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Laozi
老子

c. 6th-5th Century BCE (Spring and Autumn Period)约公元前6-5世纪(春秋时期)
Chu State (Modern Henan or Anhui) (Traditional)楚国(今河南或安徽)(传统说法)
Author of Tao Te Ching, Founder of Taoism《道德经》作者,道家学派创始人
Laozi Portrait

Basic Information
基本信息

Laozi, also known as Lao Tzu, was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. He is the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching, the founder of philosophical Taoism, and a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese religions. While his historical existence is debated, he is a central figure in Chinese culture.

老子,古代中国哲学家、思想家和作家,道家学派创始人。他是《道德经》的著述者,哲学道教的奠基人,并在宗教道教和中国传统信仰中被神化。尽管其历史真实性存有争议,但老子仍是中国文化的核心人物。

Major Influences & Legacy
主要影响与历史地位

Cosmology & Philosophical Foundations

宇宙观与哲学基础

  • Tao gives birth to One, One gives birth to Two: Constructed the cosmological generation theory, laying the foundation for metaphysical philosophy.
  • Non-action (Wu Wei) and Naturalness (Ziran): Established a spiritual philosophy of following destiny and finding peace.
  • 道生一,一生二:构建宇宙生成论,为命理哲学奠定基础。
  • 无为自然:确立顺命、安命的精神哲学。

Foundation of I Ching Studies & Numerological Arts

易学与术数奠基

  • Tao Guides I Ching Principles: Used "Tao" to govern the principles of image-number (Xiangshu) and change (Yi).
  • Influence on Metaphysics (Xuanxue): Promoted the philosophizing of I Ching studies, influencing figures like Wang Bi.
  • 道法易理:用"道"统摄象数与变易之理。
  • 思想影响玄学:推动易学义理化,影响王弼等人。

Theoretical Source for Chinese Metaphysical Arts

命理学的理论源泉

  • Non-attachment to Destiny: Proposed a view of destiny emphasizing naturalness and transcendence.
  • Mind-Body-Destiny Unity: Influenced the foundation of cultivating destiny (Xiuming) and Taoist internal alchemy (Neidan).
  • 命运无执:提出顺其自然的命运观。
  • 身心命合一:影响修命与道教内丹术基础。

Religious Veneration & Deification

宗教与神格化

Revered in Taoism as "Taishang Laojun" (Supreme Old Lord).

  • One of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), a core deity in Taoism.

被道教尊为"太上老君"。

  • 为道教三清之一,道教核心神祇。

Legendary Inventions in Technology & Systems

科技与制度传说(文化发明者)

  • Theories of Cultivating Destiny & Alchemy: Provided philosophical guidance for Qi cultivation and health preservation techniques.
  • Integration of I Ching Principles and Mind Cultivation: Influenced concepts of regulating the spirit and following destiny in metaphysics.
  • 修命炼丹理论:为炼气养生术提供哲学指导。
  • 易理修心融合:影响命理中的调神、顺命观。

Chain of Influence on Later Figures

后世影响人物链

  • Key Transmission: Philosophy of Tao Generating All Things
  • Key Influenced Figures Chain:
    • Zhuangzi
    • Zhang Daoling
    • Chen Tuan
    • Nanhua Zhenren (Zhuangzi's title)
  • Final Outcome: Integrated system of Taoist cosmology and metaphysics
  • 关键传承:道生万物哲学
  • 受影响的关键人物链
    • 庄子
    • 张道陵
    • 陈抟
    • 南华真人
  • 最终成果:道教宇宙命理融合体系

Famous Quotes
经典名句

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

"千里之行,始于足下。"

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 64
《道德经》第六十四章

"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power."

"知人者智,自知者明。胜人者有力,自胜者强。"

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 33
《道德经》第三十三章

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."

"天之道,不争而善胜,不言而善应,不召而自来,繟然而善谋。"

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 73 (Interpreted)
《道德经》第七十三章(意译)

Summary & Conclusion
总结与评价

Laozi plays a pivotal role in the Chinese intellectual framework. His influence is profoundly manifested in multiple domains including I Ching studies, philosophy, metaphysics, and political systems.

老子在中国思想体系中扮演关键角色,其影响深远地体现在易学、哲学、命理与政治制度等多重领域。