“Selftransformation” is a core category in Guo Xiang’s philosophy. There are two logical chains, vertical and horizontal, in Guo’s view of nature centered with the category of “selftransformation”. The vertical logical chain lies in their own spheres of individual things, representing the framework of the idea of converting from “unconditionalness and selfexistence” through “selftransformation in the dark” to “enjoying oneself and being happy with life”. The horizontal logical chain exists in the relationships between things, carrying the framework of the idea of transforming from “selftransformation and relativeness” to “relativeness and natural integration” to “enjoying oneself and being happy with life”. Meanwhile these vertical and horizontal logical chains in Guo’s philosophy extend to political and mind studies, helping to realize the integrity and uniformity of his theoretical system. Therefore, an analysis of the system of selftransformation will help us deepen our grasp and analysis of Guo Xiang’s metaphisics from an overall perspective.

Guo Xiang; Notes to Zhuang Zi; selftransformation; relativeness