Reconsidering the Term Dai 待 in Zhuangzi 莊子

Abstract

Developing from Laozi’s ideals of non-action and naturalness, the ultimate goal in Zhuangzi’s philosophy is a state of xiaoyao 逍遥 (free and easy). This is often also described with the Chinese term wudai 無待, variously understood to mean “not depend on anything”, “depend on the ten thousand things”, or “depend on Dao 道”. This confusing expression has sparked a long and considerable debate. However, upon revisiting the original text, it becomes evident that Zhuangzi’s key expression is not wudai but rather dai 待 (depend on). I argue that the crucial phrase bi qie wuhu dai zai 彼且惡乎待哉 (not depend on anything, or, what can you depend on?) cannot simply be glossed with wudai, as it often is, but instead hints at the way one can become free and easy. This statement entails two interconnected inquiries: what to depend on and how to depend on it. The answer to both relates to Heaven. It is what we must depend on and this “depending” on Heaven can be divided into internally depending on one’s own self-transformative nature and externally depending on one’s relationship with Heaven. How we properly depend on Heaven involves realizing an interdependent relationship with Heaven that is seemingly non-interdependent, something only made possible by our full participation in hua 化 (transformation).