ABSTRACT
In the midst of the turmoil of his era, Zhuangzi encouraged the importance of going inward as a way to achieve peace and harmony. He espoused a lifestyle that pursued the examination of deep personal thoughts and feelings and the expression of authenticity. This chapter provides an example of Zhuangzi's teaching on how to "plough deep". In Zhuangzi's parable urging us to "plough deeply", the border guard at Chang Wu reminded Tzi Lao that a ruler of a state who needs to govern people must not be careless, nor should he be careless with the people. Like a farmer who takes care of the field, a ruler should take his people seriously. Dig deep with the understanding that roots promote growth. Zhuangzi understood individuals as active participants in their existence through the process of seeking their true nature in the context of their ongoing relationships with their environment.
