ABSTRACT

Tian Zifang sat in attendance of Marquis Wen of Wei and frequentlyquoted from Xi Gong. Marquis Wen asked, “Is Xi Gong your teacher?” Tian Zifang replied, “No, he comes from the same region as I do. He

speaks of the dao with understanding; that is why I quote him.” “Then do you not have a teacher?” asked Marquis Wen. “I have,” replied Tian Zifang. “Who is he?” “Dongguo Shunzi.” “Then why is it that you never quote him?” “He is a man who has achieved true being. He is a man in appearance

but in reality like heaven. He adapts himself to the free development of things while sustaining his true nature. He is pure and still, forbearing of others. When people lack the dao, he rectifies his conduct so that they understand; their own ideas dissolve and disappear. How could one such as I quote his words?”