlightenment through Paoding becomes more convincing.