Brief biography of Lao Tzu (604 BC. See what "Lao" is in other dictionaries

Lao Tzu (Old Child, Wise Old Man; Chinese exercise 老子, pinyin: Lǎo Zǐ, 6th century BC), ancient Chinese philosopher of the 6th-5th centuries BC. BC, to whom the authorship of the classic Taoist philosophical treatise "Tao Te Ching" is attributed. Within the framework of modern historical science, the historicity of Laozi is questioned, however, in the scientific literature, he is often still identified as the founder of Taoism. In the religious and philosophical teachings of most Taoist schools, Laozi is traditionally revered as a deity - one of the Three Pure Ones.

Treatise Tao Te Ching written in ancient Chinese, which is difficult to understand today's Chinese. At the same time, its author deliberately used polysemantic words. In addition, some key concepts do not have exact matches either in English or in Russian. James Leger, in his preface to the translation of the treatise, writes: "The written signs of the Chinese language represent not words, but ideas, and the sequence of these signs represents not what the author wants to say, but what he thinks." . According to tradition, the author of the book is Lao Tzu, so sometimes the book is called by his name. However, some historians question his authorship; it is assumed that the author of the book could be another contemporary of Confucius - Lao Lai-tzu. One argument for this view is the words in the Tao Te Ching written in the first person.

...All people hold on to their "I", only I chose to give it up. My heart is like a heart stupid person- so dark, so obscure! The everyday world of people is clear and obvious, only I live in a vague world, like evening twilight. The everyday world of people is painted to the smallest detail, only I live in an incomprehensible and mysterious world. Like a lake, I am calm and quiet. Unstoppable like the breath of the wind! People always have something to do, only I live like an ignorant savage. I alone differ from others in that above all I value the root of life, the mother of all living things.

THE TEACHING OF LAO TZI

Around the 6th century BC e. there was a doctrine of semi-legendary

philosopher Lao Tzu, whose name literally means "old

philosopher." The teachings of Lao Tzu were expounded from his words and

edited after as a small but interesting

philosophical work - "Tao-te-ching" ("The Book of Tao"), before

which is a collection of aphorisms, wise, but sometimes

strange and mysterious sayings. The central idea of ​​philosophy

Lao Tzu was the idea of ​​the Tao. The word "dao" in Chinese

literally means the way; but in this philosophical system it

received a much broader metaphysical, religious

method, principle. The very concept of "dao" can be interpreted and

materialistically: Tao is nature, the objective world.

The philosophy of Lao Tzu is also permeated with a peculiar dialectic.

"From being and non-being everything came; from the impossible and

possible - execution; from long and short - form.

produce harmony with the lower, the former subjugates

the next." "Out of the imperfect comes the whole. From

curved - straight. From deep - smooth. From the old

new.” “What shrinks expands; what

weakens, - increases; that which is destroyed

recovering." However, Lao Tzu understood it not as a struggle

opposites, but as their reconciliation. And from here they made

practical conclusions: "when a person comes to non-doing, then

there is nothing that has not been done"; "Who loves the people and

governs him, he must be inactive." From these thoughts

the main idea of ​​philosophy, or ethics, Lao Tzu is visible: this

the principle of non-doing, inaction, quietism. Every aspiration

do something, change something in nature or in life

people are condemned. Evil considers Lao Tzu and all knowledge:

The "holy man" who rules the country tries to prevent the wise from

dare to do something. When everything is done

inactive, then (on earth) there will be complete calm.

"He who is free from all kinds of knowledge will never

sick." "Who knows the depth of his enlightenment and remains in

ignorance, he will become an example to the whole world.” “There is no knowledge;

that's why I don't know anything." "When I do nothing,

the people are getting better; when I am calm, then the people are done

fair; when I'm not doing anything new, then

people get rich...

The power of the king among the people Lao Tzu put very high, but

understood it as a purely patriarchal power: "Tao is great,

the sky is great, the earth is great, and finally the king is great. So in

there are four greatnesses in the world, one of which is

king". In the understanding of Lao Tzu, the king is sacred and

inactive leader. To the modern state

authorities Lao Tzu was negative: "That's why the people

starves that the state is too big and heavy

taxes. This is the cause of the misery of the people."

The main virtue is temperance. "In order to

to serve heaven and govern the people, it is best to observe

bngdepf`mhe. Temperance is the first step of virtue,

which is the beginning of moral perfection."

The teachings of Lao Tzu served as the basis on which the

the so-called Taoist religion, one of the three dominant

now in China.

Main ideas:

One should not strive for excessive education, erudition or sophistication - on the contrary, one should return to the state of "raw wood", or to the state of "baby". All opposites are inseparable, complementary, interact with each other. This also applies to such opposites as life and death. Life is "soft" and "flexible". Death is "hard" and "solid". Best Principle solving problems in accordance with Tao is a renunciation of aggression, a concession. This should not be understood as a call for surrender and submission - one should strive to master the situation without making too much effort. The presence in a society of rigid normative ethical systems - for example, Confucianism - indicates that there are problems in it, which such a system only exacerbates, being unable to solve them.

The central idea of ​​Lao Tzu's philosophy was the idea of ​​two principles - Dao and De.

The word "Dao" in Chinese literally means "the way"; one of the most important categories of Chinese philosophy. However, in the Taoist philosophical system, it received a much broader metaphysical content. Lao Tzu uses the word "Tao" with particular care, for "Tao" is wordless, nameless, formless and immovable. No one, not even Lao Tzu, can define Tao. He cannot define "Tao" because to know that you do not know (everything) is greatness. Not knowing that you don't know (everything) is a disease. The word "Tao" is just a sound from Lao Tzu's lips. He didn't make it up - he just said it at random. But when understanding arises, words will disappear - they will no longer be needed. . "Tao" means not only the way, but also the essence of things and the total being of the universe. "Dao" - universal law and Absolute. The very concept of "Tao" can also be interpreted materialistically: "Tao" is nature, the objective world.

One of the most difficult in the Chinese tradition is the concept of "De". On the one hand, “De” is what feeds “Tao”, makes it possible ( option from the opposite: "Tao" feeds "De", "Tao" - unlimited, "De" - defined). This is a kind of universal force, the principle by which the "Tao" - as the way of things, can take place. It is also the method by which one can practice and conform to the Tao. “De” is a principle, a way of being. This is the possibility of the correct accumulation of "vital energy" - Qi. "De" - the art of properly disposing of "vital energy", correct behavior. But "De" is not morality in the narrow sense. "De" goes beyond common sense, prompting a person to release the life force from the fetters of everyday life. The Taoist doctrine of Wu-wei, inaction, is close to the concept of "De".

The incomprehensible Te is that what fills the form of things, but it comes from the Tao. Tao is what drives things, its path is mysterious and incomprehensible. ... He who follows the Tao in his deeds, ... purifying his spirit, enters into an alliance with the power of Te

Lao Tzu on Truth

“The truth spoken out loud ceases to be such, for it has already lost its primary connection with the moment of truth.”

"He who knows does not speak; he who speaks does not know."

