Lao tzu vs confucius biography

At a later time, Lao Tzu comes across a great military figure who is celebrating a military victory. It is at this point that Zong recognises his long-lost father. Lao Tzu then gives advice to his son — in particular, the value of respecting the defeated army and giving his foes a proper burial. Through listening to his father and avoiding a sense of triumphalism, Zong was able to broker a peace between the warring parties which lasted for many years.

However, he became discouraged by the moral decay and worldliness of the city. Seeking peace to meditate, he resolved to leave the city and live as a hermit in the mountains. However, at the western gate of the city, he was stopped by a guard Yinxi, who asked Lao Tzu to write his knowledge down for the benefit of citizens before he was given a pass to leave.

In some versions of the story, Yinxi was so impressed with Lao Tzu that he became his disciple and followed Lao Tzu into exile. Yinxi then followed the different Taoist disciples of preparation and obedience to his Master — after completing a long period of preparation and training. He became the model Taoist student. Lao Tzu is generally regarded as the founder of Taoism.

In some branches of Taoism, Lao Tzu is worshipped as a God. Another difference was their approach to society. Confucius believed in setting good examples for others to follow, primarily in 5 key relationships: ruler and subject, wife and husband, older and younger sibling, friend and friend, and father and son. In contrast, Lao Tzu focused on living harmoniously with the universe and appreciating all that is natural.

Finally, their teachings on self-cultivation differed. The impact of Lao Tzu and Confucius on Chinese culture cannot be overstated. Their teachings have been deeply ingrained in Chinese society for thousands of years, shaping everything from social norms to political systems. Confucianism also played a significant role in the development of Chinese government, with Confucian scholars often serving as advisors to rulers.

Taoist beliefs have influenced everything from traditional medicine to martial arts, and the concept of the Tao continues to be studied and revered by many. Both philosophers have also had a significant impact on Chinese literature. The teachings of Lao Tzu and Confucius may have been developed over years ago, but they still hold relevance in modern life.

Their philosophies are centered around personal growth, self-awareness, and living in harmony with the world around us. Here are some ways we can apply their wisdom in our daily lives:.

Lao tzu vs confucius biography

Practice self-reflection: Both Lao Tzu and Confucius believed in the importance of self-reflection. By taking the time to reflect on our actions and thoughts, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Embrace simplicity: Lao Tzu taught that by simplifying our lives, we can achieve greater clarity and peace of mind.

Confucius also believed in living a simple life, free from excess and extravagance. Treat others with respect: Confucius emphasized the importance of treating others with respect and dignity. By showing kindness and compassion to those around us, we can create a more harmonious society. Let go of control: Lao Tzu taught that by letting go of our need for control, we can achieve greater peace and happiness.

Instead of trying to force things to happen, we should learn to go with the flow and trust in the natural order of things. Lead by example: Both Lao Tzu and Confucius believed in leading by example. By living according to our values and principles, we can inspire others to do the same. In summary, the teachings of Lao Tzu and Confucius offer valuable insights into how we can live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

By practicing self-reflection, embracing simplicity, treating others with respect, letting go of control, and leading by example, we can cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and harmony with the world around us. Therefore, as a man, do not assume that you are wiser than others, and as a subject of a king, do not assume that you are nobler than others.

Please keep my words in mind. When Confucius left, the two came to the Yellow River. Confucius inquired about the virtues of water. Water benefits all things and does not compete with them. It dwells in the lowly places that all disdain, which is the epitome of modesty. Rivers and seas can be the origins of all streams because they excel at taking a lower position.

Nothing in the world is softer than water, yet it can penetrate even the hardest things. The text Laozi wrote was said to be the Tao Te Ching , although the present version of the text includes additions from later periods. In some versions of the tale, the sentry was so touched by the work that he became a disciple and left with Laozi, never to be seen again.

Others say he was the Buddha himself. The stories assert that Laozi never opened a formal school but nonetheless attracted a large number of students and loyal disciples. There are many variations of a story retelling his encounter with Confucius, most famously in the Zhuangzi. Graham suggested that the Confucian version of the story presented in the Book of Rites was the original, which was borrowed and re-interpreted by the followers of Zhuang Zhou.

The Tao Te Ching is one of the most significant treatises in Chinese cosmogony. It is often called the Laozi , and has always been associated with that name. The identity of the person or people who wrote or compiled the text has been the source of considerable speculation and debate throughout history. The Tao Te Ching stands as an exemplar of this literary form.

The Tao Te Ching describes the Tao as the source and ideal of all existence: it is unseen, but not transcendent, immensely powerful yet supremely humble, being the root of all things. People have desires and free will and thus are able to alter their own nature. Many act "unnaturally", upsetting the natural balance of the Tao. The Tao Te Ching intends to lead students to a "return" to their natural state, in harmony with Tao.

Taoism views them as inherently biased and artificial, widely using paradoxes to sharpen the point. Wu wei , literally 'non-action' or 'not acting', is a central concept of the Tao Te Ching. The concept of wu wei is multifaceted, and reflected in the words' multiple meanings, even in English translation; it can mean "not doing anything", "not forcing", "not acting" in the theatrical sense, "creating nothingness", "acting spontaneously", and "flowing with the moment".

This concept is used to explain ziran , or harmony with the Tao. It includes the concepts that value distinctions are ideological and seeing ambition of all sorts as originating from the same source. Tao Te Ching used the term broadly with simplicity and humility as key virtues, often in contrast to selfish action. On a political level, it means avoiding such circumstances as war, harsh laws and heavy taxes.

Some Taoists see a connection between wu wei and esoteric practices, such as zuowang 'sitting in oblivion': emptying the mind of bodily awareness and thought found in the Zhuangzi. Alan Chan provides an example of how Laozi encouraged a change in approach, or return to "nature", rather than action. Technology may bring about a false sense of progress.

The answer provided by Laozi is not the rejection of technology, but instead seeking the calm state of wu wei , free from desires. This relates to many statements by Laozi encouraging rulers to keep their people in "ignorance", or "simple-minded". Some scholars insist this explanation ignores the religious context, and others question it as an apologetic of the philosophical coherence of the text.

It would not be unusual political advice if Laozi literally intended to tell rulers to keep their people ignorant. Confucianism Persons. Neo Confucianism. Daoism Persons. Vedic philosophy. Japanese Buddhism. Japanese Confucianism. Korean Confucianism Persons. Potential officials throughout Chinese history drew on the authority of non-Confucian sages, especially Laozi and Zhuangzi , to deny serving any ruler at any time.

Zhuangzi, the other founder of Taoism, had a great deal of influence on Chinese literati and culture. In a different context, various antiauthoritarian movements have embraced Laozi's teachings on the power of the weak.