-1-‘THE TAO OF POOH ” Philosophy is a complicated subject. Since the beginning of human existence, many tried to come up with theories about life, happiness, reality and knowledge. From philosophical ideas different beliefs sprung, and existence of different religions followed. Every theory raised by a philosopher attracted different followers. In today’s modern society aside from major religions, there are thousands of others that suggest that their explanations to universal questions are the only accurate ones, and all of these religions seek to gain more followers to join their ‘way’. One of these religions is the religion / philosophy of Taoism.
Taoism has it roots in China, where the founder of Taoism Lao-Tse was searching for a way that would avoid the constant feudal warfare and other conflicts that disrupted his society during his lifetime. The result was his book: Tao-te-Ching. Lao-Tse described Taoism as a path or a way which one must follow in order to reach inner serenity and peace. In order to reach these inner goals one must live in harmony with nature and natural process that creates the balance in the universe.
The novel, written by Benjamin Hoff embodies the spiritual beliefs of Taoism, through the famous cartoon character of Winnie-the-Pooh. In this novel, Hoff shows that the character of Pooh is amazingly consistent with the principles of Taoism. He brings about explanations of Taoism through Pooh and explanations of Pooh’s behaviour through Taoism, which eventually shows that Taoism is not simply an old religion or ancient philosophy, but a practice that can be used by every individual here and now in their every day lives. In this novel each major principle of Taoism is followed by an explanation made though a humorous story staring Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends. -2-SUMMARY OF MAIN IDEAS The first main principle of Taoism that is presented in this novel is the idea that things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power, power that is easily contaminated and lost when that simplicity is altered. This principle is also known as the Uncarved Block.
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Winnie-the-Pooh is very significant in this principle of the Uncarved Block, because he illustrates the perfect example of an individual that follows this principle. Pooh always exists in his ‘natural state’, he is always still, calm, reserved and happy under any situation or condition. His simplicity makes him a perfect candidate to follow the principle of the Uncarved Block, therefore he is the true hero of this story. The second principle of Taoism that is presented in this novel is the belief that ‘The wise are not learned; the learned are not wise’. This principle can be simply explained by the fact that although intellect may be useful for rationalizing and analyzing certain things, deeper spiritual matters are beyond intellect’s grasp. Every day people try to use knowledge and come up with ideas that interrupt with the natural order of things.
They fail to recognize the fact that everything has its own place and function. Everyone have their limitations that they need to accept and be aware of, which if ignored will only cause them to fail. Pooh illustrates this principle, by the fact that he never tries hard to be something that he is not. He recognizes the fact that he can’t fly or live under water, therefore instead of trying to ignore his natural abilities and recognize his weaknesses he enjoys his every day life as a bear in the forest, eating honey exactly how nature intended him to be.
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The third principle of Taoism described in this novel is the principle of Wu-Wei, in other words -3-Taoism in action. This principle states that actions should evolve from inner sensitivity and be a part of the natural rhythm of things. In order to practice Wu-Wei one must learn to work with his inner nature and the surrounding natural laws operating around him or her. Pooh practices Wu-Wei through the fact that all his actions are effortless.
He does not interfere with things, but lets them work their own way, in order to produce results naturally. Therefore what ever needs to be done is done, things happen by themselves, spontaneously. The fourth principle of Taoism exhibited in this novel states involves the theory that the goal doesn’t mean so much ones it is reached, and the reward is not so rewarding once it has been given. This theory stresses that the important thing is not the goal or the reward but the important thing is the process, process is the one that makes us wise and happy not the final destination. If one takes the time to enjoy his or her surroundings and appreciate being here and now, he or she will find that there is no point of trying to speed up life in order to reach a certain goal. But rather stay happy in the process that eventually will be more rewarding.
Pooh follows this way of life in the forest. He always tries to find time to enjoy the birds singing, spend quite time with his friends and just enjoy the wonderful weather outside with no worries. The fifth principle of Taoism explained in this novel holds that in order to take a vital control of ones life and accomplish something of lasting value, at some point that person needs to have faith. Not the kind of faith that relies on the super natural powers, but simply the faith in the power that is within ones inner self.
Pooh’s way of thinking can be described through this principle. Pooh always looks at a situation objectively, he knows his own abilities and never tries to be something that he is not. He believes in his abilities and knows when to -4-apply them in order to overcome any situation. The final principle found in this novel and one of the most important principles of Taoism, is the principle known as Tz’u. The principle of Tz’u states that one of the first fundamental abilities one must acquire is the ability to have compassion and care for others. Lao-Tse explained in his book that courage comes from caring.
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Those who have no compassion have no wisdom. A clever mind is not a heart; knowledge does not care; only wisdom does. Pooh is considered a very wise bear, all throughout the adventures that he goes though with his friends he always has respect and care for all of those around him. Almost constantly, Pooh is the rescuer and the savior of every trouble that his friends get themselves into. Although he doe not posses any unusual intellectual skills, Pooh has a great heart that gives him courage and wisdom, and that is much more important than being intellectually bright. -5-PHILOSOPHICAL EVALUATION The language used in this novel was very comprehensible.