It is clear from the available written sources that Lao Tzu was a mystic and a quietist in modern understanding who taught a completely unofficial doctrine that relied solely on internal contemplation. Man acquires the truth by liberation from everything false in himself. The mystical experience completes the search for reality. Lao Tzu wrote: “There is an Infinite Being who was before Heaven and Earth. How serene, how calm! It lives alone and does not change. It moves everything, but does not worry. We may consider him the universal Mother. I don't know his name. I call it Tao."

Religious Taoism

Religious Taoism at the beginning of the Middle Ages is divided into a philosophical and religious direction, which is associated with the collapse of the Qino and Han empires, wars and civil strife. Ancient deities penetrate into Taoism, and their hierarchy is formed; the practice of prayers and meditation leading to immortality (xian) is being revived. big development received and alchemy (the creation of the "golden pill of immortality"), improved the practice of yoga and meditation. This new Taoism was called religious Taoism (dao chiao) to distinguish it from the teachings of Laozi and Zhuangzi, who strive only for longevity. The Chinese value longevity as a sign that a person follows the "Tao - the path of heaven and earth", obeys the natural order of things, taking all joys and hardships for granted. Ancient thinkers such as Lezi and the author of the eclectic work Huainanzi, as well as the Way of True Unity school and later schools, Higher Purity and the Way of Perfect Truth, also played a significant role in the formation of Taoism. In modern China, purely religious Taoism is fading away, and of the once major schools, only two have survived: "The Way of Perfect Truth" and "The Way of True One." In religious Taoism (Dao chiao) special meaning given to the search for immortality. They went to immortality through meditation, ritual practice, alchemy and philosophy. The direction of Taoism (Dao Jiao) was formed from the activities of numerous sects, groups and schools. So in the 12th century, the canon of Taoist texts "Tao Zang" was basically formed. In some schools, the focus is on achieving harmony in the cosmic flows of yin and yang through ritual action; others focus more on meditation practice, breathing exercises, and experiments in mind control over the body. Among the Chinese, who remain faithful to traditions, religious Taoism still plays an organizing role in many folk festivals, and clergymen still practice healing and exorcism: they perform the rite of expelling evil spirits, they seek to establish control over a dangerous excess of Yang power in order to maintain harmony in this way. at the cosmic, social and individual levels. However, the control of energy flows and the attainment of immortality are available only to a few adepts and teachers. Immortality is practiced literally - the acquisition of an incorruptible body, consisting of a certain substance, or symbolically - as an achievement of inner freedom and emancipation of the spirit.

spiritual renewal

In addition to holidays in honor of countless saints, immortals and heroes, the Taoist religion pays great attention to the celebration of the main

rites life cycle(the birth of children, and first of all sons, weddings, funerals), as well as the observance of fasts: tutan-zhai (post of mud and coal), huanglu-zhai (post of the yellow talisman). An important role is given to the celebration of the New Year (according to the lunar calendar). The holiday of He qi ("fusion of the spirit") is secretly celebrated, during which Taoist believers consider themselves free from any sexual restrictions, let alone prohibitions. Taoism pays special attention to the maintenance and preservation of male and female energies. Taoists, like Buddhists, attach great importance to the ritual reading of the canon. They believe that in this way moral perfection and spiritual renewal are achieved not only of the religious community, but of society as a whole. In addition, the participants of the ceremony practice meditation and contemplation of religious symbols. Car rental, new conditions. The ritual helps to focus on the main thing in Taoism - on establishing a balance between the forces of yin and yang and on achieving harmony with nature. Taoism "stands" on the fusion of man with nature. Reading the canon also plays a huge role, since it is believed that all its participants and patrons are guaranteed recognition of merit in the spiritual world. The sense of beauty and the desire to merge with the Tao continues to fuel this religion today. Taoism rendered strong influence on literature, art, as well as on other areas of Chinese culture and science; it still pervades everything Chinese society. The once closed mystical teaching moved to the level of everyday consciousness. For example, all Chinese medicine - acupuncture, breathing exercises, and so on - came out of Taoist practice. Taoism gave life to many branches of traditional medicine in China. Taoism still has its adherents in China, as well as in Vietnam and Taiwan, but it is impossible to establish their exact number, because a Chinese who participates in Taoist magical rites may be a devoted Buddhist. According to a very rough estimate, by the end of the 20th century, the most zealous Taoists numbered about 20 million people.

qi energy

Taoism views the human body as the sum of the energy flows of the organized substance qi, which is analogous to blood or "life force". The flow of qi energy in the body correlates with the flow of qi energy in the environment and is subject to change. In its concentrated form, chi energy is a kind of seed called jing. This term is sometimes used to refer to sex hormones, but can also refer to a much more subtle area of ​​sexual energy, manifesting itself in the form of emotional and mental reactions. Qi is the inhaled air, later the spirit pneuma) and even some subtlest substance of the spirit, mind or consciousness - shen. Taoism points to a close relationship between the body, mind and environment. Many principles of Chinese medicine and various psychophysical practices follow from this postulate. The management of qi energy has received a direction in breathing exercises. Concentrating, a person had to connect his qi energy with the natural qi energy. Gymnastics made it possible to improve one's internal qi energy in order to achieve longevity and increase human capabilities. Tai Chi Chuan exercises embody the principles formulated in the Tao Te Ching, the most important text of Taoism. It is designed to provide concentrations of jing energy in order to resist the enemy, relying on the power of the earth and the energy of sky qi. Medicine, also using qi energy, restoring the body with the help of acupuncture. Manuscripts (atlases) were created in which meridians were shown - invisible lines along which blood and qi energy flow. Through these channels, the vital organs are nourished, and the balance of yin and yang forces is maintained. These atlases were considered relics and kept away from prying eyes.

Rituals and ceremonies

The Taoist religion is characterized by colorful festivities, the cult of ancestors, belief in the world of spirits and magical rituals associated with all areas of life - from buying a house to treating ailments. In this religion, there are various kinds of rituals, holidays and meetings. Belonging to a certain clan or family here symbolizes the rituals of the life cycle and sacrifices to ancestors, and the connection of a person with society - the celebration of the New Year, renewal rituals and numerous cults that are dedicated to the most important deities. rental best cars. The meaning of numerous religious rites and rituals is the desire to achieve harmony of fundamental forces - yin and yang in nature, man and society. In houses, to protect against evil spirits, amulets depicting yin and yang symbols surrounded by eight trigrams were hung out (trigrams are eight combinations of interrupted yin and solid yang lines.) They were especially popular before the celebration of the Chinese New Year, when people tried to clean their homes from the influence of the yin force and ensure the patronage of the yang force for the entire coming year. In late January - early February, the Chinese begin preparations for the New Year. They do a general cleaning in the houses, hang red decorations everywhere (it is believed that they bring happiness), give children new clothes and toys. The celebration of the New Year lasts for several days. Shops and various enterprises do not work, people walk on the street, fireworks are arranged. The symbol of the power of heaven and the highest manifestation of yang power is a dragon flying across the sky. In general, according to popular beliefs, dragons were the lords of rain and could take on a variety of guises, for example, they turned into clouds, a beautiful woman or a source. One of the important practical elements related to the daily religious life of people is Feng Shui (or geomancy). Feng Shui is the ability to determine habitats favorable for the living and the dead, where the flows of vital qi energy move freely. Geomancers, who are very popular, give advice on choosing the most favorable places. Houses and settlements must be built according to these rules, the interaction of which gives rise to the world in all its diversity of forms and ensures the harmony of the forces of yin and yang. The most famous and popular deities in Taoism are Zao-wang and Shouxin. Zao-wang is the deity of the hearth, he and his wife constantly look after the life of family members. According to legend, they report the results of their annual observations on New Year's Eve to the heavenly sovereign Yudi. In the folk religion, Yudi is the supreme ruler, to whom the entire universe is subordinate: earth, sky, the underworld, as well as all spirits and gods. The deity Shoushin is the deity of longevity. He was depicted as an old man holding a staff in one hand, to which a gourd (a symbol of the prosperity of offspring) and a paper scroll (a symbol of longevity) are tied, and in the other hand a peach, which is also a symbol of long life, inside which sits a hatched chick.

