EASTERN PHILOSOPHY - Lao Tzu

Summary

This video explores the life and philosophy of Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher and founder of Daoism. It delves into his legendary departure from the Zhou Dynasty, his teachings in the Tao Te Ching, and the Daoist practice of living in harmony with the Dao. Through concepts like stillness, openness, and simplicity, Lao Tzu encourages us to let go of ambition and rediscover our true selves, drawing inspiration from nature. His philosophy, relevant today, serves as a reminder to find balance in a fast-paced, ever-changing world.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Lao Tzu, a central figure in Daoism, may have lived during the Zhou Dynasty or could be a mythical figure, similar to Homer.
• 📜 The Tao Te Ching, attributed to Lao Tzu, is likely a compilation of various authors' works, passed down over centuries.
• 🐂 Lao Tzu is said to have left the Zhou court on a water buffalo, disillusioned by its moral corruption, and later wrote the Tao Te Ching at the request of a border official.
• 🧘 Daoism emphasizes meditation, scriptural chanting, and worship, with millions of followers worldwide, especially in China and Taiwan.
• 🏔️ Daoists make pilgrimages to five sacred mountains in China to absorb spiritual energy and pray.
• 🍶 The 'vinegar tasting' story contrasts Lao Tzu's positive outlook on life with the more critical views of Confucius and Buddha.
• 🌀 The Dao, central to Daoism, is seen as the underlying harmony in the world, guiding life in a natural, effortless flow.
• 🌿 Lao Tzu advocates for stillness and letting go of worries, suggesting that inner peace comes from embracing simplicity and nature.
• 💧 Lao Tzu compares virtuous people to water, which benefits all without competition, symbolizing alignment with the Dao.
• 🌳 His teachings stress reconnecting with one's true self, often through experiences with nature, and letting go of ego and ambition.

Q & A

Who was Lao Tzu, and why is his identity considered uncertain?

Lao Tzu was a Chinese philosopher, believed to have been a record keeper during the Zhou Dynasty in the 6th century B.C. His identity is uncertain because some believe he may have been entirely mythical, much like Homer in Western culture.

What is the story behind the creation of the Tao Te Ching according to legend?

Legend says that Lao Tzu, tired of the moral corruption in the Zhou court, left for the western border of China. A border official recognized him and asked him to write down his wisdom. Lao Tzu wrote what became known as the Tao Te Ching and then disappeared from history.

Is the Tao Te Ching attributed solely to Lao Tzu?

No, in reality, the Tao Te Ching is likely a compilation of works from many authors over time, rather than being solely written by Lao Tzu.

What are some key aspects of Daoism, the spiritual practice Lao Tzu is associated with?

Daoism emphasizes meditation, chanting scriptures, and worshipping gods and goddesses. Practitioners make pilgrimages to sacred mountains in China to absorb spiritual energy and pray. Daoism is also deeply intertwined with Confucianism and Buddhism.

What is the significance of the story where Lao Tzu, Confucius, and Buddha taste vinegar?

The story illustrates their different worldviews: Confucius found the vinegar sour, reflecting his belief in the world's moral decay, Buddha found it bitter, symbolizing suffering, and Lao Tzu found it sweet, reflecting his belief in the underlying harmony of the world through the Dao.

What does the Dao represent according to Lao Tzu?

The Dao represents 'the way' of the world, the path to virtue, happiness, and harmony. It is seen as a natural flow of the universe that, when followed, leads to effortless action and living in harmony with nature.

How does Lao Tzu suggest we can live in harmony with the Dao?

Lao Tzu suggests stillness, patience, and being open to the world around us. He emphasizes letting go of schedules, worries, and complex thoughts, and being more present in the moment.

What role does stillness play in Lao Tzu's philosophy?

Stillness is crucial in Lao Tzu's philosophy. He believed that through stillness, the universe surrenders, and by being patient and quiet, one can better experience the world and understand the Dao.

What does Lao Tzu mean when he says, 'The usefulness of a pot comes from its emptiness'?

Lao Tzu uses the metaphor of a pot to illustrate that emptiness or space is what gives things their value. Similarly, people need to empty their minds of distractions to be open to the experiences and wisdom of the world.

How does nature play a role in Lao Tzu's teachings?

