Taoism and Lao Tzu
Thoughts on becoming a Sage – the Guidebook to leading a virtuous Life
Sometimes we focus so much on our own perspective that we overlook the contributions of others. As a teacher and storyteller, I love broadening horizons by sharing new vocabulary and characters, especially the wisdom of the ancient sage Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching.
One such word is “purchase” — to give purchase to an idea means to embrace a meaning that challenges the attitudes formed by what we already think we understand and to Lao Tzu who was the ultimate purveyor of this ancient wisdom.
The universe reminds us there’s always more to discover, and the extent of what we can learn and share with others in knowledge and wisdom has no limits. Buying into something usually means we’ve committed to it and chosen it over other options as we too have thoughts of becoming a sage.
Giving purchase… it can mean giving value to an opinion or idea we hadn’t previously considered important. It might involve agreeing with an idea or even pursuing the anchor end of a rope—essentially, giving credence to a bad idea. It can mean instead of not wanting to hear the opinion of others, that we should use them to question what we think we know or understand as true or even false.
This brings us to another term in our vocabulary that resonates with Taoist philosophy: principle. For the Taoist, living without a rigid principle allows the freedom to avoid becoming attached to ideas that might steer us off course.
To something that we may consider good today but bad tomorrow. More importantly, it gives us room to clarify or redefine our path. It’s like asking, where should our memories go now? With time, it always feels like the path or way of virtue makes the answer clear.
We can approach the Tao Te Ching by and through Te which means virtue. We should see it as both a sense of moral compass and character as well as our power to act. When we think of virtue, we often think only of Confucius, but his teachings were rooted in principles of moral character found in what he called Numbers 5 and 6 of the Ten Wings. These virtues embody the Way, with the Way understood as the essence of what virtue holds. Without virtue, the Way described as the Tao would have no power or make any appearances. Te is the Tao at work through us and all things found in nature.
Te, or virtue, is the way the Tao flows into our bodies and all living things. We sometimes call this chi. Lao Tzu teaches that it’s not about following a moral code, but about action free from moral constraints. It’s how we reach the state of no self, no other, and no action. The more we explore the Tao and Taoism, the clearer it becomes. Each chapter of the commentary that follows starts with ideas like light versus dark, less instead of more, weakness over strength, and inaction over action. What could be simpler? Themes detailing the power of virtue will always be present when discussing Taoist thought and philosophy.
Preface (Page2)
The landscape has changed a lot since I wrote the Preface to my own version of Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching 25 years ago. What’s remarkable as commentary today, is how people can pick up some knowledge on a topic and, with the freedom they have, use that bit of understanding to challenge wisdom built through centuries of time, energy, and effort. 
Taoism is unique in that it lets you stay within the context while setting your own boundaries, constantly wondering, “What did he really mean?… Or what did I really mean by what I just said or wrote?” Questioning what seems normal is what opens the door to wisdom.
The author’s understanding of Taoism as reflected in today’s culture and society, is illustrative of a sense that the Tao does not simply give birth to all things. It continues to remain present in each individual thing as a power or energy. In a truly religious sense, we refer to it as one’s eternal spirit or soul, or qi (chi).
As the Tao manifests within an individual, it can remain static or awaken the person midstream to question his or her role, and what they are to be doing once they awaken to their true endeavor and destiny. Possibly even to grow in a certain way in tune with their true nature. Finding this one can develop their religious identity identifying with the path most comfortable for each individual.
The author doesn’t aim to offer yet another interpretation of Lao Tzu’s Te Tao Ching—many writers have already done that successfully over the centuries. Instead, this book centers on the sage, exploring the art and journey of becoming one. It delves into the idea of the virtuous or “perfected man,” a theme deeply rooted in Chinese literature and scholarship throughout history.
For over 2,500 years in China, the Tao Te Ching, or “way of virtue,” has offered a path to enlightenment, opening a window to the soul through an appreciation of Taoist beliefs. The enduring connection between Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism helps reveal how everything fits together. Even today, the sense of harmony between heaven and earth and finding one’s place among the ten thousand things remains deeply felt in China, as well as through indigenous peoples the world over.
In Western philosophy and religion, there has often been a strong sense of intolerance and a drive to convert others to one’s own beliefs. This is perhaps most clearly seen in Christianity’s tendency to view its path as the only route to God, which historically fueled the need for missionaries. Today, Christianity in China has taken on a more practical approach, where assimilation plays a key role in its ongoing success, and appreciation for other beliefs continues to expand.
The idea that we are all God’s children and each have the chance to discover our “inner virtue” or true selves feels especially meaningful today. There’s more that unites us than divides us, and those who can help bring it all together may be seen as the ultimate sages of our time.
Dan C DeCarlo a/k/a Kongdan October 8, 2005. With commentary added in December 2025, 20 years later.
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