The use of graphic volumes (including manga) to discuss various topics, including the U.S. Constitution, has had some success from my experience. This well known volume uses Winnie-the-Pooh to provide an introduction to Taoism. I actually read a Pooh book (the first, a beautiful recent edition) and found it charming. Turns out, the author's son apparently had negative feelings about being used as source material.
Benjamin Hoff here summaries Taoism as basically about "happy serenity," being guided by the nature of things without fuss or overcomplication. Thus, Pooh provides a useful representative of the ideal Taoist -- happy-go-lucky sort that serenely (have this idea from reading the stories that the Disney version loses some of the charm) goes about his life, going with the floor. I have in the past briefly read up on the philosophy/religion, so am not the best one to judge this exercise though going by Amazon reviews (ha), there seems to be a mixed reaction with some upset that Hoff treats alternative viewpoints so negatively. Found the book (158 pages) a decent read though came out from it thinking he oversimplified things and forced the issue a bit too much.
So, there is the principle of the "uncarved block," the basic nature of things that should not be resisted, including by smarty-pants trying to in convoluted ways explaining away things. The problem is when we resist this "force" ("tao"), which should be recognized by intuition if we just let it be. Listen, child-like, to our inner voice Everything has its own place and function, each person has an inner nature that we should recognized and go with. And, later the importance of compassion is noted (compassion, frugality and humility, again they do sound Pooh-like -- he isn't frugal as such, but has few needs -- are listed as the "three treasures" here).
That is a rough thumbnail sketch.
Benjamin Hoff here summaries Taoism as basically about "happy serenity," being guided by the nature of things without fuss or overcomplication. Thus, Pooh provides a useful representative of the ideal Taoist -- happy-go-lucky sort that serenely (have this idea from reading the stories that the Disney version loses some of the charm) goes about his life, going with the floor. I have in the past briefly read up on the philosophy/religion, so am not the best one to judge this exercise though going by Amazon reviews (ha), there seems to be a mixed reaction with some upset that Hoff treats alternative viewpoints so negatively. Found the book (158 pages) a decent read though came out from it thinking he oversimplified things and forced the issue a bit too much.
From the Taoist point of view, sourness and bitterness come from the interfering and unappreciative mind. Life itself, when understood and utilized for what it is, is sweet. That is the message of "The Vinegar Tasters."
So, there is the principle of the "uncarved block," the basic nature of things that should not be resisted, including by smarty-pants trying to in convoluted ways explaining away things. The problem is when we resist this "force" ("tao"), which should be recognized by intuition if we just let it be. Listen, child-like, to our inner voice Everything has its own place and function, each person has an inner nature that we should recognized and go with. And, later the importance of compassion is noted (compassion, frugality and humility, again they do sound Pooh-like -- he isn't frugal as such, but has few needs -- are listed as the "three treasures" here).
That is a rough thumbnail sketch.
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