Huainanzi

Huainanzi, important Chinese classic written in the 2nd century bc under the patronage of the nobleman Huainanzi (Liu An). It is a compilation of 21 loosely connected chapters on metaphysics, cosmology, matters of state, and conduct. Although it contains little that is not included in two earlier Daoist classics, the Daodejing and Zhuangzi, its cosmogony is more elaborate and more definite.

In cosmological evolution, according to the Huainanzi, the Dao (“Way”) originated from vacuity, and vacuity produced the universe, which in turn produced the material forces. The material forces of heaven and earth combined to form the two complimentary forces yin-yang, which in turn give rise to the myriad things on earth and in heaven. In its broad outline this cosmogony has been retained as orthodox doctrine by Daoist philosophers and also by adherents of Confucianism. In its discussion of the spirit, the Huainanzi introduces such ideas as immortality on earth and the physical techniques, such as breathing, used to achieve it, thus paving the way for the later confusion of Daoist philosophy with Daoist popular religion. Further, by approaching metaphysics and cosmology in an essentially rational spirit, the text prepared for the emergence of rationalistic Neo-Daoism.