: Lao Tzu was born in the kingdom of Chu in southern China. Most During his life he served as the custodian of the royal library of the state of Zhou, where he met with Confucius. At an advanced age, he left the country for the west. When he reached the border outpost, its chief, Yin Xi, asked Lao Tzu to tell him about his teachings. Lao Tzu complied with his request by writing the text "Tao Te Ching" (The Canon of the Way and its Good Power).

According to another legend, Master Lao Tzu came to China from India, discarding his history, he appeared before the Chinese completely clean, without his past, as if reborn.

Many modern researchers question the very existence of Lao Tzu. Some suggest that he may have been an older contemporary of Confucius, about whom, unlike Confucius, there is no reliable historical or biographical information in the sources. There is even a version that Lao Tzu and Confucius are the same person. There are suggestions that Lao Tzu could be the author of the Taoist philosophical treatise "Tao Te Ching", if he lived in the IV-III centuries. BC e.

Lao Tzu about himself. Here is what the Tao Te Ching says in the first person:

“... All people hold on to their “I”, only I chose to give up this. My heart is like the heart of a foolish man - so dark, so obscure! The everyday world of people is clear and obvious, only I live in a vague world, like evening twilight. The everyday world of people is painted to the smallest detail, only I live in an incomprehensible and mysterious world. Like a lake, I am calm and quiet. We will not stop, like the breath of the wind! People always have something to do, only I live like an ignorant savage. Only I alone differ from others in that above all I value the root of life, the mother of all living things.

As Lao Tzu said:

• The voice of truth is against the ear.
• Who does not fight is invincible.
• You are controlled by the one who makes you angry.
• The wise man avoids all extremes.
• If present, Paths do not stagnate.
• A person dies from birth.
• When there are no enemies, there is no war.
• Satisfied with himself is a rich man.
• If you accumulate a lot, then a lot will disappear.
• He who talks a lot often fails.
• There is no misfortune heavier than ignorance of satisfaction.
• The best thing is to succeed and get out.
• Nature is never in a hurry, but always in time.
• Whoever thinks he has comprehended everything knows nothing.
• The law of the worthy is to do good and not quarrel.
• There is no greater misfortune than to underestimate the enemy.
• Smart people are not learned; scientists are not smart.
• Even the most good weapon does not bode well.
• A truly enlightened person never fights.
• Easily reached agreement is not credible.
• If you lack faith, then existence does not believe in you.
• He who knows does not speak. The one who speaks does not know.
• If the people are not afraid of death, then why frighten them with death?
• Who wages war for the sake of philanthropy will defeat his enemies.
• Be attentive to your thoughts - they are the beginning of actions.
• Loss is the beginning of reproduction, multitude is the beginning of loss.
• A moral person is not eloquent, and an eloquent one is a liar.
• Whoever takes - fills the palms, who gives - fills the heart.
• If the people are not afraid of power, then even greater power will come.
• Who, not knowing anything, behaves as if he knows a lot, he is sick.
• For the sage honor and disgrace from the mighty of the world equally weird.
• The misfortune of the whole world comes from small things, just as great things come from small ones.
• When laws and orders multiply, the number of thieves and robbers grows.
• The one who neglects his life, thereby does not value his life.
• If a thing is not fit for one purpose, it can be used for another.
• You can't be as precious as jasper, you have to be as simple as a stone.
• There is no greater crime than to indulge in harmful aspirations.
• And a loss can turn into a profit, or a profit can turn into a loss.
• Although war may aim at peace, it is an undeniable evil.
• Nothing happens in vain, everything is a preparation for the next scene.
• He who, knowing much, behaves as if he knows nothing, he is a moral man.
• Smart every day replenishes their knowledge. A wise man erases the excess every day.
• Never judge a person until you've gone a long way in their shoes.
• The strong love of someone gives strength, and strong love gives someone courage.
• A worthy husband puts on thin clothes, but has a precious stone in himself.
• Tao is constantly doing non-action, but there is nothing that it does not do.
• Who, knowing the limits of his activity, does not approach the dangers, he will live a long time.
• No one can defeat me because I accepted my defeat and do not strive for victory.
• Man follows the earth. The earth follows the sky. Heaven follows Tao, and Tao follows naturalness.
• There is nothing more powerful and creative than the void that people strive to fill.
• If you measure your success by the measure of other people's praise and blame, your anxiety will be endless.
• Where can I find a person who has forgotten all the words? I would like to have a word with him.
• Temperance is the first step of virtue, which is the beginning of moral perfection.
• People of higher morality do not consider themselves moral, therefore they have higher morality.
• He who knows the measure is satisfied with his position. He who knows much is silent, and he who speaks much knows nothing.
• Truth spoken aloud ceases to be such, for it has already lost its primary connection with the moment of truth.
• The voice of truth is not graceful, and elegant speech is false. A moral person is not eloquent, and an eloquent one is a liar.
• The reason why it is difficult to govern the people is that the people are enlightened and there are many smart people in them.
• Boundless virtue is like its vice; spreading virtue is like plundering it.
• He who knows people is intelligent. He who knows himself is enlightened. He who overcomes people is strong. He who conquers himself is mighty.
• Although there is no object in the world that is weaker and softer than water, it can destroy the hardest object.
• Whoever is brave without knowing philanthropy, who is generous without knowing thrift, who goes forward without knowing humility, will perish.
• Be bent and you will stay straight. Be empty and you will remain complete. Be worn out and you'll stay new.
• The perfection of a warrior is in vigilance, constant combat readiness, in severity, in sincerity, in impenetrable calmness.
• When you are prosperous, then think about what you need to do in time of trouble, since great trouble begins with a small one.
• Be able to know the beginning and the path of antiquity, and this knowledge will allow you to see the guiding thread leading to the present day.
• A great man clings to the essential and leaves the insignificant. He does everything in truth, but he will never rely on laws.
• He who knows people is prudent. He who knows himself is enlightened. He who conquers people is strong. He who conquers himself is mighty.
• Free your mind from thoughts. Let your heart calm down. Calmly follow the turmoil of the world. Watch how everything falls into place.
• Beautiful words are not trustworthy. Kind is not eloquent. The eloquent cannot be kind. He who knows does not prove, he who proves does not know.
• Gratitude to the world, and not only for good, but also for painful lessons, should be in the heart of a person constantly, as the core of his life. Then it grows.
• Man with higher power spirit corrects the internal in order to control the external. A person with a lower Fortitude corrects the external in order to calm the internal.
• Who is brave and warlike - perishes, who is brave and not warlike - will live. These two things mean: one - benefit, and the other - harm. Who knows the reasons why heaven hates the warlike? To explain this is difficult and perfectly wise.
• The perfectly wise accumulate nothing. He does everything for people and gives everything to others. Heavenly Dao benefits all beings and does not harm. The Tao of the perfectly wise is action without struggle. Too much desire for life. That is why death is despised. The one who neglects his life appreciates his life.
• You judge people by their usefulness. I'm not saying that you shouldn't do anything useful. Do useful things, but remember that the real and greatest experience life and ecstasy come from doing the useless. It comes through poetry, painting, love, meditation. The greatest joy will fill you only if you are able to make something that cannot be reduced to a commodity. The reward is spiritual, internal, it is manifested by energy. So, if you feel useless, don't worry. You can become huge tree with a large crown. And people who have entered into useful activity... they need to rest in the shade sometimes.
• He who forces himself will not succeed.
• He who is visible to everyone cannot see clearly himself.
• The one who only tries to start will never start.
• One who pities himself cannot cultivate.
• The one who thinks he's right can't get any better.
• He who is in too much of a hurry will achieve nothing.

