Lao Tzu is one of the most mysterious and and must criticized character of the ancient Chinese philosophy. His name means the Old Sage. He also was known as Lao Tan.
Most of the information regarding his biography comes from the Historical Records
of the Ss'uma Ch'ien. The author says that Lao Tzu worked as a librarian at the court of Chou sovereign, and he met Confucius to talk about rites (rules). This meeting is very important because illustrates the huge differences between the Lao Tzu's philosophy and Confucius'.
Lately, he would have quit the court and gone West. When passing through the pass he would have wrote the Tao Te Ching upon the direct request of the guardian Yin Hsi.
Nothing more is known about Lao Tzu after he wrote the book. Lao Tzu is considered to be the father of philosophical Taoism and was also deified in the religious Taoism as supreme god.
You may learn more about Lao Tzu, his meeting with Confucius, his Tao Te Ching and more by following our course entitled Lao Tzu and Taoism Revealed. Click here to access the course's page.
-> See also: What is Taoism - click here to be taken to our site on Taoism |
