Lao Tzu
The Old Master
Lao Tzu is the legendary founder of Taoism and attributed author of the Tao Te Ching. His teachings on the Tao as the fundamental principle underlying all existence influenced not only Taoism but also Chinese Buddhism, Neo-Confucianism, and contemplative traditions across Asia.
Across Traditions
Taoism
Name
Laozi / Lao Tzu
Role
Founder of Taoism and author of the Tao Te Ching
Summary
Lao Tzu was a keeper of archives at the Zhou court who, despairing of civilization's decline, traveled west. At the request of a gatekeeper, he wrote down his wisdom in 81 chapters — the Tao Te Ching. In religious Taoism (Daojiao) he was deified as Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun), the highest deity. His teachings on wu wei (non-action), naturalness, and harmony with the Tao form the foundation of all Taoist thought.
Source Text
The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name
Tao Te Ching, Chapter 1
Buddhism
Name
Lao Tzu (in Chinese Buddhist synthesis)
Role
Sage whose teachings merged with Chan/Zen Buddhism
Summary
In the Tang dynasty synthesis of three teachings (sanjiao), Lao Tzu was revered alongside the Buddha and Confucius. Some Buddhist texts claimed Lao Tzu had traveled to India and become the Buddha's teacher — a legend known as 'conversion of the barbarians' (huahu). Chan (Zen) Buddhism absorbed Taoist language and ideas, making Lao Tzu's thought foundational to East Asian Buddhism.
Source Text
The sage does not accumulate. The more he does for others, the more he has himself
Tao Te Ching, Chapter 81
Connected Figures
Theme
Common Ground
Description
Both Taoism and East Asian Buddhism draw on Lao Tzu's language of naturalness, non-striving, and returning to the source. Chan Buddhism in particular is inseparable from Taoist thought and vocabulary.
Theme
Unique Insight
Description
Taoism venerates Lao Tzu as a deity (Lord Lao) and the highest revelation of the Tao, while Buddhism incorporates his wisdom as compatible philosophy without treating him as a divine figure.