TAOism

Lao Tzi (portrayed left) was a well known figure in the cultural circles of old China during his lifetime. He was often called upon to teach various people about the concepts of Tao and Taoist values. Lao Tzi is accredited with making Taoism popular for the masses.

It is written that Lao Tzi became fed up with society and artificial  

values, pressures of life brought to bear by taxes and other demands, et cetera. He decided that enough was enough. He planned to leave China and live out the rest of his years in annonimity and quietness - much the same as the exodus from UK to Spain and other "quieter and laid back" countries.

Thinking that he was going to slip out of the country quietly he packed meagre belongings and left on the back of an ox. Meanwhile, a gate keeper at the Great  Wall had a premonitive dream and in it he saw the Great Lao Tzi riding an Ox through his gate. A couple of days later it happened and the young man recognised Lao Tzi. He begged him to remain as his guest for a few days and to write down his thoughts on Taoism. It was said that this is when Lao Tzi created the basis of the work that today is world famous, the 'Tao Te Ching' (Dao-de-jing), or 'Way of Life'.

Tao Te Ching

Called the greatest work ever describing the principles of Taoism as they affect life, there have been many translations over the years. In recent years there are even more translations appearing as "new evidence" is alledged to have appeared - we can not be 100% certain as yet - and intellectuals scramble over it to release their own works dedicated to its translations. One can not help thinking that although this work is interesting, that perhaps they are missing the point.

TO BE CONTINUED....