Lao-Tzu was a philosopher of ancient China. The specific date of birth of Lao-Tzu is unknown. According to Chinese legends and tradition, Lao-Tzu lived in the 6th century BC. However, legends vary. Other scholars claim that he could have possibly lived around 600 BC to 300 BC. Ancient myths state that he was conceived when his mother gazed upon a falling star. They state that he stayed in the womb and matured for sixty-two years, born when his mother leaned against a plum tree. He accordingly emerged a grown man with a full gray beard and long earlobes, which are the signs of wisdom and long life.

His real name is unknown. Lao Tzu is an honorific title. Lao means “venerable” or “old”. Tzu means “master”. Therefore the literal meaning of his name is “Old Master”. Tzu was used in ancient China like a social prefix, similar to how titles such as mister, miss, or doctor is used today. Lao Tzu is a central figure in Chinese culture. Both noble and common people claim Lao Tzu in their familiar lineage. According to popular traditional biographies, he worked as the keeper of the archives for the royal court of Zhou. This reportedly allowed him broad access to the works of the emperor and other classics of the time. The stories relate that Lao Tzu never opened a formal school, but he nonetheless attracted a large number of students and loyal disciples. Hearing of Lao Tzu’s wisdom, Confucius traveled to meet him. There are numerous variations of a story depicting Confucius consulting Lao Tzu about rites and rituals. A tale claims that Lao Tzu tells Confucius, “The bones of the people you are talking about have long since turned to dust. Only words linger on. If a man’s time comes, he will be successful. If not he will not be successful. A successful merchant hides his wealth and a noble person of character will feign foolishness. Therefore, you should give up your proud heirs, your desires, vanity and extravagant claims. They are useless to you”.


Confucius meeting with Lao Tzu

In addition to being the keeper of imperial archives of the kingdom at the time, Lao Tzu wrote many poems. Chinese poetry is the most highly regarded literary genre in China. Here are a few of Lao Tzu’s quotes:

“Great acts are made up of small deeds.”

“He who knows himself is enlightened.”

“He who knows others is clever. He who knows himself has discernment.”

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”

“Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.”

Along with his wisdom, Lao Tzu is also famous for being associated with writing the Tao Te Ching of Taoism (Tao-meaning the way of all life; Te-meaning the fit use of life by men; Ching-meaning text or classic). The Tao Te Ching became fundamental to the Taoist teachings of Chinese Philosophy and strongly influenced other schools. In addition, it is an essential aspect in Chinese religion. When Buddhism was first introduced into China, large sums of its teachings were largely based upon Taoist words and concepts. Many Chinese artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and even gardeners have used the Tao Te Ching as a source of inspiration. Its influence has spread widely outside of China. It is one of the most translated texts in the world to this date. Traditional accounts state that Lao Tzu was saddened by and grew sick and tired of the moral decay of life. He noted that the kingdom was declining and credited this to the evil of men, so he felt it was time to leave. According to ancient Chinese legends and tales, he ventured west on a water buffalo to live as a hermit in the unsettled frontier at the age of 160. A guard recognized him when he arrived at the final gate of the great wall at the western part of the kingdom known as the Han Gu pass. The guard at the gate realized that Lao Tzu planned was set on leaving permanently. The guard requested that he record the principles of his philosophy and wisdom so that it could be preserved once he was gone. Lao Tzu agreed. He climbed down from his buffalo and wrote the 81 sayings of the Tao Te Ching. He then left and was never heard of again. In some versions of the tale, the sentry is so touched by the work that he leaves with Lao Tzu to never be seen again as well. Some legends elaborate further that Lao Tzu was the teacher of Buddha, or even the Buddha himself.


Lao Tzu leaving

Here are several videos about the teachings of Lao Tzu.


A teaching from the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu


An old Chinese story by Lao Tzu.

I added the second video because I think that most people would rather have a story read to them rather than read it themselves since it will be more convenient for them. I added this because it directly relates to Lao Tzu because it is a story by him.

If you are interested in purchasing a book on the teachings of Lao-Tzu, here is a fairly priced book on Amazon.com


"The Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu"
by Lao Tzu (translated by Brian Walker)

Description
The Tao te Ching of Lao Tzu is one of the most widely read and deeply cherished books in the world, a work many consider the wisest book ever written. In his introduction, translator Brian Browne Walker says, "It is less a book than a living, breathing angel."

In his new translation, Walker stays close to the direct literal accuracy of the Chinese characters while producing a modern, exceptionally clear version that has the ring and voice of Lao Tzu, a man who may or may not have been a single individual. "I have come to think of Lao Tzu less as a man who once lived," Walker writes, "and more as a song that plays, eternal and abiding."

Click here to read more about the book!

I added the book (a contemporary prescence) because just in case people wanted to learn more about Lao Tzu, they can go ahead and purchase a book about his teachings. If they decide that they do not want to purchase a book, they can just write down the title of the suggested book and borrow it from the library.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao_Te_Ching
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lao_Tzu
http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/96jun/laotzu.html
http://www.thetao.info/tao/laotzu.htm
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/l/lao_tzu.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_poetry