Lao-tzu (?570-490 B.C.: China)
Lao-tzu (the “old master”) is considered to be the founder of Taoism (pronounced “dou’-izm). According to tradition, Lao-tzu is the author of the Tao-te Ching, a philosophical treatise that has become among the most translated of Chinese literary works. The book teaches that "the way” is realized through acceptance of nothingness, through being wise enough to know that striving is vain, weakness truly equals strength, and passivity is the greatest action. It argues for the cultivation of a spirit of inner calm and a mind of purity.
A small book of two sections, “tao” meaning “the way” and “te,” “its virtue,” (thus the title Tao-te Ching can be understood as meaning in contemporary language something like “the classic understandings of the way and its power), the text nonetheless has had an enormous influence on Chinese thought and culture, particularly Confucianism, and more recently on Western philosophy.
Lao-tzu cannot be indisputably confirmed as an historical figure; the primary source of information about him was written by Ssu-man Ch’ien in the Shih-chi or “historical records.” Lao-tzu is said to have held the office of “shih”—one who specializes in astrology and divination, and is in charge of sacred texts—at the court of the Chou dynasty (1111-255 B.C.). Today, scholars believe that the Tao-te Ching is unlikely to be entirely the work of a single writer.
In the mythology created around Lao-tzu, he is said variously to have had an extraordinarily long life span and been the source of many books, to have adopted several different identities throughout history, and to have offered instructions to Taoist leaders during visits to the earth. He has also been seen as a savior of mankind, who revealed to man sacred texts. To Taoists today, he is a personification of the Tao and a great divinity; to followers of Confucius, he is a venerated philosopher.
Lao-tzu
Drawing: IRC. (2005).
Retrieved May 18, 2006, from unitedstreaming
In this Ming period drawing, Lao-tzu is shown riding the ox on which he disappeared into the west after writing the Tao-te Ching
Ritual Bronze Vessels from 6th century B.C.
Photos: CHINAKNOWLEDGE - a universal guide for China studies
© 2000 ff · Ulrich Theobald; Chinaknowledge.org
Photograph 1: One of the standard vessels for sacrificing food. There are many examples of four legged vessels, especially in old times. This kind is called fangding, "square ding." Human faces are only very seldom seen on bronze vessels. This vessel has the inscription "Da He", probably the name of the owner.
Photograph 2: A round belly three-legged example from early Zhou times (height 120 cm). This is the standard shape of ding, which is still seen today in many temples as a container for incense burning.
Photograph 3: Richly ornamented with inlaid gold and silver from late Warring States times (height: 11 cm). Refining the culture, the Zhou dynasty became keener for small and fine handicraft instead of the former huge shapes. Something new is the beak that makes the vessel look like a tea pot.
The Tao of Leadership
Introduction and Chapters 1 through 10, John Heider
© 1985 Humanics Limited; ISBN: 0-89334-079-0
The Tao of Writing
Excerpt from Part 1, “Making connections: Writing and the tao,” Ralph L. Wahlstrom
© 2006 Ralph L. Wahlstrom; ISBN: 1-59337-404-6
Used with permission of the author
