Zōng xuán xiān sheng Xuán gāng lùn 宗玄先生玄綱論

Master Zōngxuán’s Discourse on the Fundamental Principles of the Mystery

by 吳筠 (Wú Yún, d. 778)

Wú Yún’s systematic philosophical synthesis — the most celebrated of his works, expounding the metaphysics, cosmology, and practice of the Way in 33 short sections (zhāng 章). A masterpiece of mid-Táng Daoist synthesis, combining Chóng xuán 重玄 metaphysics with a graduated cultivation path. Preserved as DZ 1052 / CT 1052 (Tài xuán bù 太玄部).

Dating. Within Wú Yún’s lifetime. Dynasty: 唐.

Translations and research

  • Assandri, Friederike. Beyond the Daode Jing: Twofold Mystery in Tang Daoism. Three Pines Press, 2009. Treatment of Wú Yún.