Lao Tzu often compares virtues to elements of nature, like water, mountains, and trees. He believed that nature's qualities—such as water's humility or trees' resilience—can inspire virtues in humans, guiding them to live in harmony with the Dao.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 The Enigmatic Lao Tzu and His Legacy

The paragraph introduces the elusive figure of Lao Tzu, a philosopher who lived during the 6th century B.C. as a record keeper in the Zhou Dynasty. There is uncertainty surrounding his existence, and he may have been a mythical figure like Homer. The legend says that Lao Tzu left the morally corrupt Zhou court, wrote the Tao Te Ching at the request of a border official, and then vanished. Although the Tao Te Ching is likely a compilation of works by multiple authors, Lao Tzu's influence shaped Daoism, a spiritual practice that has been followed for over two millennia and is still popular, particularly in China and Taiwan, where millions of Daoists meditate, chant, and worship at sacred sites.

05:03

⛰️ Sacred Mountains and Pilgrimage in Daoism

This paragraph discusses how Daoists make pilgrimages to five sacred mountains in eastern China to pray in temples and absorb spiritual energy believed to come from immortals. Daoism is intertwined with Confucianism and Buddhism, emphasizing harmony with nature. The paragraph also recounts a famous story of Lao Tzu, Confucius, and Buddha tasting vinegar—each finding different flavors, symbolizing their differing philosophies. Lao Tzu found sweetness in the world, reflecting his belief in an underlying harmony guided by the Dao, or 'the way.'

📖 The Dao Te Ching: Wisdom on Harmony and Effortless Action

The Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu’s sacred text, is described as a guide for living a virtuous life in harmony with the Dao (the 'way'). Like the Bible, it contains teachings that are open to interpretation. The Dao represents a natural path to happiness, virtue, and harmony. To follow the Dao, Lao Tzu advises 'flowing'—a state of effortless action that aligns with the natural order. His philosophy advocates for simplicity and acceptance, encouraging stillness and patience in life’s processes rather than forcing things.

🌿 Embracing Stillness and Letting Go of Complexity

Lao Tzu suggests embracing stillness, as it allows the universe to unfold naturally. This section emphasizes the need to let go of rigid schedules, worries, and complex thoughts to experience the simplicity of the present moment. Lao Tzu famously noted that 'nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished,' reminding us that life’s important milestones, such as personal growth and relationships, occur in their own time. By becoming still and patient, we can better align with the Dao and accept the natural pace of life.

🌀 Empty Yourself to See the World Anew

Lao Tzu encourages openness and simplicity in this passage, using the metaphor of a pot’s usefulness coming from its emptiness. By emptying our minds of busyness, anxiety, and ambition, we become more receptive to the beauty and experiences around us—whether it’s the sound of birds in the morning or the laughter of others. These moments reconnect us with our true selves, helping us appreciate life’s simplicity and natural flow.

🔍 Rediscovering Our True Selves Through Nature

This paragraph highlights Lao Tzu’s belief that we often get distracted by who we think we should be, forgetting our true nature. He urges people to be in touch with their authentic selves, which can be rediscovered through stillness and attentiveness. By letting go of ego and ambition, we can rediscover aspects of ourselves, such as playfulness or generosity, that have been neglected. Lao Tzu reminds us that when we let go of what we are, we become what we might be.

💧 Learning from Nature’s Qualities

In this section, Lao Tzu compares people to water, praising its ability to nourish all things without competing. Water is humble, flowing to lowly places, which makes it akin to the Dao. He encourages people to learn from nature, drawing virtues like strength from mountains, resilience from trees, and cheerfulness from flowers. Although there are times for action and ambition, Lao Tzu’s philosophy is especially relevant in a modern world overwhelmed by technology and rapid change.

🧘 The Value of Stillness and Openness

The final paragraph offers a reflective conclusion, emphasizing the importance of Lao Tzu’s teachings on stillness, openness, and self-discovery. In a fast-paced world, these lessons remind us to reconnect with our deeper selves, embracing simplicity and harmony.

Keywords

💡Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu, sometimes referred to as Laozi or Lao Tze, is the central figure in this script. He is considered a Chinese philosopher and the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching, although his existence may be mythical. His teachings form the foundation of Daoism, and his philosophy focuses on living in harmony with the 'Dao' or 'The Way.' The script portrays him as a figure who values simplicity, stillness, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

💡Daoism

Daoism is the spiritual and philosophical tradition associated with Lao Tzu. It emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao (the path or way of nature and the universe). The script explains that Daoism has been influential for over two thousand years, encouraging practices like meditation, pilgrimage, and connection with nature. It remains relevant today, with millions of practitioners globally.

💡Tao Te Ching

The Tao Te Ching is the sacred text attributed to Lao Tzu, although it was likely composed by multiple authors over time. It provides guidance on how to live in accordance with the Dao, often using vague or open-to-interpretation language. The text is compared to the Bible, offering philosophical and spiritual teachings that are central to Daoist practice. Lao Tzu is said to have written it before disappearing from history.