The doctrine of Taoism in Russia became popular with the onset of the 1990s. Then, in post-perestroika times, in Largest cities of the former Soviet Union, many teachers began to come from China, who conducted seminars on various systems of oriental gymnastics, breathing exercises, meditation. Among the various practices were such as qigong, taijiquan, dao yin, which are inseparable from the ideas of Taoism and founded by its prominent followers.

A lot of literature was published in that period about Eastern worldviews, religions, ways of self-improvement, and the like. At the same time, a thin paperback booklet of a small format was published, where the teachings of Lao Tzu were fully expounded - a philosophical doctrine or treatise that became the foundation and canon of Taoism. Since then, a lot of articles and comments by Russian authors have been written on this topic, many translations from Chinese and English, but in our country, interest in Taoist ideas has not subsided so far and periodically flares up with new intensity.

Father of Taoism

Traditionally, the patriarch of the doctrine in Chinese sources is Huang Di, also known as the Yellow Emperor, a mystical figure and hardly existed in reality. Huangdi is considered the forerunner of the emperors of the Celestial Empire and the ancestor of all Chinese. Many early inventions are attributed to him, such as the mortar and pestle, the boat and oars, the bow and arrow, the ax and other objects. Under his reign, hieroglyphic writing and the first calendar were created. He is considered the author of treatises on medicine, diagnostics, acupuncture and acupuncture, treatment medicinal plants and cauterization. In addition to medical works, the merits of the Yellow Emperor include the authorship of Yinfujing, a poetic work highly revered by the followers of Taoism, as well as the ancient treatise Su-nuyjing on working with sexual energy, a practice that became the basis

Other founders of the doctrine

Lao Tzu is an ancient Chinese sage who lived presumably in the 6th century BC. In the Middle Ages, he was ranked among the Taoist pantheon of deities - the triad of the pure. Scientific and esoteric sources define Lao Tzu as the founder of Taoism, and his Tao Te Ching became the basis on which the teaching was further developed. The treatise is an outstanding monument of Chinese philosophy, it occupies a significant place in the ideology and culture of the country. Discussions of modern historians, philosophers and orientalists have never stopped about the content of the treatise, the historicity of its author and the fact that the book belongs directly to Lao Tzu.

Another primary source belongs to the teaching - Zhuangzi, a collection short stories, parables, texts, which also became fundamental in Taoism. Chuang Tzu, the author of the book, supposedly lived two centuries after Lao Tzu, and his identity is more specifically confirmed.

History of Lao Tzu

There is one of the parables about the birth of the founder of Taoism. When Lao Tzu was born, he saw how imperfect this world was. Then the wise baby again climbed into the mother's womb, deciding not to be born at all, and stayed there for several decades. When his mother was finally relieved of her burden, Lao Tzu was born a gray-haired bearded old man. This legend points to the name of a Taoist philosopher, which can be translated as "wise old man" or "old baby."

First and most Full description the founder of Taoism was in the 1st century BC. e. Sima Qian, Chinese hereditary historiographer, scholar and writer. He did this according to oral traditions and stories several centuries after the death of Lao Tzu. His teaching and life had by that time become a tradition, mostly legends. According to a Chinese historian, the surname of Lao Tzu is Li, which is very common in China, and the name of the philosopher is Er.

Sima Qian points out that the Taoist sage served at the imperial court as a keeper of archives, in the modern sense, a librarian, an archivist. Such a position meant keeping manuscripts in proper order and preservation, classifying them, ordering texts, observing ceremonies and rituals, and probably writing commentaries. All this points to high level education of Lao Tzu. According to the generally accepted version, the year of birth of the great Taoist is 604 BC. e.

The Legend of the Spread of the Teaching

It is not known where and when the sage died. According to legend, noticing that the archive he kept was falling into decay, and the state where he lived was degrading, Lao Tzu went to wander to the west. His ride on a buffalo was a frequent subject in traditional oriental painting. According to one version, when at some outpost blocking the way, the sage had to pay for the passage, he handed over to the head of the guard post a scroll with the text of his treatise instead of payment. Thus began the spread of the teachings of Lao Tzu, which later became known as the Tao Te Ching.

History of the treatise

The number of translations of the Tao Te Ching is probably second only to the Bible. The first European translation of the work into Latin was made in England in the 18th century. Since then, in the West alone, Lao Tzu's work in various languages ​​has been published at least 250 times. The Sanskrit version of the 7th century is considered the most famous; it served as the basis for many translations of the treatise into other languages.

The primary text of the doctrine dates from the 2nd century BC. This copy, written on silk, was found in the early 1970s during excavations in the Chinese district of Changsha. He long time considered the only and most ancient. Prior to this discovery, many modern experts were of the opinion that the original ancient text of the Tao Te Ching did not exist, as well as its author.

Lao Tzu's teaching on Tao contains about 5,000 hieroglyphs, the text is divided into 81 zhang, each of which can be conditionally called a short chapter, paragraph or verse, especially since they have a peculiar rhythm and harmony. Very few Chinese experts speak the ancient dialect in which the doctrine is written. Most of his hieroglyphs have several meanings, in addition, auxiliary and linking words are omitted in the text. All this significantly complicates the interpretation of each zhang. Since ancient times, there have been many commentaries on the Tao Te Ching, since the treatise is written in an allegorical form with some contradictions, many conventions and comparisons. And how else to describe the indescribable and convey the inexpressible?

