論《莊子》的「不得已」

On the Concept of“Budeyi”in the Zhuangzi

本文主要是從莊書的文本脈絡出發，探討在莊學的思想架構中「不得已」這個詞彙的內涵，以及與莊書其他重要觀念彼此之間的義理關係。另外在討論過程中亦將參酌魏晉以降的重要注疏成果，特別是郭象與成玄英二家對《莊子》的詮釋，藉由比較其註解對莊子「不得已」之義的理解與發揮。《莊子‧人間世》中的「且夫乘物以遊心，託不得已以養中」可說是莊子人生哲學的最高智慧，「乘物以遊心」是主張吾人的真君要循天之理、契德之妙，遊於逍遙廣漠之虛，而「託不得已以養中」也非讓心識任隨外物擺布撥弄，是要讓靈台動態的維持在恬淡平易的虛寂狀態，以無為復朴、體性抱神為依歸。此處所言的「託不得已」並非一種消極應世之道，其說主張吾人應以承認現實的客觀條件為前提，在其中展現出一種在必然中保有自由、於限制中安頓自身的智慧，是一種深具哲學意涵的生命態度。推而廣之《莊子》全書所提到的「不得已」(共十五次)，絕非單指吾人面對迫於情勢、無可奈何所進行的消極應對，而是一種強調精神主體並深具哲學意涵的生命態度。這種態度既承認現實的限制，但又不為限制所囿，努力以無為工夫提升生命的境界；既順應天命對吾人的安排，但也不是無主見的隨波逐流，積極以逍遙境界推高生命的價值。

This article primarily examines the concept of Necessity within the intellectual framework of Zhuangzi by tracing its textual context throughout the Zhuangzi. It also explores the philosophical relationships between Necessity and other central concepts in Zhuangzi's thought. In addition, this study draws upon the influential commentarial traditions that emerged from the Wei and Jin dynasties onward, with particular attention to the interpretations of Guo Xiang and Cheng Xuanying. Through a comparative analysis of their commentaries, the study investigates how these two scholars understood and elaborated upon Zhuangzi's notion of Necessity. The statement in the chapter Renjian Shi (人間世), ''Riding upon Things and Wandering with the Mind, while relying on Necessity to nourish one's inner equilibrium'' (且夫乘物以遊心，託不得已以養中), may be regarded as the highest expression of Zhuangzi's philosophy of life.＂Riding upon Things and Wandering with the Mind＂advocates that one's authentic self should follow the natural principles of Heaven, accord with the subtle workings of virtue, and wander freely within the boundless realm of spiritual freedom. Meanwhile, ''relying on Budeyi (Necessity) to nourish one's inner equilibrium'' does not imply allowing one's mind to be manipulated by external circumstances. Rather, it emphasizes maintaining the mind in a dynamic state of tranquil emptiness, simplicity, and serenity, taking Wuwei (Non-action), the return to original simplicity, and the preservation of one's innate nature and spirit as its ultimate orientation. The phrase ''relying on Necessity'' should therefore not be understood as advocating a passive way of engaging with the world. Instead, it presupposes an acknowledgment of the objective conditions imposed by reality while demonstrating the wisdom to preserve inner freedom amid necessity and to establish oneself securely within limitations. It thus represents a profound philosophical attitude toward life. Extending this observation to all fifteen occurrences of the term Necessity throughout the Zhuangzi, it becomes evident that the concept is by no means confined to a passive response to unavoidable circumstances. Rather, it denotes a philosophically significant attitude toward life that emphasizes the autonomy of the spiritual subject. While recognizing the constraints of reality, one should not be confined by them but instead elevate one's spiritual realm through the cultivation of Wuwei (Non-action). Likewise, although one accepts the arrangements of Heaven, one does not drift aimlessly with the current; instead, one actively enhances the value of life by attaining the spiritual state of carefree wandering.