Essay About Lao-Tzu And Hills Of China

Taoism
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With origins dating back to 600 BC, Taoism is one of the
earliest religions of the far east, predating both Buddhism
and Confusiascism. It has survived for centuries,
withstanding opposition from anti-Taoist dynasties by
storing texts in hollowed out walls. Despite its hardships,
Taoism has persevered and is still an important part of
Eastern though and religion.
The most well known of all Taoist sages is the fabled
Lao-Tzu. He is credited with writing the Tao Te Ching, the
first book to capture Taoist beliefs and thoughts. This is
often debated, however, on the grounds that Lao-Tzu may have
been the pen name of several sages working together to
create the Tao Te Ching (2). Little is known about the origins
of the Tao, Taoists believe that while passing through the
hills of China, a bridge keeper asked Lao-Tzu to write a
book containing his thoughts and beliefs. To satisfy this
request, Lao-Tzu wrote what he called “The Book of 5000
Characters”.(3) This later became known as the Tao Te
Ching. When translated, Tao Te Ching means “The Classic Way
and Virtue”, Tao meaning way or path, Te meaning virtue, and
Ching meaning classic(1). Li Er is thought to be Lao-Tzus
given name, if this is true, then Lao-Tzu spent time as the
head librarian of the imperial archives. While there,
Lao-Tzu (then known as Li Er) studied Chinese history,
philosophy, and other works of classic Chinese literature.
Later in his life, Lao-Tzu is said to have encounter
Confucius(5). At this meeting, Confucius asked Lao-Tzu to
explain his views on Taoism. Though the actual conversation
is not documented, Confucius came away from the meeting in
awe of Lao-Tzus great intellect. After the encounter,
Confucius said to his followers, “I know that a bird can
fly; that fishes can swim; that animals can run. Things that
run can be caught in nets. What can swim can be caught in
traps. What can fly can be shot down with arrows. But what
to do with the dragon I do not know. It rises on the clouds
and the wind. Today I have met Lao-Tzu and he is like the
dragon.” (1)