Lao Tzu
was born in the year 604 B.C., he has been called: "The Old Philosopher." He
was himself a symbol of that Mysterious Virtue and Supernal Simplicity
belonging to the servant of Tao, of which his writings speak. He
was
a messenger of Peace, of Simplicity, of Humility.
Lao-tzu
had been troubled by the violence of his times. But he thought that
it was a mistake to try to change people. He believed that people
were
naturally good. Man didn't have to be "controlled." Too much control
was spoiling man. Lao-tzu wanted man to be closer to nature. He would
have people live simple and peaceful lives.
The legend
said, He wandered out to the western border of his state, riding
his water buffalo. He searched for a place to live a simple life,
close
to nature and without trouble. No one ever heard of him again. But
before he could cross the border, officials made him write down his
ideas: "Live a simple life, be free, be yourself, and be close to nature. Do
these things and you will be wise and happy." These words have been
kept in a little book called Tao Te Ching.
"Tao-Te
Ching" was Lao Tzu's only work, about 5,000 ancient Chinese characters,
and might never have been written but for his disciple Yin Hsi, who
urged him to leave some evidence of his teaching, when, at the end
of
his mission, Lao Tzu was on his way to the Western Haven, the Abode
of Peace.