Loazi - The Scholar

Red Zitan wood of Loazi also known as Lao tzu, was a philosopher of ancient China.  Loa literally means "Old" and Zi or tzu means "Master" and is considered honorific. Loazi lived in the 6th century BC; possibly even as early at the 4th century. Credited with writing the Taoist work Tao Te Ching he is traditionally regarded as an older contemporary of Confucius. Some legends say he was conceived when his mother gazed upon a falling star and he emerged a grown man with full grey beard and long earlobes which are a sign of wisdom and long life.  Although never formally schooled, he worked as the Keeper of the Archives for the royal court of Chou and attracted many loyal students and deciples.  There are numerous variations of his life story. **Additional information included.