Lao Tzu: Father of Taoism

Born:

604? - 531? B.C.E. * Historians of Taoism debate the birth date of Lao Tzu, due to lack of historical evidence.

History:

Lao Tzu is often credited with forming the basic texts of Taoist Philosophy, known as the Tao Te Ching (The Way and Its Power). The Tao Te Ching is a collection of over 80 poems, describing the importance of Taoism and its meaning. It is believed Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching on a trip to Tibet, after meeting several men who felt they didn’t have any purpose in life. Lao Tzu felt theses men needed guidance and a path to follow, and he believed Taoism was the answer.

Teachings:

Lao Tzu believed the world was in perfect order, but man’s actions did not correspond with the flow of the universe. Man stood against cosmic order. Lao Tzu stressed that humans should do "nothing;" meaning they had to follow "The Way" of the universe known as Tao. Doing "nothing" really meant letting nature take its course. It also meant that humans cannot process knowledge of everything.

Did Lao Tzu believe in deities or gods?

While many deities are associated with Religious Taoism, Lao Tzu did not elaborate on a specific god/ gods in his philosophical texts. Rather, he believed Tao, "The Way," was the key force controlling the motion of the universe. Tao was not something that could be seen or touched, but remained transparent in nature.

Did "Lao Tzu" really exist?

Some Taoist historians argue that Lao Tzu did not exist, but was an alias several authors used while comprising the Tao Te Ching. Since Lao Tzu’s past is largely unknown, and mostly that of speculation, it is possible that these philosophical texts were written by a group of scholars under one name.

Famous Lao Tzu Quotes:

"When virtue is lost, benevolence appears, when benevolence is lost right conduct appears, when right conduct is lost, expedience appears. Expediency is the mere shadow of right and truth; it is the beginning of disorder."
"Treat those who are good with goodness, and also treat those who are not good with goodness. Thus goodness is attained. Be honest to those who are honest, and be also honest to those who are not honest. Thus honesty is attained."
"The sage does not hoard. The more he helps others, the more he benefits himself, The more he gives to others, the more he gets himself. The Way of Heaven does one good but never does one harm. The Way of the sage is to act but not to compete."
"Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power."