💡Dao

The Dao (or Tao) means 'The Way' in Chinese and is a fundamental concept in Daoism. It represents the natural order of the universe, a guiding principle for harmony, virtue, and balance. In the script, the Dao is described as a path that one must follow not just through intellectual understanding, but through a life of 'flowing' or 'effortless action.' Lao Tzu teaches that by aligning oneself with the Dao, one can achieve a peaceful and meaningful existence.

💡Stillness

Stillness is a key concept in Lao Tzu’s philosophy. The script emphasizes the need for individuals to embrace moments of quiet, reflection, and inactivity in order to connect with the world and themselves. Lao Tzu’s quote, 'To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders,' highlights the power of being still as a means of attaining wisdom and inner peace.

💡Water

Water, in Lao Tzu's philosophy, symbolizes a model of virtue. It is flexible, nurturing, and takes the lowest position, yet it benefits all things without competition. The script uses this analogy to show how the best people embody these traits, just like water harmonizes with its environment. Lao Tzu compares water’s humility and adaptability to the Dao, suggesting that humans should adopt similar characteristics.

💡Flowing action

Flowing action, or 'Wu Wei' in Daoism, refers to the concept of effortless action. It is about living in accordance with the Dao by letting things happen naturally without force or resistance. The script highlights that this philosophy encourages a purposeful acceptance of the world's order and the natural rhythm of life, much like the changing of seasons or the growth of a relationship.

💡Vinegar Tasting

The vinegar-tasting story illustrates how Lao Tzu’s view of life differs from Confucius and Buddha. Confucius finds vinegar (symbolizing life) sour, reflecting his view of moral degeneration, and Buddha finds it bitter, signifying suffering. Lao Tzu, however, finds the vinegar sweet, reflecting his belief that life, when understood through the Dao, is harmonious and balanced. This contrast highlights the positive outlook in Daoism.

💡Ego

Ego in the script refers to the false sense of self that can obstruct a person from realizing their true nature. Lao Tzu teaches that people should let go of their constructed image or ambitions to discover who they truly are. 'When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be,' reflects the idea that by discarding the ego, one can connect with their authentic self and the Dao.

💡Nature

Nature plays a crucial role in Lao Tzu’s teachings, acting as a metaphor for various virtues and life lessons. The script emphasizes that by observing nature, people can learn humility, strength, and resilience. Lao Tzu believes that humans should live in harmony with the natural world, as it offers profound wisdom and spiritual guidance, much like the Dao itself.

Highlights

Lao Tzu was a Chinese philosopher, possibly a contemporary of Confucius, and his existence remains uncertain, much like Homer in Western culture.

Lao Tzu is said to have left the Zhou court, disillusioned by moral corruption, and wrote the Tao Te Ching before disappearing from history.

The Tao Te Ching, attributed to Lao Tzu, may actually be a compilation of works by multiple authors over time.

Lao Tzu is considered the leading figure in Daoism, a spiritual practice still popular today with 20 million to half a billion practitioners worldwide.

Daoism involves practices like meditation, chanting scriptures, worshiping gods, and making pilgrimages to sacred mountains in China.

Lao Tzu's philosophy sees an underlying harmony in the world, which is guided by the Dao, or 'the path,' despite apparent discord.

The Tao Te Ching offers guidance on living a good life and describes the Dao as the 'way of the world,' the path to virtue, happiness, and harmony.

Lao Tzu emphasizes the importance of stillness and patience, noting, 'Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.'

Being open and receptive to the world is central to Lao Tzu’s teachings. He noted, 'The usefulness of a pot comes from its emptiness.'

Lao Tzu suggests reconnecting with our true selves by experiencing the world, letting go of ego, and embracing the present moment.

He wrote, 'When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be,' encouraging self-discovery through detachment from ambition and ego.

Lao Tzu often compared nature to virtues, saying, 'The best people are like water, which benefits all things and does not compete with them.'

Daoism encourages individuals to cultivate virtues inspired by nature, such as the strength of mountains or the resilience of trees.

Though some matters require action, Lao Tzu’s work emphasizes the value of stillness, openness, and connecting with nature.

Lao Tzu's teachings, though ancient, are particularly relevant in a modern world full of distractions and rapid changes.

Transcripts

It’s difficult to know much for certain about the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu.

Even his name can be a little confusing; it is also sometimes translated as Laozi or Lao Tze

Lao Tzu is said to have been a record keeper in the court of the central Chinese Zhou Dynasty

in the 6th century B.C., and an older contemporary of Confucius.

