On Theoretical Connection between Buddhist Philosophy in the Wei and Jin Dynasties and the Taoist Thought of Zhuangzi

Since its introduction into China, Buddhism had survived and developed in dependence on traditional Chinese culture. When the metaphysical sect in the Wei and Jin Dynasties was popular, it was obvious that scholars in Mahayana Buddhism became inclined to seek connection with the Taoist thought of Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi (especially that of Zhuang Zi) for better development. Therefore, they theoretically summed up many ways do so. Contrarily, drawing on Buddhist philosophy, especially the Zhidaolin school of the East Jin Dynasty, scholars in Taoism put a unique interpretation on Xiao Yao You (The Happy Excursion), one of Zhuang Zi's classic works. By producing a new theory out of different Taoist ideas or schools of thought, they worked out the new way to better develop Zhuang Zi.