1. Description and meaning of Tao.
2. Te is the law of life, an emanation of Tao and at the same time the path that a person follows.
3. Wu-wei - non-action, a kind of passivity, main way following de.

Tao is the source of all things and everything that exists, everything comes from it and returns to it, it encompasses everything and everyone, but it itself has no beginning and end, name, appearance and form, it is limitless and insignificant, inexpressible and inexpressible, commands, but does not force. This is how this all-encompassing power is described in the Tao Te Ching:

Tao is immortal, nameless.

Tao is insignificant, rebellious, elusive.

To master - you need to know the name,

shape or color.

But Tao is insignificant.

Dao is insignificant

but if the great ones follow him -

thousands of small ones submitted and calmed down. (zhang 32)

Tao is everywhere - right and left.

Commands, but does not force.

Owned but not claimed.

Never dare

therefore insignificant, pointless.

The living and the dead yearn for him,

but Tao is lonely.

That's why I call it great.

Never shows greatness

therefore truly majestic. (zhang 34)

Tao gives rise to unity.

Two will be born from one

From two, three will be born.

Three is the cradle of a thousand thousand.

Out of a thousand thousand in each

yin and yang fight

qi pulsates. (zhang 42)

The Great Te is a way of existence inscribed or prescribed by the Tao for all things. This is order, cyclicality, infinity. By obeying Te, a person is directed to perfection, but it is up to him to decide whether to follow this path.

The law of life, the great Te -

this is how the Tao manifests itself under the sky. (zhang 21)

Be fearless and humble

like a mountain stream

turn into a full-flowing stream,

the main stream of the Middle Kingdom.

So says the great Te,

birth law.

Know the holiday, but live everyday life -

you will become an example for the Celestial Empire.

So says the great Te,

law of life.

Know glory, but love oblivion.

The great river does not remember itself,

therefore her glory does not diminish.

So says the great Te,

completeness law. (zhang 28)

Wu-wei is a difficult term to understand. It is action in inaction and inaction in action. Do not look for reasons and desires for activity, do not place hopes, do not look for meaning and calculation. The concept of "Wu-wei" in Lao Tzu causes the most controversy and comments. According to one theory, this is the observance of the measure in everything.

The more effort

Far from Dao -

far from the start

and close to the end. (zhang 30)

Philosophy of being by Lao Tzu

The Zhangs of the treatise not only describe Tao, Te and “non-doing”, they are full of reasoned reasoning that everything in nature is based on these three whales, and why a person, ruler or state that follows their principles achieves harmony, peace and balance.

The wave will overwhelm the rock.

The incorporeal has no barriers.

That's why I value peace

learning without words

I do without effort. (zhang 43)

There are places where you can see similarities in the teachings of Confucius and Lao Tzu. The chapters built on contradictions seem like paradoxes, but each line is the deepest thought that carries the truth, you just need to think.

Kindness without boundaries is like indifference.

He who sows kindness is like a reaper.

The pure truth bitters like a lie.

A real square has no corners.

The best jug is molded for a lifetime.

High music is unheard of.

The great image has no form.

Tao is hidden, nameless.

But only Tao gives the way, light, perfection.

Complete perfection looks like a flaw.

Can't be fixed.

Extreme fullness is like complete emptiness.

Can't be exhausted.

Great directness acts gradually.

A great mind is clothed in innocence.

Great speech descends like a delusion.

Walk - you will conquer the cold.

Do nothing - you will overcome the heat.

Peace creates harmony in the Middle Kingdom. (zhang 45)

I admire deep philosophical and at the same time incredibly poetic reasoning about the meaning of earth and sky as eternal, constant, imperturbable, distant and close to human beings.

Earth and sky are perfect

hence indifferent to humans.

The wise is indifferent to people - live as you want.

Between heaven and earth -

bellow void:

the wider the range

the more durable the breath,

the more emptiness will be born.

Close your mouth -

know the measure. (zhang 5)

Nature is laconic.

Windy morning will be replaced by a quiet afternoon.

The rain will not pour like buckets day and night long.

This is how the earth and sky are arranged.

Even earth and sky

cannot create durable,

especially a person. (zhang 23)

Dissimilarity with Confucianism

The teachings of Confucius and Lao Tzu should be considered, if not opposite, then at least opposite. Confucianism adheres to a rather rigid system moral standards and political ideology supported by ethical standards and traditions. The moral duties of a person, according to this doctrine, should be directed to the benefit of society and others. Righteousness is expressed in philanthropy, humanity, truthfulness, sanity, prudence and prudence. main idea Confucianism - a certain set of qualities and such relationships between the ruler and subjects that will lead to order in the state. This is a completely opposite concept to the ideas of Tao Te Ching, where the main principles of life are non-doing, non-striving, non-interference, self-contemplation, no coercion. You have to be pliable like water, indifferent like the sky, especially in politically.

Thirty spokes sparkle in the wheel,

fix the emptiness inside.

Emptiness gives the wheel a sense.

You make a jug

enclosing emptiness in clay,

and the use of the jar lies in emptiness.

They break through doors and windows - their emptiness serves the house.

Emptiness is the measure of usefulness. (zhang 11)

Difference of views on Tao and Te

Difference of views on Tao and Te

Tao in the understanding of Confucius is not emptiness and comprehensiveness, as in Lao Tzu, but a way, a rule and a way of achieving, truth and morality, a certain measure of morality. A Te is not the law of birth, life and fullness, an essential reflection of the Tao and the path to perfection, as described in the Tao Te Ching, but a kind of good power that embodies humanity, honesty, morality, mercy, giving spiritual strength and dignity. Te acquires in the teachings of Confucius the meaning of the path of moral behavior and morality of the social order, which a righteous person must follow. These are the main differences between the ideas of Confucius and his followers and the teachings of Lao Tzu. The victories of Mark Crassus are an example of a feat in the name of society, they are fully consistent with the principles of Confucian ideology.

Tao gives birth

Da - encourages

gives form and meaning.

Tao is revered.

De - observe.

Because they don't require

observance and respect.

Tao gives birth

Te encourages, gives form and meaning,

grows, teaches, protects.

Creates and breaks

creates and seeks no reward,

governs without commanding,

this is what I call the great Te. (zhang 51)

Godian lists

During excavations in 1993 in the Chinese settlement of Godyan, another, more ancient text of the treatise was found. These three bundles of bamboo strips (71 pieces) with inscriptions were in the grave of an aristocrat buried around the end of the 4th-beginning of the 3rd century BC. It is certainly an older document than the one found on a piece of shabby silk in 1970. But it is surprising that the text from Godyan contains approximately 3000 characters less than classic version.

When compared with a later treatise, one gets the impression that the original unordered text was inscribed on bamboo slats, which was later supplemented by another author, and possibly more than one. Indeed, upon careful reading, one can notice that almost every zhang of the already known treatise is conventionally divided into two parts. In the first parts of 2-6 lines, we can feel special style, a peculiar rhythm, harmony, laconism. In the second parts of zhang, the rhythm is clearly broken, but the style is different.

