关键词: 老子, 庄子, 美, 技艺, 道, 艺术

Abstract: Based on Taoist philosophy, this paper is attempt at probing into the philosophical meaning of the Taoist views on beauty and art, where it is believed that beauty consists in nature, emptiness and serenity, peace and tranquility, simplicity, speechlessness, artlessness and eternity; that the pursuit of beauty shouldn’t place life in harm’s way; that the observer of beauty is also the creator thereof; that there is no absolute standard for beauty; that pluralism represents beauty. In terms of arts it is believed that there would be no arts without Tao which follows nature and, when a certain kind art comes close to perfection, Tao will manifest itself in it; that master craftsmen know how to abide by the laws of nature, and capture the essence of nature in their creation and stay true to their inner self; that the absence of ego and unreserved dedication to an art may result in proficiency and the transcendence over fame and wealth; that only with sufficient Jing (essence), Qi (energy) and Shen (spirit) can the skills of an artist reach the highest level.

Key words: Lao Zi, Zhuang Zi, Taoism, beauty, skills, Tao, arts