He may also have been entirely mythical—much like Homer in Western culture.

Lao Tzu is said to have tired of life in the Zhou court as it grew increasingly morally corrupt.

So he left and rode on a water buffalo to the western border of the Chinese empire.

Although he was dressed as a farmer, the border official recognised him and asked him to write

down his wisdom. According to this legend, what Lao Tzu wrote became the sacred text

known as the Tao Te Ching.

After writing this piece, Lao Tzu is said to have crossed the border and disappeared

from history, perhaps to become a hermit.

In reality, the Tao Te Ching is likely to be the compilation of the works of many authors

over time. But stories about Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching itself passed down through different

Chinese philosophical schools for over two thousand years.

Lao Tzu was the leading figure in the spiritual practice known as Daoism

which is more than two thousand years old, and still popular today. There are at least

twenty million Daoists, and perhaps even half a billion, living around the world now, especially

in China and Taiwan. They practise meditation, chant scriptures, and worship a variety of

gods and goddesses in temples.

Daoists also make pilgrimages to five sacred mountains in eastern China in order to pray

at the temples and absorb spiritual energy from these holy places, which are believed

to be governed by immortals.

Daoism is deeply intertwined with other branches of thought like Confucianism and Buddhism.

There is a story about the three great Asian spiritual leaders (Lao Tzu, Confucius, and

Buddha). All were meant to have tasted vinegar.

Confucius found it sour, much like he found the world full of degenerate people, and Buddha

found it bitter, much like he found the world to be full of suffering. But Lao Tzu found

the world sweet. This is telling, because Lao Tzu’s philosophy tends to look at the

apparent discord in the world and see an underlying harmony guided by something called the

Dao 道 = the path

The Tao Te Ching

which describes the Dao, is somewhat like the Bible: it gives instructions (often vague

and generally open to multiple interpretations) on how to live a good life. It discusses the

“Dao” as the “way” of the world, which is also the path to virtue, happiness, and harmony.

"The way" isn’t inherently confusing or difficult. But in order to follow the Dao,

we need to go beyond simply reading and thinking about it. Instead we must learn

flowing, or effortless action.

It’s a sort of purposeful acceptance of the way of the Dao

and living in harmony with it.

This might seem lofty and bizarre, but most of Lao Tzu’s suggestions are actually very

simple. First, we ought to take more time for stillness. “To the mind that is still,”

Lao Tzu said, “the whole universe surrenders.”

We need to let go of our schedules, worries and complex thoughts for a while and simply

experience the world.

We spend so much time rushing from one place to the next in life, but Lao Tzu reminds us

“nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” It is particularly important

that we remember that certain things—grieving, growing wiser, developing a new relationship—only

happen on their own schedule, like the changing of leaves in the fall or the blossoming of

the bulbs we planted months ago.

When we are still and patient we also need to be open.

“The usefulness of a pot comes from its emptiness.” Lao Tzu said. “Empty yourself

of everything, let your mind become still.”

If we are too busy, too preoccupied with anxiety or ambition, we will miss a thousand moments

of the human experience that are our natural inheritance. We need to be awake to the way

sounds of the birds in the morning, the way other people look when they are laughing,

the feeling of wind against our face. These experiences reconnect us to parts of ourselves.

This is another key point of Lao Tzu’s writing: we need to be in touch with our real selves.

We spend a great deal of time worrying about who we ought to become, but we should instead

take time to be who we already are at heart.

We might rediscover a generous impulse, or a playful side we had forgotten, or simply

an old affection for long walks.

Our ego is often in the way of our true self, which must be found by being receptive to

the outside world rather than focusing on some critical, too-ambitious internal image.

“When I let go of what I am,” Lao Tzu wrote, “I become what I might be.”

Nature is particularly useful for finding ourselves.

Lao Tzu liked to compare different parts of nature to different virtues. He said,

"The best people are like water, which benefits all things and does not compete with them.

It stays in lowly places that others reject. This is why it is so similar to the Dao."

Each part of nature can remind us of a quality we admire and should cultivate ourselves—the

strength of the mountains, the resilience of trees, the cheerfulness of flowers.

Of course, there are issues that must be addressed by action, and there are times for ambition.

Yet Lao Tzu’s work is important for Daoists and non-Daoists alike, especially in a modern

world distracted by technology and focused on what seem to be constant, sudden, and severe

changes.

His words serve as a reminder of the importance of stillness, openness, and discovering buried

yet central parts of ourselves.