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 grapple up with theories about life, happiness, reality and knowledge. From philosophical ideas different beliefs sprung, and existence of different religions hounded. Every theory raised by a philosopher attracted different pursual. In todays juvenile society aside from major religions, there are thousands of others that suggest that their explanations to universal questions are the except 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 war 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 seren ity 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 astonishingly consistent with the regulations 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 formula 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 their original simplicity c ontain 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 persist into a happy life in harmony with nature. To best summarize Taoism a quote from Lao-Tse can be used "We believe in the uncrystallized 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 lieu our trust and our lives in the Tao, that we may live in peace and balan ce with the Universe, both in this mortal life and beyond." There are thousands of religions that offer imperishable 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 master Lao-Tse. This religion became the answer for the endless search for happiness and the answer was Taoism.