"In heaven above, on the earth below, I alone am venerable. I shall reveal the highest law of the Tao. I shall save all things moving and growing, the entire host of living beings. I shall wander across the ten directions and reach to the dark prisons of the underworld. I shall lead all those not yet saved and all those lost in error to certain salvation." (Huahu Jing scriptures as quoted in Kohn, 1993)
How's that for an elevator pitch? The speaker is none other than Laozi, a famous personage (deity) in the magnificently complex Taoist scriptures. He is in essence the Tao personified in human form, and is known by various titles as found in the Huahu Jing scriptures:
Highest Venerable Lord
Highest Venerable of Perfect Spirit and the Wisdom of Nonbeing
Teacher of Emperor and Kings
Great Officer
Great Venerable among Immortals
Father of Heavenly Beings
Highest One of Non-Action
Benevolent Master of Great Compassion
Heavenly Venerable of Primordial Beginning
Old Child
The last one refers to the fact that Laozi was born old after harnessing "a cloud of three energies and... the essence of the sun. Following the rays of the nine luminaries, he entered into the mouth of the Jade Maiden of Mystery and Wonder. Taking refuge in her womb, he became a man." (Huahu Jing scriptures as quoted in Kohn, 1993)
And that's just the beginning. Able to walk upon birth, a lotus flower grew under each step. The scriptures tell of Laozi's exploits and adventures as he travels from place to place communicating the teachings of the Tao and providing instructions on matters of living (like cutting your hair and shaving your beard so you don't look like a barbarian). The concept of the Tao itself is complex to grasp because it is unknowable and unfathomable. So are Laozi adventures as he seeks to teach the everchanging nature of the flowing and dynamic Tao.
The lotus flower holds a special place in eastern philosophy with its mystical allure that denotes purity, enlightenment, and faith. Its ability to grow on swamps and marshes, bring beauty and structure by using the materials it's given, are a great example to those who seek enlightenment and are mired in the muck of everyday living.
Resource
Huahu jing (On the Conversion of the Barbarians), Introduction, Birth and Vow as found in Kohn, Livia. 1993. The Taoist Experience: An Anthology. SUNY Press.
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