Born: Sometime in the sixth century B.C.
Place of birth: Juren (Luyi), in the state of Ch'u, China
Major works:Tao Te Ching
According to the legends, for legends are all we have about Lao Tsu, he was an elder contemporary of Confucius. The two are reported to have met on a few occasions, with Lao showing disdain towards the workings of Confucius. Both the traditions, Confucinism and Taoism, maintain that Confucius was both deferential and a little mystified by Lao Tsu.
As a matter of point, to show the complete workings of legend and speculation, Chuang Tzu has once remarked that Confucius asked Lao Tsu to ask questions regarding ritual. This of course is most likely untrue.
In the state of Chou, Lao Tsu is said to have held the position as an archivist. At this time Chou was in decline, though it's more glorious days were still held in reverence by the later commentries of Confucius. Lao Tsu, through eventual discontentment left China, heading westward. A border guard recognized him at the frontier, refusing to let him pass until Lao Tsu had written down all his wisdom. This is, of coursee, the Tao Te Ching. Handing it over, Lao Tsu then mounted his bull, a very popular idea across China is that he rode one, and headed on westard. Dissapearing into legend.
From there the legends state many things of Lao Tsu, including that he led Bhuddha into enlightenment, and that he has never died, but is instead immortal. There are still those who claim he is walking amongst the Celestials.
In the town where he is said to have been born, now called Luyi, there is a tomb where both him and his mother are said to be buried. As for the true fate of Lao Tsu, this is shredded in mystery.
