the Tao Of Pooh Book Review Essay -- essays research papers

THE TAO OF POOHPhilosophy is a complicated subject. Since the beginning of human existence, many tried to come up with theories or so spiritedness, happiness, realism and knowledge. From philosophical fancys different beliefs sprung, and existence of different religions followed. Every theory raised by a philosopher attracted different followers. In todays modern auberge aside from major religions, there are thousands of others that suggest that their explanations to universal questions are the only accurate ones, and tout ensemble of these religions seek to gain more followers to join their "way". superstar 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 stool inner serenity and stay. In order to reach these inner goals one must live in harmony with nature and natural process that creates the isotropy 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 Poohs 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 IDEASThe first main principle of Taoism that is presented in this novel is the idea that things in thei r 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. 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... ...oundation 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 p eace 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. 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 sea captain Lao-Tse. This religion became the answer for the endless search for happiness and the answer was Taoism.