Description
Lao Tzu (/ˈlaʊ ˈtsuː, -ˈdzʌ/),[also rendered as Laozi ( /ˌlaʊˈzɪər/; 老子, [làu.tsɹ̩]; commonly translated as "Old Master") and Lao-Tze (/ˈlaʊ ˈdzeɪ/), was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. He is the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching, the founder of philosophical Taoism, and a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese religions.
A semi-legendary figure, Lao Tzu is usually portrayed as a 6th-century BC contemporary of Confucius in the Spring and Autumn period. Some modern historians consider him to have lived during the Warring States period of the 4th century BC. A central figure in Chinese culture, Laozi is claimed by both the emperors of the Tang dynasty and modern people of the Li surname as a founder of their lineage. Laozi's work has been embraced by both various anti-authoritarian movements and Chinese Legalism.
The honorific title Lao Tzu has been romanized numerous ways, sometimes leading to confusion. The most common present form is still Lao Tzu, which is based on the formerly prevalent Wade–Giles system. In the 19th century, the title was usually romanized as Lao-tse.[ Other forms include the variants Lao-tze,[20] Lao-Tzu and Laozi/Lao Zi.
As a religious figure, he is worshipped under the name "Supreme Old Lord" (太上老君, Tàishàng Lǎojūn) and as one of the "Three Pure Ones". During the Tang dynasty, he was granted the title "Supremely Mysterious and Primordial Emperor" (太上玄元皇帝, Tàishàng Xuānyuán Huángdì).
ISBN:9788182523104
