Confucius once sought advice from Lao Zi on matters regarding rites and cultural institutions of past ages. This is a well-known legend in history. Not only is this recorded in the “Records of the Historian” and other history books, but it has also appeared in coloured drawings of Lao Zi (passed down from the last years of the Spring and Autumn period – 770-476 B.C), remaining parts of the book “Lao Zi” copied on silk, as well as in Han Dynasty paintings on brick walls. In the city of Luoyang, on the north side of the main street named Tongguan, there is a monumental building. According to legend, this was the place where Confucius sought his advice.

The artist’s painting “Drawing of Confucius seeking advice on propriety” is a reflection of this legend. Lao Zi sits cross-legged on a rock platform, silver hair tied up, beard and eyebrows all white. With utmost deference, legs together, making an obeisance by cupping one hand in the other before the chest, Confucius bows to Lao Zi.

For over two thousand years, Confucius’s doctrine of the golden mean as well as his teachings on “benevolence, up righteousness, propriety, wisdom, faith” are one and the same with Lao Zi’s teachings on “being in the state of emptiness, natural and not doing”. These have become a moral standard and cultivation method for Chinese people. It has greatly sustained the stability of society and harmonised families. It has also enabled a few people with good enlightenment quality to succeed in cultivation. The teachings of Confucius and Lao Zi have not only benefited people in China, but have also spread to Japan, Korea, South East Asian countries and all over the world.

Since ancient times, people in China have a saying “wai ru nei dao”. This means that someone who is truly learned will follow the teachings of Confucianism on the surface but internally, he would adopt the teachings of the Tao school. In society, he would follow the ways of Confucius but when it comes to personal morality and cultivation, he follows the ways of Lao Zi.