The Tao of Pooh

Tao of Pooh

"The Tao of Pooh" combines the philosophy of Taoism with the characters of Winnie the Pooh. Here, these ideas of Taoism are better illustrated then said and thus, Hoff explores and illustrates these ideas through the characters of the Hundred Acre Woods. Several notions analyzed and discussed include: simple mindedness, nowhere and nothing, and the negative effects of being too busy, too calculative, too complicated, too pessimistic, and ultimately anything "other" than what you actually are. Here, Taoism notes that we shouldn't try to be anything other than what we are and to accomplish this; we simply need to be ourselves, just as Pooh "is."

Thus, it was a quick and satisfying read. Although lengthwise it is short, it may surprise you with its depth, complexity, and strong messages. Personally, the principles of Wu Wei and the other teachings presented in the "Tao of Pooh" will make you want to change many our own lifestyle choices. I would recommended this book to everyone!

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

I'm surprised the religious right is not boycotting it!!!!

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

What a clever idea of using a children's classic like Winnie the Pooh to explain the basic principles of Taoism. The book does an outstanding job. I laughed out loud several times over the experiences the characters. If you'd like a quick dissertation of different philosophical views and personality styles, The Tao of Pooh does so through the showcasing of Pooh and his friends.

This is a book for young and old alike... all will gain something from reading through the book.

I'm surprised the religious right is not boycotting it!!!!

3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

A reviewer

I teach sixth grade social studies and one unit I teach is ancient China. When we talk about the different religions/belief systems in ancient China, I use this book to help students understand Toaism. They really understand it better when I read excerpts from this book.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

The Wisdom of Pooh as a Taoist and the Lovable Bear of Small Brains

It's a wonderful little book that I bring everywhere. Pooh is expressed in his usual humble fashion... a bear of very little brains, but that is his advantage. He lives for the moment... in the moment. Benjamin Hoff is excellent at explaining the Taoist viewpoint in an easy to read and enjoyable light. I have learned so much from this book and would highly recommend it to anyone searching for answers all the time. It's a combination of familiarity with the relatively unfamiliar terminology of Taoism. Full of wit and good humor!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great for readers interested in Taoism, not necessarily for Pooh fans who don't care about Taoism.

This is a very well written book about Taoist philosophy. If I picked up this book thinking it was going to be a cute little Pooh book, I would be confused and disappointed. But for the reader interested in Taoism, this is a very entertaining, insightful, refreshing take on the philosophy. Same goes for Te of Piglet.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Must Read!

The Tao of Pooh is a fantastic book. It really puts life into perspective. Today we go 5 miles a minute and then try to add 5 more on top of that to get through the day. This book really makes you take a step back and evaluate how you spend your days. It also address life, and how to just flow with things. I really enjoyed reading it and anyone that appreciates Pooh's easy going ways, will enjoy this book.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

We should all appreciate those like Pooh

Simply put, this book is amazing. It takes the classic story of Winnie the Pooh and introduces Taoist belief. A very easy book to read, but a very difficult book to put down. Give this book a read and you will have a new admiration for Pooh (the uncarved block) and the few people left in today's society who are like him. If only the world had more people like Pooh bear...

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

URU IMI

Good day. This book is a life changer. Putting people in my life as a character in the world of Pooh has helped me understand them and myself better. A true find for the journey of life. TTFN.....

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful book

I first read his book in the early nineties and it had a profound effect on me. And I have reread it several times since (refresher courses). I was once an Eeyore and after reading this I was able to stop complaining so much and notice the wonderful things around me. I have lent out this book to several people over the years who also needed to read it. It is a great way to see the world. I can handle the tough times better and take the time to notice all those simple yet wonderful things in my life.

Christmas book order arrived 1 month late.

Be careful when you order a book on line. I wasn't charged till the book was sent but wasn't told that it wouldn't arrive in time for Christmas.Ended up without a gift I was counting on. Although the person the book was for happens to have a birthday in February.

0 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Great gift for anyone

An inspiration.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

For readers interested in understanding Taoism, not just Pooh fans!

This is a very well written book about Taoist philosophy. If I picked up this book thinking it was going to be a cute little Pooh book, I would be confused and disappointed. But for the reader interested in Taoism, this is a very entertaining, insightful, refreshing take on the philosophy. Same goes for Te of Piglet.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

review

This was one of the most confusing books I have ever read. It was a required reading assignment for me, and I did not understand most of the book. I thought it would be easy for me to understand Taoism better with the connection to Pooh Bear, but I just couldn't understand the connection between the two.

0 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

A reviewer

I really couldn't get into the book. It was so boring. I thought I would like because it had something to do with pooh but this is a a awful book.

0 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Basis for understanding Taoism

This is definately one of the best books ever. I would have never considered the relationship between Taoism and Pooh. Whatever I didn't understand in class about Taoism was explained in simple language in this book.

This book is amazing!

This book has shown me a whole new way of looking at taoism. Being a philosophy fanatic this book was a plearsure. It puts together the connection so well, and you just can't put it down. I highly recommend this book.

I LOVE THIS!

This book is soooo good. I am in the 7th grade, and i found it outstanding. Even though, technically, i am christian, after reading this book. i decided that i am a taosist at heart. This book was very cute, and it accually made me ENJOY learning. It's not necessarily sad or anything, but it was good. I would read it again. I love it. IT 's a quick read, but very poetic and honest.

simply a fresh enlightment

The Tao of Pooh has a calm sense which allows you to find peace and serenity within yourself. The story reads extremely quick as iof you were listening to a very interesting lecture from a college professor. Reading this story you will discover the unique humor that Pooh expresses (some the same from the books movies etc.). Set your mind free.

Fabulous

This book is entirely a perfect descriptive of Toaism. Although it's deep, it shows true colors.

A delightful exposition

This novel slowly exposes the reader to the truths of Taoism by utilizing the unique nature of A.A. Milne's famous character Winnie-the-Pooh! I was tickled by my own realization that the characters reflect the 'dos' and 'donts' of Taoism and now my perception, of the characters, is forever changed. This nostalgic journey back to my childhood has ended and I am now the wiser. This novel is truly enlightening.