The Tao of Pooh is a very simplistic yet very deep and meaningful analysis of Taoism. Taoism in a simple form is conforming to inner nature of yourself and the nature around you without disrupting the nature of yourself and the rest of nature around you. To do no action is technically an action, but the wu-wei that is emphasized in the Tao of Pooh and Taoism is the core concept of the philosophical religion, the action of inaction is the true nature of self and keeps that person on the path.
Winnie the Pooh in the book is the core essence that was latter described. He does not try to stay on the path and does not do anything to disrupt nature, which is wu-wei. He is also described as being the uncarved block, which in a way is related to wu-wei, showing the quintessential act of following the Dao. The characters in the book try to understand but can not because of their nature, every character in the story has different traits that take them off the path. For example, the Owl is known for being wise, but to have infinite wisdom and making yourself be perfect in academic studies is striving off the path. It is stated in the Tao Te Ching, "When superior students hear of the Tao, They strive to practice it. When middling students hear of the Tao, They sometimes keep it and sometimes lose it. When inferior students hear of the Tao, They have a big laugh (Poem 41). The students who practice is may be trying to practice it in order to be one with the Dao, but that is an action, which actually leads them off. Being in the middle you are cognizant of the Dao hence an action, because those students try to stay on the path. The last students may be the inferior students and may not care about the Dao, but they also may be the ones who are on the Dao and have no need for action. This segment of the poem I found to be a very good example that can be related to the rest of the book. When Winnie is put up against the Owl, the Owl may be the superior student and Winnie may be the inferior one, yet Winnie has the uncarved block and can easily follow wu-wei.
This book is a wonderful example of Daoism, every little detail can be interpreted in a Daoist perspective, and reading the Tao Te Ching does in fact clear up a lot of the jargon and ideas. If one wants to follow the Dao, they must simply have no action and everything in nature will do its course. Sadly, this is very hard because humans have the cognitive ability to think and choose what they please, unlike an animal who hunts to eat and finds shelter to keep them alive.
The Tao of Pooh was definitely deep and meaningful despite being quite simplistic. I agree this book is a wonderful example of Taoism. I feel like this book has actually helped me gain a better understanding of some of its principles. It would be easier said than done for American’s to actually use Taoism to “solve” the “problem” in our culture.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to me how the different characters from Winnie the Pooh mirror different characteristics of varying people. I like that you mentioned that; I think it was an insightful point of the book (one of many that is).
ReplyDelete" Taoism in a simple form is conforming to inner nature of yourself and the nature around you without disrupting the nature of yourself and the rest of nature around you. " -- I like this simplistic definition. I keep being asked to define Taosim, and I couldn't quite articulate how to do so. Your definition is a much more clean cut version of what I had tried to say. Can I borrow this? :)
What do you think about the author's commentary on the "bisy backsons"?
I also agree that it was interesting to see the characters transform into more lifelike beings, taking on different personality traits of humans. I feel like I would be Owl.
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