Lao Tzu's four rules for living
Lao Tzu (Lao Tse or Laozi) was an ancient Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. Said to be a contemporary of Confucius around 550 B.C.E., in his book “Tao Te Ching” he described four cardinal virtues which, when simply practiced as a way of life, lead to happiness, wisdom, and understanding the truths of the universe. The Tao encourages us to be in touch with our deepest selves, using natural metaphors.
“The best people are like water, which benefits all things and does not compete with them.” — Lao Tzu
His four cardinal virtues, or rules for living life, suggest a framework for a peaceful and purposeful life:
1. Reverence for all life. In short, diminish the ego and practice unconditional love and positive regard for all living things as equal in inherent value, starting with oneself. Let go of the need to dominate others; this reveals insecurity and blocks inner health.
“Living in the moment brings you a reverence for all of life.”
2. Sincerity. In Taoism, this virtue includes kindness and authenticity, self-awareness and humility (without devaluing oneself), leading to tranquility. It then builds a clear conscience and good karma.
“When pure sincerity forms within, it is outwardly realized in other people’s hearts.”
3. Gentleness. Gentleness, some might say ironically, produces power. Often misinterpreted as weakness, gentleness comes from sensitivity and respect, which necessarily requires confidence and strength of character. In life, it is far more important to be kind than to be right, or self-important. To feel strong enough to let go of one’s self-focus and be gentle toward others creates an umbrella for forgiveness and acceptance (acceptance is not agreement, but a recognition of what we cannot or should not control). Lao Tzu teaches that when we give up being right or feeling superior, we are freed to accept ourselves and others, and conflict in our lives dissipates.
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”
4. Supportiveness. This, again, starts at home. Supporting oneself with kind words and self-care makes it easier to be naturally supportive of others. Supportiveness, then, is humanity’s basic tenet. As naturally social human beings, the instinct is to connect with others. When we give to, share with, and support others, happiness increases — as confirmed by scores of modern studies.
“Be supportive, let go of the ego.”
Put another way by the Persian poet (and harsh critic of hypocrisy), Hafiz:
“Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth ‘you owe me.’”
The name Lao Tzu means “old master,” but some historians suggest there may have been more than one. Little is known about Lao Tzu; while most assume that’s simply because millennia have passed, the Tao Te Ching may have been written by several sages under one name. Either way, his, or their, influence upon other philosophies and religions continues throughout time.
“When you succeed in connecting your energy with the divine realm through high awareness and the practice of undiscriminating virtue, the transmission of the ultimate subtle truths will follow.” — Lao Tzu
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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.