Laozi of Daoism
Here are the factual answers regarding Laozi (also spelled Lao-Tzu or Lao-Kiun), the ancient Chinese philosopher and the legendary founder of Daoism (Taoism).
Like many of the figures we've discussed, categorizing Laozi as a "savior" who died for human sins is a massive historical and theological mismatch. Laozi was a sage who taught harmony with the Dao (the Way). Later in religious Daoism, he was deified as a supreme cosmic being, but he was never a crucified, dying-and-resurrecting god.
Timeline & Locations
- Active Period: Traditionally, Laozi is said to have lived during the 6th century BCE (making him a contemporary of Confucius). However, modern historians often debate his existence, suggesting he might be a mythical composite figure or that he lived later, around the 4th century BCE.
- Calendar Date of Birth: Traditional Chinese folklore celebrates his birthday on the 15th day of the 2nd lunar month.
- Locations: He was active in ancient China. Tradition says he was born in the state of Chu (modern-day Henan province) and worked in the Zhou dynasty capital of Luoyang.
Appearance & Names
In Chinese art, Laozi is almost universally depicted as an old man with a long white beard, a prominent forehead, and notably long earlobes (a symbol of wisdom and longevity). He is most famously shown riding a water buffalo holding a scroll or a fly whisk.
- Different Names: Laozi or Lao-Tzu (meaning "Old Master" or "Old Child"), Li Er (his supposed personal name), Boyang (his courtesy name), and Taishang Laojun or Lao-Kiun (his divine title in religious Daoism, meaning "Supreme Venerable Sovereign").
Life, Death, & Resurrection
- When & How He Died: According to tradition, Laozi did not die a normal death, nor was he killed. Disillusioned by the moral decay of the Zhou dynasty, he rode a water buffalo west toward the border. After writing down his wisdom for a border guard, he rode off into the western mountains and was never seen again. In Daoist belief, he achieved immortality.
- Age at Death: Myths claim he lived anywhere from 160 to 200 years before departing, due to his mastery of the Dao.
- Did He Resurrect? No. Because he achieved immortality and did not undergo a physical death, there was no resurrection.
- Descend to Hell or Ascend to Heaven? He did not descend to hell. In religious Daoism, he is believed to have ascended to the celestial realms as an immortal (xian) and a supreme deity.
- Crucified? No. Crucifixion was not a practice in ancient China.
Actions & Theological Comparisons
- Did He Die for the Salvation of Man? No. Laozi did not offer spiritual salvation through a blood sacrifice. He taught that people suffer because they force their own will against the natural flow of the universe. "Salvation" in Daoism is achieved by practicing wu-wei (effortless action) and returning to a state of natural harmony.
- What Actions Did He Take? Historically, he is said to have worked as the Keeper of the Archives for the royal court of Zhou. His most monumental action was authoring the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching), one of the most translated and influential philosophical texts in human history.
- Born of a Virgin? While not a "virgin birth" in the Christian sense, his birth story is highly miraculous. Daoist legends say his mother conceived him when she saw a falling star (or a ray of light). She carried him in her womb for 81 years, and he was born from her left armpit already looking like an old man with a white beard (hence the name "Old Child").
- Called the Son of God? No. In religious Daoism, he is considered an emanation or personification of the Dao (the ultimate cosmic principle), not a "Son" of a creator god.
- Part of the Trinity? Yes, but not the Christian Trinity. In religious Daoism, Taishang Laojun (Laozi) is one of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). These are the three highest gods in the Daoist pantheon, representing different manifestations of the Dao and the cosmic energy that created the universe.
- Will He Judge Man in Heaven? No. In syncretic Chinese religion, the judgment of the dead is handled by the Kings of Hell (like Yanluo Wang) in the underworld. Laozi is a supreme cosmic teacher, not an eschatological judge of human souls.
Worship & Followers
- How He Was Worshiped: In philosophical Daoism, he is simply respected as a great sage. However, in religious Daoism, he is worshipped as Taishang Laojun at temples through the burning of incense, chanting of scriptures, bowing, and offering of fruit and tea.
- Who Worshipped Him? He has been venerated by Daoists, Chinese emperors (the Tang dynasty emperors claimed direct descent from him), and practitioners of traditional Chinese folk religion for over two millennia.