# Laozi — The Book of Tea character guide

> Laozi in The Book of Tea by Okakura Kakuzō.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0004-iii-taoism-and-zennism

## Snapshot

The founder of Taoism, whose teachings on eternal change and self-realisation shaped tea from a poetical pastime into a discipline of the spirit.

## Who they are

Laozi stands at the head of the Taoist current that runs through the entire history of tea, from the ritual of the Zen monks to the ceremony Rikiu would later perfect. His conception that immortality lies in eternal change—that the process matters more than the deed—gave tea its deepest meaning: not a beverage but a method of self-realisation. Even the tradition that the offering of tea to a guest began with his disciple Kwanyin ties his name to the first cup ever poured.

## Relationships

### [Confucius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_tea_se/characters/confucius)

_rivalry_

Confucius and Laozi represent opposing philosophical schools—Confucian order versus Daoist spontaneity—with legendary encounters highlighting their differences.

### [Sakyamuni](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_tea_se/characters/sakyamuni)

_social_

Laozi and Sakyamuni (the historical Buddha) are often compared as founders of Daoism and Buddhism, though they never met historically.

### [Buddha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_tea_se/characters/buddha)

_social_

Buddha and Laozi are often syncretized in East Asian thought as complementary enlightened masters.

### [Soshi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_tea_se/characters/soshi)

_friendship_

Laozi and Soshi (Zhuangzi) are the two foundational figures of Daoism, with Zhuangzi often expanding on Laozi's ideas in a playful, literary manner.

### [Empress Komio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_tea_se/characters/empress_komio)

_social_

Empress Komio and Laozi are linked through Buddhist-Daoist syncretism in Japanese imperial culture.

## In the story

### [The Cup of Humanity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_tea_se/chapters/i-the-cup-of-humanity)

Referenced for the 'piquancy' of his philosophy, accessible through tea.

### [Taoism and Zennism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_tea_se/chapters/iii-taoism-and-zennism)

Founder of Taoism, whose teachings on the Tao, Vacuum, and the art of living deeply influence Teaism.

### [Flowers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_tea_se/chapters/vi-flowers)

Quoted: 'Heaven and earth are pitiless,' reflecting the philosophical acceptance of destruction and change.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_tea_se/characters/laozi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_tea_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_tea_se/characters