The Philosophy of Lao Tzu

The Legend of Lao Tzu
by Zee Sing

Introduction

There is a legend behind the writing of the Tao Te Ching. That legend relates to a figure known as Lao Tzu who, as the sages tell us, was the author of this small book; small in size, enormous in impact.

The empirical minded among us have, over the millennia, asserted that the legend somehow diminished the truths of the book and, since these "truths" were spiritual in any case, that the message was flawed at best and, in all probability, folly.

The problem with this mindset is, of course, that truths are more readily absorbed in legend than in science and history. Legend is inherently flexible and adaptable. Data, on the other hand, is constantly being revised and disproved. The best of legends, such as that of Lao Tzu and The Tao Te Ching, are long lasting. The scientific truths of yesterday, on the other hand, are today's lunacy.

With this spirit in mind, I will tell you my version of the Legend of Lao Tzu. It has, no doubt, been borrowed from here and there, revised, embellished and mixed with a large dose of subjectivity.

A Legend Among Many

In ancient China, perhaps 500 years before the Anointed One of God, Jesus the Christ, walked the earth, there lived a childless elderly couple. Time has misplaced their names, but not their story.

While there is no word in the tale of the wife having been visited by an angel, a miraclulous event did take place when, at the age of 126, she gave birth to a boy child - a child who, according to the spiritual advisors of the time, had had a gestation period of not less than 100 years.

Thus he was given the name Old Boy -- Lao Tzu.

The name was very appropirate because from the beginning he showed a wisdom beyond his years.

The wise, as we know, are content to reflect and lead a life of annonymity. This is the path that Lao Tzu choose. Thus he became a librarian.

Surrounding the lives of the people of Ancient China at the time of Lao Tzu was turmoil. War. Corruption. Political intrigue. Revenge. And a constant hunger for might and money by the powerful and those who craved power.

It was evident to Lao Tzu that the movers and shakers of the time were ignoring the teachings of Confucius, who had counseled people to fulfill the obligations of their station in life. Lao Tzu himself, while respecting the elder Confucius, was in fundamental disagreement with the great thinker and saw little hope of reformation. Consequently, he decided to leave his position as a librarian and lead a life in accord with the fundamental principle of nature -- the Tao.

Riding a water buffalo, he left and eventually came to the gates of the empire. The gatekeeper told him that he would not be permitted to leave unless he left everything he had. Lao Tzu replied that all he has was his knowledge.

"Well then," the gatekeeper said, "you will have to leave that."

Lao Tzu sat down and commenced writing the Tao Te Ching. It became one of the most celebrated and important works in the history of humankind and the basis for the Taoist philosophy.

Conclusion

While the exactitude of the legend may be questioned, the truths as revealed in the Tao Te Ching have stood up to the test of time and practicality. To paraphrase William James, the great American Pragmatist Philosopher, "If it works, it's true." The message that Lao Tzu left us, however hidden, does, as a matter of actual fact, work. Therein lies its wisdom.

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Copyright 2005 by Zee Sing. Reprint by permission only. zee@the-professor-mon.com