The Tao Te Ching is fundamental to the Philosophical Taoism (Dàojiā 道家) and strongly influenced other schools, such as Legalism and Neo-Confucianism. This ancient book is also central in Chinese religion, not only for Religious Taoism (Dàojiào 道教) but Chinese Buddhism, which when first introduced into China was largely [[interpreted]] through the use of Taoist words and [[concepts]]. Many Chinese artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and even gardeners have used the Tao Te Ching as a source of [[inspiration]]. Its influence has also spread widely outside East Asia, aided by hundreds of [[translations]] into Western [[languages]]. | The Tao Te Ching is fundamental to the Philosophical Taoism (Dàojiā 道家) and strongly influenced other schools, such as Legalism and Neo-Confucianism. This ancient book is also central in Chinese religion, not only for Religious Taoism (Dàojiào 道教) but Chinese Buddhism, which when first introduced into China was largely [[interpreted]] through the use of Taoist words and [[concepts]]. Many Chinese artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and even gardeners have used the Tao Te Ching as a source of [[inspiration]]. Its influence has also spread widely outside East Asia, aided by hundreds of [[translations]] into Western [[languages]]. |