According to the Taoist Canon, Lao Tse was born in the Na Hue province, in the city of Guou Yang, on the 25th day of the second moon of the Ken-Tzen year, of the Wu-Tin era (1324-1408 BC). The details of his birth were extraordinary. As per tradition, his gestation lasted eighty-one years. He was born in the family garden, under a tree named Li, with grey hair and big ears. Because of this, he was given the name of Lao Tse (old son). His name also carries the meaning of “Lord of the End and the Beginning”, being as ‘old’ represents the end and ‘son’ represents the beginning. He wrote important texts about Taoist tradition, Tao Te Ching amongst them. He ascended years later in the Gobi Desert, emanating rays of light in five colours, transforming himself into a body of golden light and disappearing into heaven.

(Extracted from “Tao Te Ching – The book of the Way of Truth” translated and taught by my dear master Wu Jyh Cherng.)