On this occasion, the French researcher Paul Lafargue suggested that the first parts are the original, more ancient, and the second are additions, comments, possibly compiled by someone after Lao Tzu. Or vice versa, the famous keeper of the archives, being only an official involved in the systematization and preservation of ancient manuscripts, could add his comments to the older wisdom, which was part of his duties. And in Godian, a copy of the primary teachings of the ancient mystic was discovered, which later became the basis for Taoism and the teachings of Lao Tzu. Whether scientists will give unambiguous answers to the question of who is the author of the texts on bamboo slats is not known. And what if the primary short sayings belong to the wisdom of the Yellow Emperor himself, and Lao Tzu only streamlined them and made his own clarifications? Apparently no one will know for sure.

The central idea of ​​Lao Tzu's philosophy was the idea of ​​two principles - Tao and Te.

The word "Tao" in Chinese literally means "the way"; one of the most important categories of Chinese philosophy. However, in the Taoist philosophical system, it received a much broader metaphysical content. Lao Tzu uses the word "Tao" with particular caution, for "Tao" is wordless, nameless, formless and immovable. No one, not even Lao Tzu, can define "Tao". He cannot define Tao, because to know that you do not know (everything) is greatness. Not to know that you do not know (everything) is a disease. The word "Tao" is just the sound that came out of Lao Tzu's lips. He didn't make it up, he just said it at random. But when understanding arises, words will disappear -- they will no longer be needed. "Tao" means not only the path, but also the essence of things and the total being of the universe. "Tao" is the universal Law and Absolute. The very concept of "Tao" can also be interpreted materialistically: "Tao" is nature, the objective world.

One of the most complex in the Chinese tradition is the concept of "Te". On the one hand, "De" is what nourishes "Tao", makes it possible (opposite: "Tao" nourishes "De", "Tao" is unlimited, "De" is certain). This is a kind of universal force, a principle by which the "Tao" - as the way of things, can take place. It is also the method by which one can practice and conform to the Tao. "De" is a principle, a way of being. This is also the possibility of the correct accumulation of "vital energy" - Qi. "De" is the art of properly managing "vital energy", correct behavior. But "De" is not morality in the narrow sense. "D" is out of bounds common sense, prompting the person to release vitality out of the ways of everyday life. The concept of "Te" is close to the Taoist doctrine of Wu-wei, non-action.

Main ideas. The development of the universe occurs in accordance with certain patterns and principles that cannot be clearly defined. You can, however, call them - although this is not entirely accurate - "Tao". As for "De", one should not strive for it, it arises spontaneously, naturally. "De" manifests itself as a universal pattern of the revealed, manifested world, as the law of Universal Harmony.

The best way to realize the "Tao" in outside world is the principle of wu-wei - unintentional activity.

One should not strive for excessive education, increased erudition or sophistication - on the contrary, one should return to the state of "raw wood", or to the state of "baby". All opposites are inseparable, complementary, interact with each other. This also applies to such opposites as life and death. Death is the end of life, which is at the same time the beginning of another life. And the end of "death" is the beginning of another "life". The point is not in words, concepts, but in what meaning each one attaches to them. Just like the entrance on one side is what is the exit on the opposite side. AT ancient roman mythology the analogy of this is Janus, the two-faced god of doors, entrances, exits, various passages, as well as beginning and end.

Life is "soft" and "flexible". Death is "hard" and "hard". The best principle for solving problems according to the Tao is renunciation of aggression, concession. This should not be understood as a call for surrender and submission - one should strive to master the situation with as little effort as possible.

The presence in a society of rigid normative ethical systems - for example, Confucianism - indicates that there are problems in it, which such a system only exacerbates, being unable to solve them.

The main virtue is temperance.

Ideas are close to the teachings of Advaita - non-duality

Lao Tzu on Truth.

• The truth spoken out loud ceases to be such, because it has already lost its primary connection with the moment of truth.
• "He who knows does not speak; he who speaks does not know."

It is clear from the available written sources that Lao Tzu was a mystic and quietist in the modern sense, teaching a completely unofficial doctrine that relied solely on inner contemplation. Man acquires the truth by liberation from everything false in himself. The mystical experience completes the search for reality. Lao Tzu wrote: “There is an Infinite Being who was before Heaven and Earth. How calm, how calm! It lives alone and does not change. It moves everything, but does not worry. We can consider it the universal Mother. his name. I call him Tao."

Dialectics. The philosophy of Lao Tzu is also permeated with a peculiar dialectic:

· "From existence and non-existence everything came; from the impossible and possible - fulfillment; from the long and short - the form. The high subjugates the low; higher voices together with the lower produce harmony, the former subjugates the subsequent.

However, Lao Tzu understood it not as a struggle of opposites, but as their reconciliation. And from here practical conclusions were drawn:

• · "When a person comes to not-doing, then there is nothing that would not be done."
• · "Whoever loves the people and governs them must be inactive."

From these thoughts one can see the main idea of ​​Lao Tzu's philosophy or ethics: it is the principle of non-doing, inaction. Anything violent the desire to do something, to change something in nature or in people's lives is condemned.

• · "A bunch of mountain rivers flows into the deep sea. The reason is that the seas are located below the mountains. Therefore, they are able to rule over all streams. So the sage, wanting to be above people, he becomes lower than them, wanting to be in front, he becomes behind. Therefore, although his place is above the people, they do not feel his weight, although his place is in front of them, they do not consider this an injustice.
• · "The 'Holy Man', who rules the country, tries to prevent the wise from daring to do anything. When everyone becomes inactive, then (on earth) there will be complete calm."
• · "He who is free from any kind of knowledge will never get sick."
• "There is no knowledge; that's why I don't know anything."

The power of the king among the people Lao Tzu put very high, but he understood it as a purely patriarchal power. In the understanding of Lao Tzu, the king is a sacred and inactive leader. To modern him state power Lao Tzu was negative.

• · "The people are starving because the state taxes are too high and heavy. This is precisely the cause of the disasters of the people."
• · Sima Qian brings together the biographies of Laozi and Han Fei, a Legalist philosopher of the late Warring States era who opposed Confucianism. The treatise "Han Fei-tzu", containing the teachings of the latter, devotes two full chapters to the interpretation of Lao-tzu.

Lao Tzu(Laozi, Old Baby, Wise Old Man) is a legendary ancient Chinese philosopher and thinker who lived in the 6th-5th centuries. BC e. He is considered the author of the "Tao Te Ching" ("The Book of the Way and Good Power") - a classic Taoist philosophical treatise, the founder of the religious and philosophical direction "Taoism", although in the historicity of this person many representatives modern science there are big doubts.

