The Writings of Chuang Tzu (Inner Chapters) · 22 of 57 · tr. James Legge
Book 125 (part 3)
201:1 Then the account that Lâo-dze went westwards, and that nothing is known as to where he died, must be without foundation.
201:2 Nothing more is known of this person.
201:3 Probably the disciples of Lâo-dze.
201:4 Lâo had gone to an excess in his 'doing good,' as if he were seeking reputation.
201:5 Into the world.
201:6 See Kwang-dze's remarks and demeanour on the death of his wife, in Book XVIII.
202:1 This short sentence is remarkable by the use of the character Tî ( ) 'God,' in it, a usage here ascribed to the ancients.
202:2 The concluding sentence might stand as a short paragraph by itself.
The 'faggots' are understood to represent the body, and the 'fire' the animating spirit.
The body perishes at death as the faggots are consumed by the fire.
But the fire may be transmitted to other faggots, and so the spirit may migrate, and be existing elsewhere.
Themes
◇Rejection Of Hypocrisyethics
Critique of outward religious observance that lacks inner transformation; form without substance.
[auto] The text critiques Lâo for 'doing good' as if he were 'seeking reputation,' highlighting a rejection of performative virtue.
All passages →◇Soul Migrationcosmology
The transmigration of the soul across lives.
[auto] The passage explicitly states that 'the spirit may migrate, and be existing elsewhere' using the metaphor of fire transmitting to other faggots.
All passages →Related passages · 1 parallel
◆christian_mysticism|The Life and Doctrines of Jacob Boehme|Chapter 10 (part 5)
“The wrath must kill and consume the external image that has grown in the wrath, but from its death springs forth the eternal life." ( Mysterium , xxviii.
14.) "Abel, representing an antitype of Christ, who was to suffer death for humanity,…”
Both passages discuss the concept of death and the continuation or transformation of the spirit or life force after physical death. Passage A from Chuang Tzu describes the body as faggots and the spirit as fire, suggesting migration of the spirit. Passage B from the Mysterium discusses the death of Abel and the perpetuation of life through Seth, symbolizing the eternal life that springs from death.