Page:The Mythology of All Races Vol 8 (Chinese and Japanese).djvu/42

18 The Tao Teh King was given this name by Hsüan Tsung, seventh Emperor of the T'ang dynasty, during the early part of the eighth century, but its contents are rightly reputed to be mainly the sayings of Lao Tzǔ. Direct quotations from it, as well as paraphrases of its leading truths, are given by several philosophers earlier than the Christian era, the one nearest to the time of Lao Tzǔ having lived little more than one hundred years subsequent to him. There seems little reason to doubt the historical tradition that such a person as Lao Tzǔ existed, and that the record of his sayings is found in the Tao Teh King, even though we allow that this book may also contain interpolations and additions made by later writers. The doctrines of Lao Tzǔ are stated in crisp sentences, the meaning of which has caused endless speculation among Chinese commentators and foreign students. The first chapter discusses the word "Tao" which subsequently gave its name to the Taoist religion. Tao is at the beginning of all things, existing before the creation of the world. When it takes a form it is called Ming, "a name." The proper relation of a philosopher to the universe is non-action, wu wei and quietness, ching. In general terms this classic shows how Tao is the true teacher of man, instructing him in humility, self-control, quietness, consideration for others and meekness. By following its principles, man can achieve, without striving or seeming to do so. There are a few traces of supernatural and mysterious influences which were easily diverted by later Taoist teachers to the support of their magical practices and mysterious investigations; but taken as a whole the classic maintains a high level in moral discussions. It has only a forced relationship to the Taoist religion of the T'ang dynasty, which may be justly compared to the forced relationship which Li Shih-min, T'ai Tsung of the T'ang dynasty, claimed with Li Erh, Lao Tzǔ, whose sayings arc found in the Tao Teh King.

The references to the teachings of Lao Tzǔ made by the