Lao Tzu was a legendary character and became the object of deification already at an early stage of the existence of Taoism. There is a legend according to which the philosopher, having spent several decades in the mother's womb, saw this world as an old man (this is the reason for the possible translation of the name as "Old Child"). The mythologized biography, combined with the lack of reliable historical information, provides rich ground for speculation about the biography of Lao Tzu. For example, there are versions according to which this legendary character is none other than the great Confucius. There is a legend that tells about the arrival of Lao Tzu to the Chinese land from India, and the Master appeared to the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire as if reborn, without a past.

The most famous and widespread biography of Lao Tzu goes back to the works of the famous historian Sima Qian, who lived around 145-186 BC. e. In his "Historical Notes" there is a chapter entitled "The Life of Lao Tzu Han Fei Tzu." The place of his birth is the kingdom of Chu (South China), the county of Ku, the village of Quren, where he was born in 604 BC. e. a significant part In his lifetime, Lao Tzu served in Zhou as the custodian of the imperial archives and the library of the state. In 517 BC. e. he met with Confucius, which made a very strong impression on the second, especially since Lao Tzu was more than half a century older than him.

As an old man, disillusioned with the world around him, he advanced into westbound to leave the country. When the philosopher approached the border outpost in the Hangu region, he was stopped by Yin Xi, the "guardian of the outpost" and turned to him with a request to tell him about the teachings. This is how a text of five thousand words appeared - the book "Tao Te Ching", which Lao Tzu wrote or dictated and which began to be considered the canonical text of Taoism. After leaving China, the philosopher went to India, preached there, and largely thanks to his teachings, Buddhism arose. Nothing is known about his death or its circumstances.

At the center of Lao Tzu's philosophy is the concept of "dao", a beginning that cannot be known and expressed in words, representing the unity of being and non-being. Using a metaphor, it is compared to water: it is soft, gives the impression of suppleness, but its strength is in fact irresistible. The way of existence dictated by the Tao, the mode of action is non-action, which implies the refusal to fight, non-resistance, the search for harmony. Lao Tzu ordered wise rulers not to wage war and not to live in luxury, but to instill in their peoples the desire to live simply, purely and naturally, according to the customs that existed before the planting of civilization with its morality and culture. Eternal Tao is likened to those who keep peace in their heart, making it impassive. This aspect of the ancient Chinese concept formed the basis for the search for ways to gain physical immortality, characteristic of the later stages of the existence of Taoism.

Laconicism, aphoristic "Tao Te Ching" create fertile ground for versatile interpretations; the book has been translated into a large number of languages, including European ones.

Biography from Wikipedia

(Old Child, Wise Old Man; Chinese exercise 老子, pinyin: Lǎo Zǐ, 6th century BC e.) - an ancient Chinese philosopher of the VI-V centuries BC. BC, who is credited with the authorship of the classical Taoist philosophical treatise "Tao Te Ching". Within the framework of modern historical science, the historicity of Laozi is questioned, nevertheless, in the scientific literature, he is often still identified as the founder of Taoism. In the religious and philosophical teachings of most Taoist schools, Laozi is traditionally revered as a deity - one of the Three Pure Ones.

According to the records in the "Shijing" of the first Chinese historian Sima Qian (II-I centuries BC), Laozi was a native of the Ku county in the Chu kingdom, bore the surname Li, the name Dan, served as the chief keeper of the Zhou state archive and met with Confucius when he came to him for advice and guidance. Seeing the decline of the Zhou state, Lao Tzu resigned and went to the west. At the request of the head of the border outpost, he wrote a book in two parts, consisting of 5000 words.

Already in early Taoism, Lao Tzu becomes a legendary figure and the process of his deification begins. Legends tell of his miraculous birth. His first name was Li Er. The words "Lao Tzu", meaning "old philosopher" or "old child", were first uttered by his mother when she gave birth as a son under a plum tree. The mother carried him in the womb for several decades (according to legend, 81 years), and he was born from her thigh. The newborn had grey hair which made him look like an old man. Seeing such a miracle, the mother was greatly surprised.

Many modern researchers question the very existence of Lao Tzu. Some suggest that he may have been an older contemporary of Confucius, about whom - unlike Confucius - there is no reliable historical or biographical information in the sources. There is even a version that Lao Tzu and Confucius are the same person. There are suggestions that Lao Tzu could be the author of the Tao Te Ching if he lived in the 4th-3rd centuries. BC e.

The following version of the biography is also considered: Lao Tzu is a semi-legendary Chinese thinker, the founder of the philosophy of Taoism. According to legend, he was born in 604 BC, this date is accepted in the chronology of world history, adopted in modern Japan. The same year is also indicated by the famous modern sinologist Francois Julien. However, the historicity of his personality is not confirmed in other sources and therefore raises doubts. In his short biography it is said that he was a historiographer-archivist at the imperial court and lived 160 or even 200 years.

The most famous version of the biography of Laozi is described by the Chinese historian Sima Qian in his work Historical Narratives. According to him, Lao Tzu was born in the village of Quren, Li Parish, Hu County, in the kingdom of Chu in southern China. For most of his life, he served as keeper of the imperial archives and librarian in state library during the Zhou Dynasty. A fact that speaks of his high education. In 517 there was a famous meeting with Confucius. Lao Tzu then said to him: - “Abandon, O friend, your arrogance, various aspirations and mythical plans: all this has no value for your own self. I have nothing more to say to you!" Confucius walked away and said to his students: “I know how birds can fly, fish can swim, game can run… But how a dragon rushes through the wind and clouds and rises to the sky, I don’t comprehend. Now I have seen Lao Tzu and I think that he is like a dragon. In his old age, Lao Tzu left the country for the west. When he reached the border outpost, its chief, Yin Xi, asked Lao Tzu to tell him about his teachings. Lao Tzu complied with his request by writing the text of the Dao Te Ching (The Canon of the Way and its Good Power). After which he left, and it is not known how and where he died.

According to another legend, Master Lao Tzu came to China from India, discarding his history, he appeared before the Chinese completely clean, without his past, as if reborn.

Laozi's journey to the West was a concept developed in the treatise Huahujing for the purpose of anti-Buddhist controversy.

Dao Te Ching

When Lao Tzu lived in the capital of Zhou, he wrote a treatise Tao Te Ching about the way of things and its manifestations, written in ancient Chinese, which is difficult to understand today's Chinese. At the same time, its author deliberately used ambiguous words. In addition, some key concepts do not have exact matches either in English or in Russian. James Leger, in his preface to the translation of the treatise, writes: "The written signs of the Chinese language represent not words, but ideas, and the sequence of these signs represents not what the author wants to say, but what he thinks." According to tradition, the author of the book is Lao Tzu, so sometimes the book is called by his name. However, some historians question his authorship; it is assumed that the author of the book could be another contemporary of Confucius - Lao Lai-tzu. One argument for this view is the words in the Tao Te Ching, written in the first person:

... All people hold on to their "I",
I alone chose to refuse it.
My heart is like a fool's heart,
so dark, so obscure!
The everyday world of people is clear and obvious,
I alone live in a vague world,
like evening twilight.
The everyday world of people is painted to the smallest detail,
I alone live in an incomprehensible and mysterious world.
Like a lake, I am calm and quiet.
Unstoppable like the breath of the wind!
People always have something to do
I alone live like an ignorant savage.
Only I alone differ from others in that,
that above all I value the root of life, the mother of all living things.

