Lao Tzu Biography

Lao Tzu is a mysterious character if we consider the persisting uncertainties concerning his real existence, the virtues which the mystical Taoists endowed him with.

Not even Ssu'ma Ch'ien, the historian of the Chinese antiquity who wrote his Historical Records around 100 BCE, had any accurate information about the biography of the famous sage. He noted laconically:

Lao Tzu was a man from the Qu Ren village, Li district, Ku Prefecture from Chu Land. His family surname was Li, his first name was Er, his nickname was Dan.

Lao Tzu leaving the Chou's court to go West

As Max Kaltenmark shows with good reason, even the names the philosopher wore are not certain.

The two of them, Er and Tan, which mean "ears" and, respectively, "long ears", are related to longevity and wisdom, as the wise old men of antiquity were represented with long years. Moreover, in the ancient writings, these names are not found, but the name Lao Tzu which means the old or venerable sage.

According to some traditions, Lao Tzu would have lived for about 160-200 years, the nickname he was given being caused by this.

• Career

Lao Tzu's career, as it results from Ssu'ma Ch'ien's records, could be restricted at three significant moments:

- He seemed to be an archivist at the Royal Court of Chou dynasty;
- He was supposed to be visited by Confucius with whom he discussed about the rites;
- Disgusted at the Court's life he would have left to West, and he would have dictated  his book - Tao Te Ching - and would have disappeared without a trace.

• Philosophy

Lao Tzu meet Confucius to talk about rites

Lao Tzu is said to be the author of the book Tao Te - that is - the Classic of Tao and Te. This book which influenced all Chinese philosophical and mystical trends contains the basics of Lao Tzu's thinking which stress on the need of emulating the Tao or the Great Pervader. (See also the Tao Te Ching section of this site).

• Lao Tzu and the Modern Western Culture

It is difficult to translate the philosophical concepts of Lao Tzu in our familiar concepts and ideas. The reason is that nothing in our Western culture fits the Taoist view on the Universe and man (sage). This is why one finds many interpretations and explanations of his concepts that basically resembles the Christian philosophy and ethics.

• Online resources

More about Lao Tzu and his Tao Te Ching may be found by taking the online course Lao Tzu and Tao Te Ching Revealed. This is a 10-lessons email course treating of the life and work of Lao Tzu. It explains the main topics of Tao Te Ching such us tao, emptiness, nondoing, and more. Click here to learn more...

Read also: -> Tao Te Ching
-> Lao Tzu Quotes

^ Top

© Copyright 2010, Way of Perfect Emptiness. All rights reserved.