LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Taoism: Lao Tzu
built 654 days ago
Apart from Lao-tzu, the most important figure in Taoism is Chuangtzu, a disciple of the famous Lao-tzu. Chuang-tzu was a prolific author living during the fourth century B.C. who wrote some 33 books. Chuangtzu was a clever writer, popularizing the teachings of Lao-tzu as Mencius did with his master, Confucius.
Source:
Less well-known, but equally important to an understanding of Taoism, are the writings of Chuang Tzu. His Inner Chapters are gaining wider attention as is The Way of Chuang Tzu, an excellent transition of selected writings by Christian mystic Thomas Morton.
Source:
Taoism has its roots in a shadowy figure named Lao-tzu, of whom little or nothing is verifiable. Many scholars feel that Lao-tzu never existed at all. His date of birth is uncertain, being put variously between 604 and 570 B.C. One legend said that he was never young but rather was born old with white hair, a long white beard and wrinkled skin.
Source:
Taoism borrows its name from the Tao. Tao is the central concept in Taoism. It is linked with the idea of Universal Power, the Creator and sustainer of all beings and things in the Universe. This ebook is a collection of abstracts from the work of Chuang-tzu, the most important disciple of Lao-tzu, pointing to his experience with the Tao. Abstracts are explained and commented in plain words in order to seize their inner wisdom.
Source:
A group of younger thinkers and poets who explored issues of Taoism from a 'light' and poetical aspect very much in the spirit of Chuang-Tzu, seeking to free the spirit and sharpen the imagination. Their writing displays lofty ideals and a certain wit, whether on matters of sex or of poetry. The most famous of this group were the Juan Chi (210-263 A.D.) who advocated becoming one with the universe and transcending all distinctions; and Hsi K'ang (223-262 A.D.). According to Wing-Tsit Chan; "These men often met in bamboo groves to drink, write poems, and talk and behave in utter disregard for social conventions or worldly values."
Source:
The founder of Taoism is believed by many to be Lao Tse (604 - 531 BCE), a contemporary of Confucius. (Alternate spellings: Li Erh, Lao Tan, Lao Tze, Lao Tsu, Lao Tzu, Laozi, Laotze, etc.). He was searching for a way that would avoid the constant feudal warfare and other conflicts that disrupted society during his lifetime. The result was his book: Tao te Ching (a.k.a. Daodejing), composed some time between the sixth and third centuries B.C. Some believe that Lao Tzu is a mythical character.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Lao Tzu