Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu (And the Other Sacred Text of Taoism)

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Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu is the most popular sacred text of Taoism. But this Tao Te Ching book, in truth, is just one of the two bedrock texts of Taoism. What is Tao Te Ching in English? Why is this special in Taoism?

The Tao Te Ching (also Daodejing), also called Lao Tzu (or Laozi; after its supposed author), is a Chinese classic text. Its authorship and date of composition or compilation are still debated, though the oldest excavated text dates back to the late 4th century BC.

Lao Tzu: Supposed author of Tao Te Ching

Lao Tzu (also Laozi or Lao-Tze), which literally means ‘Old Master,’ is recognized as the supposed author of the ‘Tao Te Ching.’

Lao Tzu is the founder of philosophical Taoism. He is an ancient Chinese philosopher, writer, and a ‘deity’ in religious Taoism. (Read: Taoism 101: What You Need to Know about this Eastern Tradition)

There is debate about Lao-Tzu among scholars to the extent that some question whether he even existed. Although deemed by some as a legendary figure, Laozi is typically believed to be born in 604 BC.

Lao Tzu is considered a contemporary of Confucius, but some historians claimed that he lived during the Warring States period of the 5th or 4th century BC. A central figure in Chinese culture, Laozi is claimed by both the emperors of the Tang dynasty and modern people of the Li surname as a founder of their lineage.

Some allege that Lao Tzu held a government position, possibly keeper of the royal archives. Nonetheless, he became discouraged with society and decided to leave, as China, during his supposed time, was bordering on anarchy. Lao Tzu is said to mount his black ox and left the city:

“As he arrived at the western pass, the gatekeeper stopped him, and when he discovered that Lao Tzu was leaving, he asked him to write down his thoughts. In five thousand Chinese characters and eighty-one chapters, Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching, climbed back on his black ox, and disappeared into the sunset, never to be heard from again …

“Thus, there is no death date for him. …In legend he departs for the western borders, to live there as a hermit, after first writing the text of the Way, leaving it behind for the instruction of others.” (“Taoism,” n.d.)

It is important to note that Laozi itself is an honorific title. As a religious figure, he is worshipped under the name ‘Supreme Old Lord’ (Tàishàng Lǎojūn).

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu as an essential text in Taoism

The Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu (along with another Taoist text) is an essential text for Taoism, philosophically and religiously speaking. It has significantly influenced other Chinese religions such as Confucianism and Chinese Buddhism.

This Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu has been a famous source of inspiration to several Chinese artists, such as poets, painters, calligraphers, and even gardeners. Its impact has also spread broadly outside East Asia, and it is among the most translated works in world literature.

What does Tao Te Ching mean?

Tao Te Ching in English translation is “Instruction regarding the Way of Virtue.” There are still debates on what the Tao Te Ching best translation is.

Containing eighty-one short sections in a poetic style, the text varies widely in content, from practical advice to universal wisdom, embracing politics, society, and human nature.

Tao Te Ching book gives emphasis on the alleged right view and understanding of existence, the Way of the cosmos, as it intends to teach an informed awareness of being that leads to personal harmony.

Tao Te Ching religion (Taoism) emphasizes the natural background of human existence. It teaches that a life which is in accord with the natural is so conducive to spiritual calmness and resilience.

Also read: Feng Shui: The Basics in Taoist Environmentalism that You Need to Understand

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu vs Zhuangzi by ‘Master Zhuang’

The Zhuangzi (Chuang Tze or Chuang-tzu) is an ancient Chinese text from the late Warring States period (476–221 BC) which comprises stories and anecdotes that exemplify the carefree nature of the ideal Taoist sage.

The Zhuangzi is one of the two bedrock texts of Taoism, along with Tao Te Ching. But whereas the Tao Te Ching is cold and proverbial in style, the Chuang Tze buzzes with life and insights, typically with considerable humor behind them.

The Zhuangzi was named for its traditional author, ‘Master Zhuang’ (Zhuang Zhou or Zhuangzi). He is commonly said to have been born around 369 BC at a place called Meng in the state of Song (around modern Shangqiu, Henan Province) and died around 301, 295, or 286 BC. Some reference claim that Zhuangzi was not the sole author of Chuang Tze.

Whereas other books, such as the Confucian references, talk about moral and personal duty, the Zhuangzi endorses carefree wandering and becoming one with ‘Tao’ by following nature:

“The Zhuangzi consists of a large collection of anecdotes, allegories, parables, and fables, which are often humorous or irreverent in nature. Its main themes are of spontaneity in action and of freedom from the human world and its conventions. The fables and anecdotes in the text attempt to illustrate the falseness of human distinctions between good and bad, large and small, life and death, and human and nature.” (“Zhuangzi,” n.d.)

Seen as a philosophical and literary masterpiece, the book has considerably influenced writers for more than 2000 years:

“In 742, the Zhuangzi was canonized as one of the Chinese Classics by an imperial proclamation from Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, though most orthodox scholars did not consider the Zhuangzi to be a true “classic” (jing) due to its non-Confucian nature” (“Zhuangzi,” n.d.).

For other free lectures like this (especially for students), visit Homepage: Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems

Copyright © by Jens Micah De Guzman

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