The Paradox of Mysticism in the Zhuangzi: Oneness, Multiplicity, and the Transformation of Self and Reality

This paper examines the four-stage process of mystical experience in the Huzi and Lady Yu allegories of the Zhuangzi. It begins with a lifeless stage enabled by the mystic’s purgation of the world and the self. It is followed by a revitalization stage in which Oneness is experienced not only as the introvertive experience of the self but also as the extrovertive truth of reality. It is then followed by the mystic’s experience of emptiness that transfigures reality through the reconciliation of things and the cessation of time and motion. Eventually it leads to the deconstruction of the transcendental Dao and the following of the spontaneity of things. The allegories provide a rich variety of mystical experiences, such as the exuberance of vitality, tranquil emptiness, and bliss in reconciliation. As the core theme of mysticism, Oneness is not regarded as the superior and final stage, but rather paves the way for the reconciliation of things in the co-presence of Oneness and multiplicity, and eventually leads to the deconstruction of Oneness and the return to the multiplicity of things. The pursuit of Oneness and the very deconstruction of it constitute the characteristic paradox of the Zhuangzi’s mysticism.