There is a legend in ancient China that speaks of an ancient philosopher who was wise in the ages and history and all things that are spiritual and worldly. He was displeased with his current state and sought greater enlightenment in lands that the empire could not provide. As he was leaving the gates of the city, he was approached by some men...or one guard.
They asked that he leave some scripture and writings for the people before he were to go; wisdom that could be handed down to all the people, and for future generations. So the man went back to his temple and began to write down his worldly thoughts in a compilation of translated writings called Tao Te Ching (the Way and virtue).
Lao Tzu completed his works and left to seek greater enlightenment elsewhere, far in the kingdom and in neighboring lands. It is not known if he left alone or with an army; however, he left. In his works he speaks of the “sage-king,” and how the likeness of the sage-king is to be imitated in order to achieve Tao, a harmony with the world we live in and the universe that governs us. It is unclear if Lao Tzu ever returned to the city or if he ever found the sage-king and the enlightenment he sought. His composi-112
Joe IsaaC gauthIer
tion of approximately 5,000 words and his works have been translated and handed down for many generations and millennia. To date much is unknown of Lao Tzu or if he even existed; there is only the Tao Te Ching he left for our study. This is the legend of Lao Tzu and the mission or purpose he had in founding Taoism.