Two ancient Chinese philosophies, one focused on social matters and the other on the search for meaning, have coexisted for over two millennia.
Despite their differences, both Taoism and Confucianism have served as guides for China through its vast history. But did the two masters behind these philosophies ever meet?
Legend has it that they did, and their encounters were described with a mischievous sense of humor.
In this article, we’ll explore the possible meetings between these two great thinkers and what they may have discussed.
Join us on a journey through ancient Chinese philosophy and discover the fascinating world of Lao Tzu and Confucius.
Did Lao Tzu And Confucius Ever Meet
The question of whether Lao Tzu and Confucius ever met has been a topic of debate for centuries. While there is no concrete evidence to support their meeting, there are several legends and stories that suggest they may have crossed paths.
According to one legend, the two masters met more than once, with Lao Tzu being somewhat senior to Confucius. In a chapter of The Book of Taoist Master Zhuang, their encounters are described with a mischievous sense of humor.
Another legend states that Confucius and Lao Tzu did in fact meet to discuss the Imperial Archives. However, Lao Tzu was unimpressed by the beautiful robes worn by Confucius and did not agree with looking back on the past.
Regardless of the disagreements between Lao Tzu and Confucius, both Taoism and Confucianism have served as guides for China through its vast history. They have led China through the peaks and valleys of its longest continuing story on the planet.
Introduction: The Coexistence Of Taoism And Confucianism
Taoism and Confucianism have coexisted in China for over 2,000 years. While Confucianism deals with social matters, Taoism is concerned with the search for meaning. Despite their differences, they share common beliefs about man, society, and the universe. Both philosophies began as secular philosophies, but later took on religious overtones.
Legend has it that Confucius and Lao Tzu met to discuss the Imperial Archives. However, their differing views on life and philosophy led to disagreements between them. Confucius believed in looking back on the past and learning from the Ancients, while Lao Tzu believed in living in the present and finding enlightenment through listening to the Tao.
Despite their differences, both Taoism and Confucianism have played important roles in guiding China through its vast history. They have helped shape Chinese culture and have influenced the way people think about life and society. Together, they form a harmonious aggregate of Chinese thought known as San Jiao.
The Legend Of Lao Tzu And Confucius Meeting
One of the most well-known legends surrounding the meeting of Lao Tzu and Confucius comes from The Book of Taoist Master Zhuang. In this legend, Confucius went to Zhou to ask Lao Tzu about the rites. Lao Tzu’s response was less than helpful, stating that “those people along with their bones have already rotted away! All that remains is their words.”
Lao Tzu went on to advise Confucius to rid himself of his arrogant manner, his many desires, his pretentious demeanor, and unbridled ambition. He warned that none of these traits were good for his health and proposed a different approach to social intercourse based on the precise evaluation of momentary trends.
Confucius left the meeting and said to his disciples, “As for birds, I understand how they can fly; with fish, I understand how they can swim; and with animals, I understand how they can run. To catch things that run, we can make nets; to catch things that swim, we can make lines; and to get things that fly, we can make arrows. But when it comes to dragons, I cannot understand how they ascend into the sky riding the wind and the clouds. Today I met Lao Tzu, and he’s just like a dragon!”
This legend highlights the differences in thinking between Lao Tzu and Confucius. While Confucius focused on social matters and looked to the past for guidance, Lao Tzu proposed a more present-focused approach based on evaluating momentary trends.
While there is no concrete evidence to support their meeting, these legends provide insight into the philosophical differences between these two great thinkers and their impact on Chinese history.
Lao Tzu And Confucius: The Philosophical Differences
While both Lao Tzu and Confucius are considered great Chinese philosophers, they have fundamental philosophical differences.
Confucius was dedicated to establishing the educated and philosophically minded people of China. He taught about strict order by respecting the relationships in life, such as the self and authority. Confucius believed in looking back on the past and learning from the Ancients. He placed importance on filial piety, which means devoting your life to your parents until they die, doing exactly what they say, and bringing prestige to their name.
