"Tao Te Ching" is the work of the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, and it is an important ** of Taoist thought. The core idea of the Tao Te Ching is the "Tao" and its fundamental laws, advocating the rule of inaction, conforming to nature, self-cultivation, and governing the country and the country. Tao Te Ching is not only a philosophical masterpiece, but also a guide to life, which reveals the mystery of Lao Tzu's philosophical thoughts and life realm.
Lao Tzu's philosophical thought mainly includes the following aspects:
The ontology of the Tao**: Lao Tzu believes that the Tao is the origin and root of all things in the universe, which is formless and nameless, and transcends all tangible and famous things. The Tao is natural, free from human interference and control, it operates according to its own laws, doing nothing and doing nothing. The Tao is holistic and contains all opposing aspects, such as yin and yang, rigidity and softness, existence and absence, life and death, etc., which are interdependent and transform each other, forming the diversity and dynamics of all things. The Tao is mysterious, indescribable, incomprehensible, and can only be understood through observation, experience, and enlightenment. [^1^][1] [2^][2]
The existential theory of non-action**: Lao Tzu believes that people are part of the Tao, and should conform to the natural operation of the Tao, do not violate the laws of the Tao, do not forcibly intervene, do not covet desires, do not pursue fame and fortune, but let go of attachments, go with the flow, and achieve the realm of doing nothing and doing nothing. People who do nothing will not force because of desire, nor will they retreat because of fear, but can maintain a quiet and comfortable state, adapt to the situation, and take advantage of the situation. People who do nothing will not be proud of their achievements or discouraged by their failures, but will be able to maintain an attitude of caution and reverence, respecting the opinions and feelings of others. People who do nothing will not fight for interests or take revenge because of hatred, but can maintain a kind and tolerant heart and care for the lives and dignity of others. [^3^][3]
Abnormal axiology**: Lao Tzu believes that people are often confused by external things, mistakenly believing that beauty, wealth, fame, wisdom, etc. are the values and goals of life, while ignoring the inner morality and quality. Lao Tzu put forward a perverse value, advocating Tao as the yardstick, non-action as the criterion, nature as the model, simplicity as the virtue, peace as the well-being, moderation as the measure, desirelessness as wealth, ignorance as wisdom, non-action as merit, and no-name honor. Lao Tzu believes that such values can enable people to get rid of the shackles of external objects, return to their own true nature, and realize the perfection and happiness of life.
Lao Tzu's life realm mainly includes the following aspects:
Self-knowledge**: Lao Tzu believes that the first step in life is to know yourself, understand your own advantages and disadvantages, strengths and weaknesses, gains and losses, benefits and disadvantages, do not deceive yourself, do not be complacent and proud, do not be self-righteous, but to learn modestly and make continuous progress. Self-aware people are able to evaluate themselves correctly, will not be complacent because of the praise of others, nor will they be discouraged and disappointed because of the criticism of others, but can maintain a peaceful and humble attitude, correct their own shortcomings, and give full play to their strengths.
Self-victory**: Lao Tzu believes that the second step in life is to overcome oneself, overcome one's own desires, emotions, habits, prejudices, etc., not to be swayed by them, not to be troubled by them, but to control them, regulate them, and make them obey the laws of the Tao. Self-winning people are able to correctly handle their relationship with the outside world, will not be greedy because of material things, nor will they be afraid because of spiritual pressure, but can maintain a self-control and strong character and pursue their ideals.
Nature**: Lao Tzu believes that the third step of life is to conform to nature, follow the laws of nature, do not violate the order of nature, do not forcibly change the state of nature, but adapt to the changes of nature, enjoy the gifts of nature, and live in harmony with nature. Natural people can correctly understand their relationship with the universe, and will not feel inferior because of their own insignificance, nor will they be proud of their greatness, but can maintain a mood of awe and gratitude, and respect the laws of nature.
Freedom**: Lao Tzu believes that the fourth step of life is to achieve freedom, get rid of all external constraints and internal obstacles, do not be disturbed by others and their own limitations, but to expand their own vision and space, give full play to their own creativity and potential, and achieve their own perfection and realm. A free person is able to take control of his life correctly, will not succumb to the difficulties of the environment, and will not give up because of the remoteness of his goal, but can maintain a brave and optimistic spirit and pursue his own happiness.
To sum up, Lao Tzu's philosophical thought and state of life is a kind of wisdom that transcends time and space, which provides us with a way of life that pursues truth, goodness and beauty, and also provides us with a life goal of self-improvement. If we can follow the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, we will be able to possess a noble moral character and a unique personality charm, thus becoming a model of a true moral personality.