Reading outline · Later tradition
Laozi & Yin Xi at the pass
Sima Qian’s biography describes Laozi departing as Zhou declines.
This outline follows the main passages. Open each reading to follow the story in full.
This is a later traditional story. Its narrative source and related scripture are linked separately below.
In this outline
Leaving Zhou
Sima Qian’s biography describes Laozi departing as Zhou declines.
A request
Yin Xi asks him to leave a written account. The main source does not name the pass.
Writing and departure
He writes about Dao and De and departs. Later identifications of the pass differ; no route is drawn.
Sources & reading notes
Introductions and explanations are editorial writing. Quoted text retains its named edition; selections may be shortened with an ellipsis.
Leaving Zhou. External narrative; the linked canonical passage is related material, not the source of this story. Source ↗
A request. External narrative; the linked canonical passage is related material, not the source of this story. Source ↗
Writing and departure. External narrative; the linked canonical passage is related material, not the source of this story. Source ↗
Original scene outline
Leaving Zhou
Sima Qian’s biography describes Laozi departing as Zhou declines.
A request
Yin Xi asks him to leave a written account. The main source does not name the pass.
Writing and departure
He writes about Dao and De and departs. Later identifications of the pass differ; no route is drawn.