Laozi (or Lao Tzu) is a superficial name and is a title which one obtained through social respect. Lao 老 stands for “old” and Zi 子 literally means “master”. Pinyin: Lǎozǐ (both symbols are pronounced with the third tone as shown over the character, the third tone falls and then rises again.)
It is believed that Laozi was a keeper of archives for the royal court during the Zhou period (most likely between 6th or 4th century BC). The legend says that he never had a school but attracted a lot of students and disciples which became inspired by his teachings.
The Movie – Story of Lao Tzu
Is a great way to get a glimpse of the story of Lao Tzu and the practical understanding of his teachings (the Daodejing). During the movie, he will confront many different situations and solve them without forcing anything. Watch the movie here:
Laozi is regarded as the author of the Dao De Jing, but reading this you probably already know this, this information can be found anywhere on the internet so I will skip the introduction here and continue directly explaining his cause and teachings:
The Dao
Laozi describes two ways of the Dao, the way of humans and the way of nature. When both worlds harmonize we call it Ziran自然 (zìrán) because, in the end, and beginning, it is the same source. The way of the Dao for humans is called Wuwei 無爲 (wúwéi). Everything against our nature is against the Dao.
The Understanding
Laozi is always looking from the view of a spectator. Seeing yourself in the reflection of a mirror. What is harmony and what is our nature? Without laying down our personal interest and previous experience, we will not be able to understand. That is why children are highly inspirational in a Daoist understanding. The biggest difference between Laozi’s teachings is the influence of the environment and the situation. The connection of the “whole” and finding the “source of all things” in the “here and now” is the key to Laozi’s understanding.
We are asking fundamental questions of why we are here? And what are we doing? But in the end, we stop asking and find harmony in our being by simply being here in this environment and our situation. When someone is not in harmony, the person will stand out like a mountain near a lake.
The teachings and story of Lao Tzu identify the truth of every small thing that is inside and shares a common course, ultimately it being the way of the Dao. This is the true meaning of our inspiration and the freedom to achieve it, under the laws of nature one can find the paradox of Yin and Yang in everything. Everything can be transformed into being beautiful or ugly, everything can be changed given it the right situation which is controlled by the way of nature and the way of humans.
Doing what is natural is not always the easiest but also not the hardest way. It is the way to direct your energy towards your nature. Give it maximum attention, and you will see yourself in the world. How do we learn to know? Clear your mind and focus on breathing, the most essential practice for our life.
Source of Life
The Source of life is always the same, yet it is understood differently by everybody. Resetting ones believes in a natural state is essential to find the true meaning of the truth behind your existence. Break down the barriers to understanding and play like a child, become aware of your luxury and do not hold on trivial things. By doing that you will find your environment accepting, growing closer to the Dao.
One who never had to harvest for acquiring food does not know how to appreciate the farmers, the harvest, the risks and ultimately the food. Our basic nature never changes and thinking of yourself too highly will make you unable to step down the mountain.
Wuji and Taiji
All energies will be created from Wuji (emptiness) in the moment of true nothingness there will also be Yin and Yang. Once the will of heaven is realized Taiji will emerge. What we realize as our truth will give power to Taiji.
Be the Weakest to be Strongest
Laozi’s understanding is the essence of every truth and its source in it. Water will keep running and will not be harmed by even the sharpest objects, nobody can stop it, but at the same time, it is the most delicate and lowest source on earth which will wash away every past and always keep looking for new ways to reach.