“Resorting to Huang Lao” and “Non-Being” ── Comparative Study of Han Fei and Wang Bi's Interpretation of Lao Tzu's philosophy

Han Fei is a descendent of former aristocracy who livedduring
the Warring States Period, while Wang Bi livedduring the Late Han.
Although separated by six hundredyears, they have both left us with
annotations dealingwith the philosophy of Lao Tzu. Han Fei
wrote"Interpretation of Lao Tzu" and "Expounding Lao
TzuMetaphorically," while Wang Bi is known for "Annotating onLao
Tzu." In their annotations of Lao Tsu's texts theysuggested new
interpretations and systems of thought. HanFei became leading
legalist of Xian Qin period, and WangBi laid the foundation of
metaphysics school of Wei & JinDynasty. Lao Tzu was interpreted
differently by Han Feiand Wang Bi. Han relied on method of
"comparing and examining," while Wang emphasized
"comprehending and let aside words." Han's argument is "in the
Beginning there was Universe" and then "Tao". On the other hand,
Wang held that Tao comes "before the Beginning of the Universe."
Han maintains that law is essential while for Wang the essentialthe
Universe." Han maintains that law is essential while for Wang the
essential is Wu (Non being).Han believed that "inactivity activated
all deeds", while Wang countered by asserting "inactivity is
activation".Thus, Han's philosophy helped establish autocratic
empires since the Qin and Han dynasties. Wang's interpretation of
Lao Tzu helped introduce the Buddhist philosophy during the Sui
and Tang dynasties.