A few months ago - after a lecture I gave at the Young Buddhist Center on the sacred "Four Noble Truths" - a Zen teacher struck up a conversation with me.
"Your teachings reminded me of Lao Tzu," he noted excitedly.
Not surprisingly, since the Master greatly influenced my spiritual outlook on life.
Lao Tzu was born September 14th (604 B.C.) in the village of Ch'u Jen.
He was the author of many great teachings on TAO, the most widely read scriptures in the Eastern World.
His concepts like - "each being part of the whole" - appealed to my sensibilities right away. But, the idea of "non-action" resonated so distinctly that I became a convert immediately.
In addition, I was drawn to Tzu's teachings on the "void".
The Master believed that it was only through an "empty heart" that one could comprehend the great truths. So - the experience of "the void" he spoke of - was essential in order to be "filled by the mysteries and wisdom of existence".
According to the wise sage, if an individual followed "the way" he could naturally become empty - and subsequently - be "lived by existence".
In sum, he propounded that there must be a total receptiveness to that which arises in the "heart of hearts".
In view of this, a basic foundation of the teachings includes the practical application of "non-action" (Wu Wei).
"Wu Wei is a useful attitude," he conjectured.
The Master taught that human relationships often force defeat; after all, every action causes a reaction, every challenge a response. Likewise, if an individual interfered with a natural state - it naturally resisted - according to Lao Tzu.
If everything is allowed to go its own way, the harmony of the universe will be established. After all, every process is only capable of "doing its thing", in relation to all others.
In his opinion, there was "no achievement" in action.
"To yield is to be preserved whole," he taught.
His teachings sprang from the TAO principle of the "observing individual" that lords over all existence.
The observer (or navigator) is guided by the stars in the heavens, while the sailor is mindful of the currents and winds that may throw him off course.
With unity of eye and heart there is an intelligent perception about the nature of the path.
Tao is an all-encompassing law - a "way of living" - that honors (and does not interfere with) the elements. In particular, the teaching applies to the actions of individuals and the politics of life.
The wise old Master put forth the notion that each sentient being must take their own steps to realize truth; then, apply the wisdom they've acquired to ultimately harmonize with nature and man.
In essence, he conjectured, inner nature is an extension of the universe.
The teachings of Lao Tzu were eventually structured into a full-fledged religion and developed to their full potential by a dedicated follower, Chang Tao Ling.
A seeker who pursues the truth through the teachings of TAO becomes known as a "man of calling" or a "heavenly teacher".
In his elder years, legend says that Lao Tzu tired of the Chou Dynasty and the onslaught of decadence and decay in the society. So, he rode off on a black ox one fine morning to pursue truth elsewhere.
As he was departing from the Kingdom through the Ku Pass, a gatekeeper there - Yin Hsi - intuited that the Master's arrival was an omen.
"You are about to draw yourself from sight. Please compose a book for me of your teachings."
So, Lao Tzu wrote the sacred book TAO TE CHING.
TAO means "the way"; TE translates to "virtue and power"; Ching means book.
Hence, the translation, "Book of the Way and Virtues".
Then, Lao Tzu disappeared without a trace.
Today, some scholars allege he never existed at all, that the teachings of Lao Tzu were simply a collection of scriptures gathered from sages over the years.
A compilation of the teachings in one - "Holy Sacred Scripture" - was attributed to the Father of TAO, Lao Tzu.
Not true.
According to legend, Lao Tzu has appeared in spirit "to man" unexpectedly throughout the ages.
I've felt his presence on occasion and his spirit has guided me.
Lao Tzu quote,
"He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still."