Historians variously contend that Laozi is a synthesis of multiple historical figures, that he is a mythical figure, or that he actually lived in the 5th-4th century BCE, concurrent with the Hundred Schools of Thought and Warring States Period. Laozi translated literally from Chinese means 'old master' or 'old one', and is generally considered honorific.Īccording to Chinese tradition, Laozi lived in the 6th century BCE. He is also revered as a deity in most religious forms of the Taoist religion, which often refers to Laozi as Taishang Laojun, or 'One of the Three Pure Ones'. His association with the Tao Te Ching has led him to be traditionally considered the founder of Taoism (pronounced as 'Daoism'). Lao Tzu (Chinese: 老子 pinyin: Lǎozǐ Wade-Giles: Laosi also Laozi, Lao Tse, Lao Tu, Lao-Tsu, Laotze, Laosi, Lao Zi, Laocius, Lao Ce, and other variations) was a mystic philosopher of ancient China, best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching (often simply referred to as Laozi). The books in this collection distill the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life. The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman. The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts. This book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series. Wu was a recognized authority on Taoism and the translator of several Taoist and Zen texts and of Chinese poetry. Wu has done a remarkable job of rendering this subtle text into English while retaining the freshness and depth of the original. To follow the Tao or Way of all things and realize their true nature is to embody humility, spontaneity, and generosity. Today, Lao Tzu's words are as useful in mastering the arts of leadership in business and politics as they are in developing a sense of balance and harmony in everyday life. Traditionally attributed to the legendary -Old Master, - Lao Tzu, the Tao Teh Ching teaches that the qualities of the enlightened sage or ideal ruler are identical with those of the perfected individual. Written more than two thousand years ago, the Tao Teh Ching, or -The Classic of the Way and Its Virtue, - is one of the true classics of the world of spiritual literature. A lucid translation of the well-known Taoist classic by a leading scholar-now in a Shambhala Pocket Library edition.

Tao te ching book stephen mitchell