Chinese Philosophies & Religions --- Laozi(604?-531 BC)

Some people believe that only one man, Lao-tzu, wrote the most translated work in all the literature of China, the `Laozi' (also called `Dao De Jing'). The book is the earliest document in the history of Taoism ("the Way"), one of the major philosophical-religious traditions that, along with Confucianism, has shaped Chinese life and thought for more than 2,000 years. It is a viewpoint that emphasizes individuality, freedom, simplicity, mysticism and naturalness.

Knowledge of Laozi is so scarce that only legends remain. His earliest biographer, who wrote in about 100 BC, relates that Lao-tzu lived in the district of Hu Province (in present-day Henan) during the Zhou Dynasty (1122-221 BC). Presumably, he worked in astrology and divination at the court of the emperor. The biographer tells of a meeting of Lao-tzu with the younger Confucius, which would mean Lao-tzu lived in about 500 BC. Another story says that he left China during the decline of the Zhou Dynasty and on his way west wrote the `Dao De Jing', after which he disappeared. He was worshipped as an Imperial ancestor during the T'ang Dynasty (618-907). Scholars today believe that the book cannot have been written by one man. Some of the sayings in it may date from the time of Confucius while others are from a later period. It is possible that the name Laozi represents a type of scholar and wise man, rather than one individual.

`Dao De Jing' The `Dao De', meaning "Classic of the Way of Power" is one of the great works of ancient China not included among the Confucian Classics. The presumed author, Laozi, is considered to be the founder of Taoism. He may have been alive at the same time as Confucius but older. The book is not only significant philosophically, but is also one of the most sacred scriptures of the Taoist religion.

Communal religious Taoism is quite distinct from its philosophical counterpart. It emphasizes moral teachings and collective ceremonies. Good moral conduct is rewarded with health and long life while bad conduct results in disease, death and suffering in the afterlife. There is an array of gods who are administrators of the universe of which they are a part. From these gods come revelations of sacred texts. There is an order of married priests who live in the communities they serve and perform exorcisms and complex rituals.

Folk religion Taoism is part of the everyday lives of the people. The gods are intimately connected with each individual's life as bringers of calamities or givers of bountiful gifts. Each object of daily life has its presiding spirit that must be consulted and appeased.

All types of Taoism have in common the quest for a harmonious, well-ordered universe. They emphasize the individual's and the group's need for unity through mysticism, magicand ceremony.