What is the significance of Laozi in Taoism?

In Daoism, Laozi is revered as the "Supreme Venerable Sovereign" (Taishang Laojun), one of the highest deities in Daoism. He is regarded as the founder and the supreme philosophical master of Daoism. This title originates from the early Daoist scriptures that deified Laozi.

Laozi, whose real name was Li Er (also known as Li Dan), was a native of the state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period. He authored the Daoist classic "Dao De Jing." His profound philosophical wisdom and transcendent outlook on life earned him great respect, and his thoughts significantly influenced the development of later Daoism, eventually leading to his deification. According to the "Records of the Grand Historian" (Shiji) in the "Biographies of Laozi and Han Fei," Laozi was surnamed Li and named Dan. He lived in the late Spring and Autumn period, gaining respect for his deep philosophical wisdom and detached perspective on life.

As Daoism began to take shape and develop during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, early Daoist texts like the "Taiping Jing" started to venerate Laozi, depicting him as a being of extraordinary wisdom and supernatural abilities. By the time of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, in works such as Ge Hong’s "Baopuzi," Laozi was explicitly revered as an immortal and was honored with the title "Taishang Laojun." The term "Taishang" implies supreme and transcendent existence, reflecting Laozi’s paramount status in the Daoist cosmology, while "Laojun" is a respectful address for him as the founding sage and elder of Daoism.

In the Daoist mythological system, Taishang Laojun is seen not only as the embodiment of the principles of cosmic creation and evolution but also as an important guide and protector in Daoist practices such as alchemy, health cultivation, and talismanic rituals. He holds a central position in various Daoist sects, including both the Zhengyi and Quanzhen schools, which all revere Taishang Laojun as the supreme deity.

On a deeper level, the veneration of Laozi as "Taishang Laojun" represents a religious elevation of Daoist philosophy, blending Laozi’s thoughts with mystical beliefs to construct a comprehensive spiritual cosmology and practice system. This unique title showcases the profound cultural heritage and historical legacy that Daoism attributes to Laozi, demonstrating deep respect and continuous transmission of his philosophical insights.