Lao Tzu & The Tao Te Ching – An Introduction
by Stanley Bronstein on August 29, 2008
Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching
Who Was Lao Tzu?
Lao Tzu was the founder of a major world religion known as Taoism. You can read more about Lao Tzu and Taoism by clicking the links above to wikipedia.
There is some doubt as to whether or not Lao Tzu even existed, OR, if he did exist, he might have been a “synthesis” of multiple persons.
The name Lao Tzu literally translates into “Old Wise One.” Myth has it that he was born wise and already knew, from birth, the arts of energy, medicine, healing, longevity, clairvoyance, protection and transcendence.
Whether or not this is true, who knows.
The bottom line is that it doesn’t really matter whether or not he ever actually existed or whether or not he was a synthesis of multiple persons.
WHAT MATTERS ARE THE IDEAS EXPRESSED IN HIS CENTRAL WORK – THE TAO TE CHING
What Is The Tao Te Ching?
Tao Te Ching literally translates into the “Way To Heaven.”
Myth has it that in his old age, Lao Tzu wanted to leave the Chinese court and live out his life in peace elsewhere. As we was leaving, one of his disciples refused to let him pass. He said before you can pass, you must write a book for the good of all mankind. He told Lao Tzu that his was the debt that he had to pay to the world.
The Tao Te Ching was that book.
The book has two sections:
Tao Ching – which tells the Way of Heaven and
Te Ching – Virtue
The Tao Te Ching is composed of 81 verses.
A Quote From The Tao Te Ching
The Way of Heaven is like a well that is used but never used up.
It is eternal, and the creator of everything in the world.
In it all sharpness is dulled, all tangles untied, all glare shut out, all dust swept away.
Where did it come from? I do not know. It is older than eternity.
What Does This Quote Mean?
This quote talks about energy. The energy behind everything.
Lao Tzu suggests several points in this quote:
- The energy of the universe is unlimited. It can be used, but it is never used up. It is a source of unlimited power.
- The energy of the universe lasts forever. It is immortal.
- The energy of the universe can straighten out any problem; it can figure out a solution to anything if you simply ask. It is a source of infinite wisdom.
- Lastly, he implies that he doesn’t know where this energy comes from and it really doesn’t matter. It is older than everything else. All that matters is that it exists and that he believes in its power.
Recommended Reading
Laws of Positioning #6 – Position Yourself To Be A Believer
Laws of Positioning #14 – Position Yourself To Be Conscious
Laws of Positioning #53 – Position Yourself To Be Immortal
Laws of Positioning #77 – Position Yourself To Be Powerful
Laws of Positioning #100 – Position Yourself To Be Wise
Future Posts on the Tao Te Ching
In our next post of the Tao Te Ching, we will begin discussing the traits of what it means to be the very best.
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Until next time, take care.
Stanley F. BronsteinHave you checked out my website that profiles the benefits of walking? iWarriorWalk.com
August 29th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Religion theorizes. It speculates. It guesses. Life is. It brings actuallity. What need is there of theory, of speculation, of guessing.? With self mastery, what is is all one needs. Self mastery is not religion. It is to simply not act unnessesarily. How simple compared to the complexity of religion! Self restraint is simple and abundant freedom. Religion is anything but freedom.
——-Doug Rosbury
August 30th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Everyone theorizes, speculates and guesses. You, me . . . All 6 plus billion of us . . .
Stanley Bronstein
MrAchievement
August 30th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Mr. Bronstein, What is your point? What do we do with an incomplete thought. If you have
responded to my comments, what is your message? Please Help me to understand what you mean. You said something that is a given, that we all know to be the case. What I said was that
a person who has acheived self mastery and knows enough to restrain his or her desires has no need of religion to teach them self mastery which is the very thing we come to earth to learn.
Religion is a substitute for self management. Self mastery allows us to realize that we are off
spring of God and therefore are all that God is and has at His disposal. Religion is obedience to human speculation and the control of those who take advantage of our ignorance.
self mastery is freedom from human domination and it is the realization of oneness with God.
——Doug Rosbury