Lao-Tse
- Writer
Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. Lao-Tzu, whose name means
"old boy" or "old master," was the chief archivist for the imperial
court of the Chou dynasty. Many Sinologists believe that he is the
historian whom Confucius consulted about ceremonies. According to
legend, as an old man, Lao-Tzu left Chou for the seclusion of the
mythical K'un-lun mountains, never to be seen again. Before leaving,
however, he allegedly communicated his ideas to a border guard, who
subsequently compiled the 'Tao-te Ching' (the Classic of the Way and
Its Virtue). The 'Tao-te Ching' is by far the most-translated Chinese
literary work. The Tao-te Ching outlines all the basic philosophical
and mystical beliefs of Taoism, which, for several brief periods
throughout history, was the official religion of China. Central to
these beliefs is the understanding of the Tao, the universe's
underlying pattern, which can neither be described in words nor
properly fathomed in thought. "Tao is nonbeing, which is the mother of
being, which in turn produces all things". In the Tao te Ching Lao-Tzu
wrote of the importance of seeking to comply with the "Tao." "The
virtue of the Tao governs its natural way," Lao-Tzu wrote. "Thus, he
who is at one with it, is one with everything which lives, having
freedom from the fear of death".
"old boy" or "old master," was the chief archivist for the imperial
court of the Chou dynasty. Many Sinologists believe that he is the
historian whom Confucius consulted about ceremonies. According to
legend, as an old man, Lao-Tzu left Chou for the seclusion of the
mythical K'un-lun mountains, never to be seen again. Before leaving,
however, he allegedly communicated his ideas to a border guard, who
subsequently compiled the 'Tao-te Ching' (the Classic of the Way and
Its Virtue). The 'Tao-te Ching' is by far the most-translated Chinese
literary work. The Tao-te Ching outlines all the basic philosophical
and mystical beliefs of Taoism, which, for several brief periods
throughout history, was the official religion of China. Central to
these beliefs is the understanding of the Tao, the universe's
underlying pattern, which can neither be described in words nor
properly fathomed in thought. "Tao is nonbeing, which is the mother of
being, which in turn produces all things". In the Tao te Ching Lao-Tzu
wrote of the importance of seeking to comply with the "Tao." "The
virtue of the Tao governs its natural way," Lao-Tzu wrote. "Thus, he
who is at one with it, is one with everything which lives, having
freedom from the fear of death".