Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

These questions are going to be used for discussion points. Do NOT simply find the answers in the book and move on. READ the assigned sections in their entirety, then look at the questions and make sure you can discuss them. If not, then look for the answers in the book. Enjoy!

These questions must be answered and submitted to me. These do NOT have to be answered in complete sentences. Each section of questions will count as a homework grade. We will also have quizzes and graded discussions. BE PREPARED!

Part 1: September 10

Read pages x-xii, 1-36
What does the painting “The Vinegar Tasters” depict?
Explain the expressions on each of the men.
According to Lao-tse, what happened the more man interfered with the natural balance of universal laws?
What is the tao?
From the Taoist point of the view, what is the message of the Vinegar Tasters?
What is P’u? And how does Pooh personify P’u?
Explain the conversation in the middle of page 15.
From the state of the uncarved block comes what?
Why would they think they could go to owl’s house for answers?
What does “The wise are not learned; the learned are not wise” mean?
What is out of reach of scholarly intellect?
In the west, what do we tend to use to examine everything, including Taoism?
Why does that not work?
How are academics and Confucians described? Why is that a funny description?
How is Owl described?
Why do knowledge and experience not necessarily speak the same language?
How can there be more to knowing than just being correct?
Explain the poem on page 29

Part 2: September 15

Read pages 37 – 90
What is Cottleston Pie?
Explain the 3rd paragraph of the Hui-tse quote on pg 40.
Explain the Chuang-tse story on page 41.
Explain the dilemma with fish and birds on page 43. What character exemplifies this dilemma?
What is said about scientists and philosophers?
Why is Inner Nature better than the brain?
Explain the story on pages 59-60.
How can you unbounce yourself?
How does the river on page 67 personify the lesson of mankind?
What’s Wu-Wei?
How does the story of the old man and K’ung Fu-tse explain Wu-Wei?
Does the natural world make mistakes? Why do humans make mistakes?
Explain “ Do Without Doing.”
Compare/contrast man and animal on page 77.
How does Pooh personify Wu-Wei?
Explain Wu-Wei with regards to Eeyore’s birthday presents.
What is Sensitivity to Circumstances?
What overcomes force on page 87?

Part 3: Due September 20

Read pages 91-158
Parallel page 93’s description of the Bisy Backson to modern, real life.
What Great Reward do you think is referenced on page 97?
How does Pooh’s dream personify that idea?
Explain how Native Americans know the way on page 100. Then what happened with man?
Again, how does Pooh personify Wu-Wei and not Bisy Backson on pg 101-102?
Explain the Bigoted Backson and Bulldozer Backson.
What is the False Front approach?
How do the Teahouse and the Hamburger Stand illustrate Bisy Backson?
Can you save time?
How are the process and the goal related on page 111?
Explain the story of the stonecutter on pages 118 – 119.
Why would the play-it-safe-pessimist never accomplish much?
What is Tz’u?
Why is the claim made that those who have no compassion have no wisdom?
Where are Wisdom, Happiness, and Courage found?
What is the Great Secret on page 143?
What is T’ai Hsu?
Explain the Chuang-tse story on pages 143 – 144.
How do Pooh and Eeyore personify that story?
Explain the story on page 149.
Explain the last paragraph on page 154.
Explain the poem on page 158.