Ink & Space

Ink & Space

Conversations with Chuang Tzu

#24 See the Real Self Within

Through a short allegory, Chuang Tzu inspires you to rediscover your self

Yuxuan Francis Liu's avatar
Yuxuan Francis Liu
Jul 07, 2024
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Guard carefully your nature and do not let it go astray. This is called returning to one’s nature. — Chuang Tzu


Chuang Tzu was wandering through a park one day. He saw a strange jackdaw come flying from the south. Its wings measured seven feet and its eyes were large, about an inch across. It brushed against Chuang Tzu’s forehead as it passed and then came to rest on a chestnut tree.

“What sort of bird is this, so big wings but going nowhere, eyes so large yet cannot see properly?” said Chuang Tzu.

Hitching up his robe, he went after it with his crossbow. Chuang Tzu was in motion to shoot at it.

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