Figures of Taoism: Yao Chong 姚崇

Yao Chong (650~721) was a statesman and Taoist of the Tang Dynasty. His original name was Yuanchong, and he was from Xiashi in Shanzhou (now south of Sanmenxia, Henan).

He served as a prime minister during the reigns of Empress Wu Zetian, Emperor Ruizong, and Emperor Xuanzong, and was later granted the title of Duke of Liang. He was well-versed in the ways of government administration throughout his life, and regarded integrity, incorruptibility, and prudence as the core principles of official conduct. He adhered to the Taoist viewpoints of "guarding against excess and complacency" and "knowing when to stop and curbing desires" as the guiding ideology for his life and actions. He advocated the concept of "puman" (a vessel that overflows when full), believing that excess often leads to disastrous consequences. For example, he noted that "a giant clam, when full, is split open" (Ode to Puman), developing the Taoist idea that "he who hoards much will lose much" and pointing out that "excessive accumulation is bound to bring harm" (ibid.). Having served in the court for a long time, he deeply felt that "the higher the position, the greater the fear; the thicker the grace, the deeper the worry" (Last Instructions to Warn Descendants).

He believed that wealth and honor invite resentment, stating that "the gods abhor excess, and people loathe those who stand above them" (ibid.). Wealthy and noble families often bring misfortune upon themselves and fail to achieve good outcomes. Guided by this thought, he advocated that officials in the court must be upright and incorruptible, refusing gold and bribes. He pointed out: "You regard gold and jade as treasures; I take integrity and prudence as my teacher. You think that gifts can be accepted in the darkness of night; I will not deceive even in an unlit room. If you offer a gift and I accept it now, you will lose your treasure, and I will harbor wrongdoing. Therefore, it is said: if you do not want others to know, it is better to do nothing improper; if you do not want to regret, it is better to remain cautious" (Order Refusing Gold).

Developing the Taoist idea of "valuing tranquility," he advocated calmness and few words, stating: "Only tranquility and silence are the pinnacle of spiritual purity; avoiding excess and extremism, standing outside the turmoil of things. Many words lead to many mistakes; many actions lead to many harms. Loud sounds easily become excessive, while faint sounds endure" (Admonitions for Daily Life). He also instructed his descendants in his last will to follow the example of Taoists in practicing simple burials, demanding a modest burial after his death and pointing out that "the dead have no consciousness, being no different from dirt and dust—what is the need for an elaborate burial!" (Last Instructions to Warn Descendants). His biographies can be found in Old Book of Tang (Volume 96) and New Book of Tang (Volume 124). Some of his works are collected in Complete Prose of the Tang Dynasty (Volume 206).