Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. Lao-Tzu, whose name means "old boy" or "old master," was the chief archivist for the imperial court of the Chou dynasty. Many Sinologists believe that he is the historian whom Confucius consulted about ceremonies. According to legend, as an old man, Lao-Tzu left Chou for the seclusion of the mythical K'un-lun mountains, never to be seen again. Before leaving, however, he allegedly communicated his ideas to a border guard, who subsequently compiled the 'Tao-te Ching' (the Classic of the Way and Its Virtue). The 'Tao-te Ching' is by far the most-translated Chinese literary work. The Tao-te Ching outlines all the basic philosophical and mystical beliefs of Taoism, which, for several brief periods throughout history, was the official religion of China. Central to these beliefs is the understanding of the Tao, the universe's underlying pattern, which can neither be described in words nor properly fathomed in thought. "Tao is nonbeing, which is the mother of being, which in turn produces all things". In the Tao te Ching Lao-Tzu wrote of the importance of seeking to comply with the "Tao." "The virtue of the Tao governs its natural way," Lao-Tzu wrote. "Thus, he who is at one with it, is one with everything which lives, having freedom from the fear of death".

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Lao-Tse

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