Story Summary
Discover how the sage Laozi wrote the Tao Te Ching at the Hangu Pass before vanishing into the west. A timeless Taoist tale of wisdom, virtue, and the Tao.
Laozi was a weary sage who served as the keeper of the archives for the Zhou Dynasty. Distressed by the moral decay of society and the endless conflicts of men, he decided to leave the kingdom and seek the solitude of the western mountains. Riding a water buffalo, he reached the Hangu Pass, the final outpost of civilization. The gatekeeper, Yin Xi, was a man of great spiritual insight who saw a purple mist approaching from the east, signaling the arrival of a divine being. Recognizing Laozi as a master of profound wisdom, Yin Xi blocked his path and refused to let him pass into the wilderness until he had recorded his teachings for the benefit of future generations. Laozi stayed at the pass for several days, brushing five thousand characters onto bamboo slips. This text became the Tao Te Ching, the foundational classic of Taoism. Once finished, Laozi handed the scrolls to Yin Xi, climbed back onto his buffalo, and rode into the setting sun, never to be seen again.
The Moral
True wisdom is a treasure that belongs to the world; sharing one's insight ensures that the path to harmony remains open for all.
“The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.”
Fun Fact
Traditional legend claims Laozi was in his mother's womb for 81 years and was born with white hair, which is why his name can be translated as both 'Old Master' and 'Old Child.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Laozi Writes the Tao Te Ching?
The story emphasizes that profound wisdom should be documented and shared rather than kept secret. It teaches that one's legacy is defined by the guidance they leave for others to find their own path to virtue.
Who was the gatekeeper Yin Xi?
Yin Xi was a high-ranking official and a spiritual seeker who reportedly used his knowledge of astronomy to predict Laozi's arrival. He is credited with preserving the Tao Te Ching, as he recognized Laozi's divinity and insisted the sage write down his philosophy.
Why did Laozi leave the Zhou Dynasty?
Laozi witnessed the corruption and constant warfare of the late Zhou period. Seeking to live in accordance with the Tao, he chose to abandon the political world and retire as a hermit in the uninhabited lands to the west.
What is the significance of the water buffalo in the story?
The water buffalo represents the taming of the mind and the strength of the natural world. In Taoist symbolism, riding a buffalo suggests that Laozi had achieved mastery over his impulses and was moving in harmony with nature.
Did Laozi actually exist as a historical person?
While traditional accounts place him in the 6th century BCE as a contemporary of Confucius, many historians view Laozi as a composite figure or a legendary persona representing the collective wisdom of early Taoist thinkers.
What happened to Laozi after he left the Hangu Pass?
Legend says he disappeared into the western wilderness and became an immortal. Some stories suggest he traveled as far as India, while others believe he simply passed away in peaceful solitude, having fulfilled his duty to humanity.