The original definitions in Chinese that were used by the author were very clearly and thoroughly translated into words that projected the direct meaning which made it easy to understand even to a person that is unfamiliar with Taoism and its terms. The dialogue, which was often used in the novel, created a more comfortable read. It felt as if the author was having the conversation right in front of you, and you were a part of it. Generally speaking the whole idea of explaining the philosophy and religion of Taoism thorough the character of Winnie-the-Pooh was a very good idea.
Since Taoism can only be literally explained through examples, using Pooh and his friends was a good idea in order to illustrate Taoism in a humorous manner, that is more fun to read and easier to understand. Although some might call this novel an easy read, I would on the other hand refer to it as an intellectual and a well thought-out novel that is cohesive and comprehensive in nature. This whole novel is based on the idea that Taoism can be used by anyone, in his or her every day life. Since there are no formal rules or obligations that one must follow, Taoism can be used as a tool that will help anyone to find inner peace and happiness in his or her own life. This makes the practice of Taoism very relevant to the lives of its readers. Taoism breaks all the myths of the common Western theory that knowledge equals power.
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It addresses that fact that following inner nature and the surrounding natural order and rhythm is much more important than trying to come up with new innovative ideas to improve life and reach happiness that eventually cause failure. -6-Taoism regards nature as the highest power that allows every natural being to live in balance and harmony. If one wishes to practice Taoism in his or her every day life all he or she needs to do is realize the inner self, be aware of natural abilities and weaknesses, have inner faith, be compassionate and caring for others and most importantly let nature take it course. These beliefs are not hard to master, which makes Taoism accessible practically to any individual who is willing to be a part of this religion. In addition, I do not think that there would be many individuals that would disagree with these beliefs since Taoism bases itself on principles of Natural law, good values and morals that are practically recognized by every religious and non-religious individual. I also thought that the explanations that were made for every principle were very logical.
They clearly followed the concepts of inductive logic, which made the arguments and ideas of Taoism very sound, valid and true. Personally, I wasn’t particularly knowledgeable or interested in the eastern philosophy before I read this novel. I knew the basic religions like Hinduism and Buddhism but I was never aware that there are so many spiritual religious wings that are practiced by thousand of dedicated believers every day of their life. The first reason that made want to read this novel, was the fact that the person, who came to our philosophy class to talk about books, mentioned that this book would be an easy read. Without any hesitation I went to the library and got the book, and I am very happy that I did. Surprisingly, this novel captured my interest from the first chapter.
I liked it so much that I literally finished reading it in less than two days. As I first time reader I really liked the idea that Taoism based it foundation on the self-actualization of a person through nature -7-and not some boring stories that try to convert another to believe in a certain god. I also came to conclusion that Taoism is a very universal religion that does not criticize any other religious backgrounds. This was very important to me because as a Catholic, that this religious did not go against my own personal religious beliefs. I found it amazing how simple it is, according to this book to become a Taoist, and reach inner peace and balance. I realized that just because I read this one book, it did not mean that I was a Taoist expert.
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Therefore I think that I would definitely consider reading more literature on this subject before making the decision as to whether I would want to incorporate some of the Tastic principles and beliefs into my own life. However I really enjoyed reading about Taositic approach, and now I can definitely say that it is very important to be exposed to other philosophical approaches other than Western philosophies. There is no doubt in mind as to whether I should recommend this book. This book gave me a reading experience like never before, and I am positive that it would do the same to anyone who ever reads it.
I would not even call the evaluation of this novel as a recommendation; I would call it a must for every individual that has interest in philosophy. This book will not only make you think, which is what philosophy is about. It may even change the way you live your life and how you perceive certain things. I firmly believe that there is not only one group of audience that would enjoy this novel. Any age and any person, with any background would enjoy it. I would definitely recommend everyone to put ‘The Tao of Pooh’ on his or her must-read, reading list.
To state how I feel about this novel is simply not enough in order to explain all the benefits that one could receive from reading it. As any Taoist would say, you have to -8-experience it for yourself. The foundation of Taoism lies in nature, it is needless to say that nature is also the foundation of all living things that exist in this world. The mission of Taoism is not to force its beliefs on people, but to help them realize their inner-self and guide into a happy life in harmony with nature.
To best summarize Taoism a quote from Lao-Tse can be used: ‘We believe in the formless and eternal Tao, and we recognize all personified deities as being mere human constructs. We reject hatred, intolerance, and unnecessary violence, and embrace harmony, love and learning, as we are taught by Nature. We place our trust and our lives in the Tao, that we may live in peace and balance with the Universe, both in this mortal life and beyond.’ There are thousands of religions that offer endless solutions to end suffering, to restore peace and unity in the world. For decades philosophers tried to come up with ways to find happiness, but in the end there was only one answer.
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The answer came from a some would call silly, others wise bear by the name of Winnie-the-Pooh, who discovered the secret for happiness in and old religion, founded by a great master Lao-Tse. This religion became the answer for the endless search for happiness and the answer was Taoism.