On the other hand, Lao Tzu believed in living life in a natural and effortless way. The Tao Te Ching is filled with examples of how Lao Tzu thought life should be lived. Under his teaching, the best way to stop conflict is to avoid it altogether. Life is like a flowing river and if one were to stop, it would cause conflict for others. Lao Tzu believed that the Tao surrounds everyone, and therefore everyone must listen to find enlightenment. He did not believe in looking back on the past and instead focused on living in the present moment.
Furthermore, Confucianism deals with social matters, while Taoism concerns itself with the search for meaning. Confucianism is an ideal society model created through a lifetime of relationship dedication, while Taoism can be summed up as appreciating all that is natural.
The Possible Encounters Between Lao Tzu And Confucius
While there is no concrete evidence to prove that Lao Tzu and Confucius ever met, there are several stories and legends that suggest they may have crossed paths. One such story is found in The Book of Taoist Master Zhuang, which describes their encounters with a mischievous sense of humor. According to this legend, the two masters met more than once, with Lao Tzu being somewhat senior to Confucius.
Another legend suggests that Confucius and Lao Tzu met to discuss the Imperial Archives. However, Lao Tzu was unimpressed by the beautiful robes worn by Confucius and did not agree with looking back on the past. This disagreement highlights the fundamental differences between Taoism and Confucianism.
Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with nature and the universe, while Confucianism emphasizes social order and moral living. Despite their differences, both philosophies have had a profound impact on Chinese culture and history. They have served as guides for China through its peaks and valleys, shaping its culture and society for thousands of years.
While it is impossible to know for certain whether Lao Tzu and Confucius ever met, their teachings continue to influence and inspire people around the world today. Their legacy lives on through their writings and the impact they had on Chinese philosophy and culture.
The Humorous Descriptions Of Their Meetings
In The Book of Taoist Master Zhuang, there are several humorous descriptions of the meetings between Lao Tzu and Confucius. One passage describes Confucius asking Lao Tzu about the Virtues of Benevolence and Righteousness. Lao Tzu responds by saying that these virtues only serve to confuse the mind and cause more problems. He suggests that instead of focusing on these virtues, people should strive for simplicity and inner power.
In another passage, Confucius asks Lao Tzu how he sought the Tao. Lao Tzu responds by saying that he tried to find it through rules and regulations, but after five years he still could not attain it. He then tried to find it in the Yin and Yang, but after twelve years he still could not attain it. Lao Tzu explains that the Tao cannot be sought in this manner and suggests that people should wander freely in the wilds and find nourishment in simplicity.
These humorous descriptions of their meetings suggest a playful rivalry between the two masters. Despite their differences, both Lao Tzu and Confucius have had a profound impact on Chinese philosophy and continue to be studied and revered today.
What They May Have Discussed: Insights Into Ancient Chinese Philosophy
If Lao Tzu and Confucius did meet, it is likely that they discussed their respective philosophical beliefs and ideas. Confucianism centers around the ideas of justice, morality, and sincerity, emphasizing the correctness of social relationships among people, including ancestor worship and respect for elders. On the other hand, Taoism concerns itself with the search for meaning, focusing on understanding the nature of reality, increasing longevity, ordering life morally, practicing rulership, and regulating consciousness and diet.
Despite their differences, both philosophies share common beliefs about man, society, and the universe. They both began as philosophies before later taking on religious overtones. Therefore, it is possible that Lao Tzu and Confucius may have discussed their views on morality, social relationships, and the search for meaning in life.
In addition to their philosophical beliefs, Lao Tzu and Confucius may have discussed their thoughts on the state of Chinese society at the time. Confucius became known as a great moral reformer whose teachings helped to build Chinese civilization and social order. Lao Tzu advocated for the hermit’s life and lived in obscurity but wrote a book treating of the Tao and the Power. Thus, their differing approaches to life may have led to discussions about how best to govern society and achieve a balance between individualism and collectivism.
Overall, if Lao Tzu and Confucius did meet, it is likely that they discussed their philosophical beliefs and ideas as well as their thoughts on the state of Chinese society at the time. Their differing approaches to life may have led to lively debates about how best to govern society and achieve a balance between individualism and collectivism.
