Confucius (c. BCE551-479) was a teacher thinker and philosopher born in the Chinese state of Lu. His lifelong teachings of filial duty benevolence morality and sincerity developed into a system of philosophy known as Confucianism which has deeply influenced Eastern philosophies ever since. William Edward Soothill (1861-1935) was a Methodist missionary to China who later became Professor of Chinese at University College Oxford and a leading British sinologist. John Baldock studied art history at the École du Louvre Paris. His encounter with sacred art led to an exploration of the world's major religious and spiritual traditions. After a period of teaching art and art history in schools in England during which he continued his spiritual studies he left teaching to pursue a career as a writer. His books include The Essence of Sufism The Essence of Rumi and an anthology of Zen wisdom. Language: English