Hoff handily explains why they do not fit the Taoist mold, and how Pooh would have handled similar situations. Those around him - Owl, Rabbit, Eeyore, Tigger and of course Piglet - are less serene in their activities in the Hundred Acre Wood. The result is a charming explanation of faith that even Pooh - a notorious bear of little Brain - can understand, particularly since he exemplifies the Taoist way so perfectly. Passages from "The House at Pooh Corner" blend surprisingly well with the tenets of Chinese philosophy, including religious maxims and excerpts from the writings of Chuang-tse. Some of the examples are original to author Benjamin Hoff's book, while others are lifted directly from the original text by A.A. "The Tao of Pooh" boils the Taoist faith down into simple truths, each using Pooh and his friends to explain them in easy, bite-sized pieces. In the case of the Eastern philosophy known as Taoism, Winnie the Pooh is here to help. But understanding a people's system of faith is vital to understanding the people. For many people, the beliefs and rituals of faraway lands - or even of the folks next door - are a jumble of mixed-up oddities. It's often hard to understand the nuances of religions and philosophies other than one's own. It's all so simple when you reduce it to the level of Pooh. "There is much more to this philosophy, but the main thing is "No, but I have this," and I handed him a honey graham cracker. Do you have a jar of honey with you?" he asked. And Piglet, although very small, is uncertain and afraid to take action." "I'm hungry. "Eeyore, well, you know Eeyore, he brays over things he can't control. Rabbit never slows himself down long enough to recognize the simple pleasures of life," I said. And I wouldn't apply this to any of your friends. The answers don't lie in a book per se, they just are, within yourself, if you are aware of the interconnectivity of all things in the universe." "You mean I am?" he said with surprise. "But he makes a distinction here between knowledge and true wisdom. This applies to many facets of life." "Maybe I should ask owl," he said. Two energies that, although opposite, are complimentary and needed for harmony. "You see Pooh, he believes in yin and yang. "Well, it's not exactly like that," I said. It is the concept that total harmony will be achieved by letting things be, to run their own course, if you will." "I ran a course once, along with Kanga and Roo," he said smiling. In other words, there is a natural balance in nature and the universe. The concept of Tao is very interesting, but, essentially the belief is that there is constant evolution in the world. Go with the flow, if you will." "That sounds better," he smiled. Hoff explains that you are not stupid, but representative of the simplicity one needs to lead a calm and natural life. Even though you are a bear of simple brain, Mr. An uncarved block, as he puts it." "He thinks I'm a blockhead?" Pooh said, as a lone tear started to form. "Well, I think it is one of the great teachings of China. Metamorpho?" he asked with a puzzled look. "Why?" "Well, because I'm here writing a review of Benjamin Hoff's book called 'The Tao of Pooh', which is about you." "It is?" he asked. I was just going to write about you." "You were?" he said with eyes wide open. "Oh it's you Pooh," I said with surprise. I blinked my eyes open to find Pooh there, face full of honey. In the middle of envisioning Sondra the Seerest doing her latest belly dance, I felt a furry hand tugging at my white linen cuff. However, it was so peaceful I started to doze off. I sat down against an old oak tree and started to write. Your Metamorpho decided to take his pen and pad to the ol' babbling brook to get into the reflective mood to write this next review. The sun is shining, a warm breeze is caressing, the clouds are puffy cotton, the squirrels are scurrying and the birds are chirping.
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