In Zhuangzi's Conversion Experience Philip J. Ivanhoe argues for his understanding of an episode from chapter 20 of the Zhuangzi. The episode has Zhuang Zhou (Zhuangzi) hunting in the forest when a magpie brushes against his forehead, and chases it to a nearby grove. Zhuang Zhou sees that the magpie was oblivious to his presence because the magpie was completely involved in grabbing a mantis it had seen from a distance. Zhuang Zhou realizes that he has been just as blinded to the rest of the world in his pursuit of the magpie as the magpie was in catching the mantis. It is then that he runs out of the grove only to be cursed at by the grove's keeper. Zhuangzi sits in solitude for three days/months until his student asks him what is wrong. Zhuangzi tells the student what happened adding, "In preserving my body, I have forgotten my true self. Staring at muddy water, I have mistaken it for a clear pool. Moreover, I have heard my master say, 'When among common people, follow common ways.'"
There are three interpretations of the meaning of this story using three different translations of the story, not including the one that Ivanhoe puts together to support his views. The first interpretation comes from Henri Maspero who uses the translation by Burton Watson. Maspero thinks that this experience has made Zhuangzi rid himself of all desires. Ivanhoe argues against this by stating that Zhuangzi "also claims that our basic desires are 'natural' and therefore, good" (Ivanhoe 21). A. C. Graham argues that Zhuangzi reconciled with death, but it would seem that Ivanhoe believes that such a claim leads one to think that Zhuangzi's statement teaches one to disregard the importance of life. David S. Nivison says Zhuangzi's "philosophy of withdrawal" is to blame (Ivanhoe 22). Zhuangzi becomes so caught up in watching the three creatures he forgets about himself. In other words he becomes too disconnected from the world by only connecting with the subjects he's watching. Ivanhoe disagrees with this interpretation on the basis that it "is not true to the story," because the moment of insight happens before the gamekeeper sees Zhuang Zhou in the grove and therefore didn't realize the danger (Ivanhoe 22).
Ivanhoe's believes that Zhuangzi is telling the reader to beware of life's distractions. "In looking at the chain of predator and prey, Zhuangzi realized the danger of allowing one's desires to blind one's awareness of the world around one. One cannot get rid of one's desires, but one can preserve one's natural state: a state in which one's desires do not obscure one's awareness and lead one into danger" (Ivanhoe 22).
As interesting as this debate is, as a student I find it interesting that all of these interpretations are legitimate based on the translations used by the various scholars. The story itself remains in tact, but when the details change so does the meaning behind what is said.
Work consulted
Ivanhoe, Philip J. "Zhuangzi's conversion Experience." Journal of Chinese Religions.
Fall 1991 (13-25).