(“Daoism”).
(dao)
Biography
Lao Tzu
Lao
Tzu’s date of birth is unknown. Many say it was between 600 and 300
B.C.E. He was known for his writing of the “Tao-Te Ching” (tao-meaning
the way of all life, te-meaning the fit use of life by men, and ching-meaning
text or classic). Lao Tzu was not his real name, but in honor of
his name, it meant “Old Master”
He
attracted many followers, but he refused to set his ideas down in writing.
He believed that written words might solidify into formal dogma.
He wanted his philosophy to remain a natural way to live life with goodness,
serenity, and respect. He believed a person’s conduct should be governed
by instinct and conscience.
He
believed that human life is constantly influenced by outside forces.
He believed “simplicity” to be the key to truth and freedom. He encouraged
his followers to observe, and seek to understand the laws of nature; to
develop intuition and build up personal power; to use that power to lead
life with love, and without force.
People
say that he was a contemporary of Confucius and served as curator of the
dynastic archives until retiring to the mythical K’un-lun Mountains.
He transmitted his teachings to a border guard who compiled the Lao-Tzu,
also titled Tao-te Ching. His work was dated back to 4th to 2nd century
B.C. It’s parables and verse advocate passive and intuitive behavior
in natural harmony with the Tao. This is a cosmic unity underlying
all phenomena. It emphasizes the value of wu-wei by which one returns
to a primitive state closer to the Tao. This is a stage of creative
possibility symbolized by the child or an uncarved block. It also
promotes a laissez-faire approach to government.
Lao
Tzu set off into the desert on a water buffalo leaving civilization behind.
When he arrived at the final gate at the great wall protecting the kingdom,
the gatekeeper persuaded him to record the principles of his philosophy
for posterity. The ancient Chinese text is the world’s most translated
classic next to the Bible.
http://faculty.rmwc.edu/fwebb/buck/jlgornto/chinesehistorypage.html#HISTORY
http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/96jun/laotzu.html