Reading outline · Later tradition
Confucius asks Laozi about ritual
The account says Confucius goes to Zhou to ask about ritual; no meeting building is identified.
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.
Seeking instruction
The account says Confucius goes to Zhou to ask about ritual; no meeting building is identified.
Words and their speakers
Laozi observes that the ancient speakers have died while their words remain.
Advice on humility
The advice concerns concealed virtue, pride and excessive desire. The link to chapter 9 is editorial, not a claim that the chapter narrates the meeting.
A dragon comparison
Confucius compares Laozi to a dragon when speaking to his disciples.
Sources & reading notes
Introductions and explanations are editorial writing. Quoted text retains its named edition; selections may be shortened with an ellipsis.
Seeking instruction. External narrative; the linked canonical passage is related material, not the source of this story. Source ↗
Words and their speakers. External narrative; the linked canonical passage is related material, not the source of this story. Source ↗
Advice on humility. External narrative; the linked canonical passage is related material, not the source of this story. Source ↗
A dragon comparison. External narrative; the linked canonical passage is related material, not the source of this story. Source ↗
Original scene outline
Seeking instruction
The account says Confucius goes to Zhou to ask about ritual; no meeting building is identified.
Words and their speakers
Laozi observes that the ancient speakers have died while their words remain.
Advice on humility
The advice concerns concealed virtue, pride and excessive desire. The link to chapter 9 is editorial, not a claim that the chapter narrates the meeting.
A dragon comparison
Confucius compares Laozi to a dragon when speaking to his disciples.