Philosophy

The central idea of ​​Lao Tzu's philosophy was the idea of ​​two principles - Dao and De.

The word "Dao" in Chinese literally means "the way"; one of the most important categories of Chinese philosophy. However, in the Taoist philosophical system, it received a much broader metaphysical content. Lao Tzu uses the word "Tao" with particular care, for "Tao" is wordless, nameless, formless and immovable. No one, not even Lao Tzu, can define Tao. He cannot define "Tao" because to know that you do not know (everything) is greatness. Not knowing that you don't know (everything) is a disease. The word "Tao" is just a sound from Lao Tzu's lips. He didn't make it up - he just said it at random. But when understanding arises, words will disappear - they will no longer be needed. "Tao" means not only the way, but also the essence of things and the total being of the universe. "Tao" is the universal Law and Absolute. The very concept of "Tao" can also be interpreted materialistically: "Tao" is nature, the objective world.

One of the most difficult in the Chinese tradition is the concept of "De". On the one hand, “De” is what feeds “Tao”, makes it possible ( option from the opposite: "Tao" feeds "De", "Tao" - unlimited, "De" - defined). This is a kind of universal force, the principle by which the "Tao" - as the way of things, can take place. It is also the method by which one can practice and conform to the Tao. “De” is a principle, a way of being. This is the possibility of the correct accumulation of "vital energy" - Qi. "De" - the art of properly disposing of "vital energy", correct behavior. But "De" is not morality in the narrow sense. "De" goes beyond common sense, prompting a person to release the life force from the fetters of everyday life. The Taoist doctrine of Wu-wei, inaction, is close to the concept of "De".

The incomprehensible Te is that
that fills the form of things,
but it comes from Tao.
Tao is what drives things
his path is mysterious and incomprehensible.
... He who follows the Tao in business,
...purifying his spirit,
enters into an alliance with the power of Te.

Main Ideas

The development of the universe occurs in accordance with certain patterns and principles that cannot be clearly defined. One can, however, call them - although this is not entirely accurate - "Tao". As for "De", one should not strive for it, it arises spontaneously, naturally. "De" manifests itself as a universal pattern of the revealed, manifested world, as the law of Universal Harmony.

The best way to implement "Tao" in the outside world is the principle of Wu-wei - unintentional activity.

One should not strive for excessive education, increase in erudition or sophistication - on the contrary, one should return to the state of "raw wood", or to the state of "baby". All opposites are inseparable, complementary, interact with each other. This also applies to such opposites as life and death. Death is the end of life, which is at the same time the beginning of another life. And the end of "death" is the beginning of another "life". The point is not in words, concepts, but in what meaning each one attaches to them. Just like the entrance on one side is what is the exit on the opposite side. In ancient Roman mythology, the analogy for this is Janus, the two-faced god of doors, entrances, exits, various passages, as well as the beginning and end.

Life is "soft" and "flexible". Death is hard and hard. The best principle of solving problems according to the Tao is renunciation of aggression, concession. This should not be understood as a call for surrender and submission - one should strive to master the situation with as little effort as possible.

The presence in society of rigid normative ethical systems - for example, Confucianism - indicates that there are problems in it, which such a system only exacerbates, being unable to resolve them.

The main virtue is temperance.

Ideas are close to the teachings of Advaita - non-duality.

Lao Tzu on Truth

• “The truth spoken out loud ceases to be such, for it has already lost its primary connection with the moment of truth.”
• "He who knows does not speak; he who speaks does not know."

It is clear from the available written sources that Lao Tzu was a mystic and quietist in the modern sense, teaching a completely unofficial doctrine that relied solely on inner contemplation. A person acquires the truth by liberation from everything false in himself. The mystical experience completes the search for reality. Lao Tzu wrote: “There is an Infinite Being who was before Heaven and Earth. How serene, how calm! It lives alone and does not change. It moves everything, but does not worry. We may consider him the universal Mother. I don't know his name. I call it Tao."

Dialectics

The philosophy of Lao Tzu is also permeated with a peculiar dialectic:

• “From being and non-being everything came; from the impossible and possible - execution; from long and short - form. The high subjugates the low; the higher voices, together with the lower ones, produce harmony, the former subjugates the subsequent.

However, Lao Tzu understood it not as a struggle of opposites, but as their reconciliation. And from here practical conclusions were drawn:

• “When a person comes to not-doing, then there is nothing that has not been done.”
• "He who loves the people and governs them must be inactive."

From these thoughts one can see the main idea of ​​Lao Tzu's philosophy or ethics: it is the principle of non-doing, inaction. Anything violent the desire to do something, to change something in nature or in people's lives is condemned.

• “Many mountain rivers flow into the deep sea. The reason is that the seas are located below the mountains. Therefore, they are able to rule over all streams. So the sage, wanting to be above people, he becomes lower than them, wanting to be in front, he becomes behind. Therefore, although his place is above the people, they do not feel his weight, although his place is in front of them, they do not consider this an injustice.
• “The “holy man,” who rules the country, tries to prevent the wise from daring to do anything. When everyone becomes inactive, then (on earth) there will be complete calm.
• "He who is free from all kinds of knowledge will never get sick."
• “There is no knowledge; that's why I don't know anything."

The power of the king among the people Lao Tzu put very high, but he understood it as a purely patriarchal power. In the understanding of Lao Tzu, the king is a sacred and inactive leader. Lao Tzu had a negative attitude towards contemporary state power.

• “The people are starving because the state taxes are too high and heavy. This is precisely the cause of the misery of the people.”
• Sima Qian brings together the biographies of Laozi and Han Fei, a Legalist philosopher of the late Warring States era who opposed Confucianism. The treatise Han Fei Tzu, which contains the latter's teachings, devotes two full chapters to the interpretation of Lao Tzu.

Cult of Laozi

The process of deification of Laozi begins to take shape in Taoism, apparently, as early as the end of the 3rd - beginning of the 2nd century BC. e., but it fully took shape only in the era of the Han Dynasty to the 2nd century AD. e. In 165, Emperor Huan-di ordered a sacrifice to be made to him in the homeland of Laozi in the county of Ku, and a year later he ordered to perform it in his palace. Zhang Daoling, the creator of the leading Taoist school of celestial mentors, reported the appearance of the divine Lao Tzu in the world in 142, who passed on his miraculous abilities to him. The leaders of this school compiled their own commentary on the Tao Te Ching treatise, called the Xiang Er Zhu, and established the worship of Laozi in the BC they created at the end of the 2nd - beginning of the 3rd century. theocratic state in Sichuan province. In the era of the Six Dynasties (220-589), Laozi began to be revered as one of the Three Pure (San Qing) - the highest deities of the Taoist pantheon. Worship of Laozi acquired a special scope during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the emperors of this dynasty revered him as their ancestor, built sanctuaries for him and endowed high ranks and titles.