Tao Te Ching History, Basic Philosophy, and Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, interpretable as “The Book of the Virtuous Way” is one of the most translated and widely disseminated works of all time. It is the foundation for the spiritual philosophy of Taoism, from which Chinese Buddhism also developed. The Tao Te Ching focuses on acceptance rather than desire. By studying the natural order of things and working with them instead of against them, one avoids self-inflicted resistance. Nature endlessly and selflessly provides for the universe without discrimination or recognition and is the model for human conduct. Non-action is also advocated, for when one stops trying too hard, he finds that things tend to progress with ease. In the clarity of a still and open mind, the truth is revealed. Simplifying life is the essence of the Tao.
The Tao Te Ching’s author, Lao Tzu or “Venerable Master,” is regarded as a model for teaching perfection, personal virtuous cultivation, and natural, spiritual understanding. It is unknown whether he physically existed and completed his works as a sole individual, but according to tradition, Lao Tzu lived in the early 6th century B.C.E., where he worked as the official historian of the Zhou Dynasty. This position allowed him access to the ancient writings and records of China, from which he was able to accumulate knowledge and insight. Confucius is said to have met with and consulted the older Tzu. Upon seeing the moral decline and decaying strength of the empire, Lao Tzu journeyed west to live in the seclusion of nature. As he was traveling through the last pass on the outskirts of China, a guard recognized him and requested that he write down the essence of his teachings so that they would not be lost to posterity. Hence, these writings compose what is now known as the Tao Te Ching. Lao Tzu was never seen again.
Although uncertain, the existence of Lao Tzu, as either a physical person or an accumulation of ideas, has had a profound impact on the human understanding of spiritual and natural phenomena.
