The Tao Te Ching is a Chinese classic text. According to tradition, it was written around the 6th century BC by the sage Lao Tzu, "Old Master". The text is fundamental to both philosophical and religious Taoism, Confucianism and 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 as a source of inspiration. Its influence has also spread widely outside East Asia, and is amongst the most translated works in world literature.