Who would have though that Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet, A.A. Milne's beloved storybook characters, would cause such a stir demonstrating the fundamentals of Taoist philosophy? A perfect gift for any occasion, these two phenomenal paperback bestsellers are available for the first time in an elegantly packaged boxed set. Illustrated throughout.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
210 of 225 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I was introduced to this book a couple of years ago - had seen it on the shelf of the bookstore for years, thought about buying it and never did... and then I received it as a gift.
Without question, it's one of the best books I've read. It's not for its literary flow, academic presentation, entertaining style, or subject matter that I love this little book. I love it because it's a calm, smooth blend of all of the above.
The book does an outstanding job of presenting and explaining the basic tenets of Taoism. I laughed out loud several times over the experiences of poor Eeyore (oh, how I can relate!). 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.
I'm not sure who Mr. Hoff's target audience was, but this is a book for young and old alike... all will gain something from reading through the book.
In fact, Mr. Hoff penned this book so well it stirred my desires to read once again Milne's classic title The Adventures of Pooh with a new light and perception.
This is an excellent title to add to your permanent library, whether you embrace Taoism or not. Its message of peace and tolerance is one that all faiths can understand and embrace - and well they should.
Can't recommend this one highly enough.
86 of 91 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A nice introduction to eastern philosophy and a good read for those seeking wisdom. In a modern society filled with superficial standards, noise polution and electronic everythings, this book is a welcome break that may just affect the ways you think and react. I also love and highly recommend the "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life" book of wisdom by Taro Gold which, like the Tao of Pooh, teaches that life is not about what happens to us, it's how we perceive what happens. Wonderful!
160 of 178 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
When we were covering Taoism in my World Religions class, I suddenly recalled the Tao of Pooh book my sister-in-law gave me the year I planned to end it all, back in 1995/96. I read it once, was comforted by it, and forgot it all. Years later, after reading Taoism, I instantly felt a light bulb flash in my head... "Oh, so that's what it's all about!" This cute book combines the Taoist philosophy in conjunction with Pooh's interractions with his friends, with Christopher Robin being the kind but serious teacher who tries to teach Pooh about what he represents--Taoism.
In contrasting Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, Confucius is described as a sour-faced man, Buddha as one with a bitter expression, but Lao-Tse being the smiling one. Basically, the laws that govern the heavens are the same one that govern earth and man, and that if we go with the flow, we'll be in harmony.
The concepts of wu-wei is also explained. Wu-wei means "not doing" but of doing nothing against the natural flow. Here, it's called the Pooh Way, because Pooh has a "mind that merely sees what's in front of it, and follows the nature of things." In other words, put the round peg in the round hole, the square peg in the square one.
The characters who make up Pooh's friends demonstrate the flaw of knowledge and cleverness, and I was fascinated and sobered by this because their personalities reflect me, and I realize the bad side in knowing too much.
Dig this: Owl, the modern equivalent of a Confusionist, Dessicated Scholar, is described as someone who gains Knowledge for Knowledge's sake, or for the sake of appearing wise. A bit harsh because that's me to some extent. Rabbit is described as someone who gains Knowledge for the sake of appearing Clever, and I had to wince, because to my shame, I fully admit that's also me to some extent. And Eeyore is someone who gains Knowledge for the sake of Complaining. Given my political stance, yes, me too again. And as Pooh says in response to Owl having a brain, "I suppose that that's why he never understands anything." Maybe that's my problem too.
But Pooh, the lucky bear, may not have much of a brain, but he embodies the Simplicity of the Uncarved Block, the Taoist equivalent of John Locke's tabula rasa (blank slate). Basically, Pooh can't describe the Uncarved Block, he just IS it. "That's the nature of the Uncarved Block."
And he's got the right idea in not being a Bisy Backson, or (Busy Back Soon), you know, rush-rush-rush. I wonder why we don't have an American equivalent of a French sidewalk cafe or Chinese teahouse. Now that I'm getting on, maybe I value the message of "You're important. Relax and enjoy yourself."
A cute book on the explanations of Taoism, and how maybe simplicity, wisdom (as opposed to knowledge) and contentment is the best way to go. But it makes me wish that I was a tabula rasa or an Uncarved Block once again. Oh, just to be, not to know or be clever, but just to be.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
The Tao Of Pooh
This text arrived in more than adequate time.
I recommend this text to spiritual practitioners as a base text, and children.
Along with its Brother text The Te of Piglet.
I recommend this text to spiritual practitioners as a base text, and children.
Along with its Brother text The Te of Piglet.
Published 2 months ago by Shaman
Great intro to the Tao
I first read this when it came out almost 30 years ago. It helped soothe my teen age fevered mind, and begin the journey to knowing things as they are.
Published 3 months ago by Robert A. Pawlikowski
the tao of prompt delivery
It was so refreshing to recieve this package without delay. Such a great little book combo and fun read.
Great job guys
Great job guys
Published 4 months ago by mecos76
Coffee For The Brain Book Reviews
Lately, I have been really interested and fascinated about the whole philosophy of Taoism. I have become very intrigued with the reading of the short stories and trying to find the... Read more
Published 5 months ago by A. Maurer
Great book!
This book was very enlightening and I read it within a day. Also, when I received this book, it was in great condition and was shipped very fast. :)
Published 5 months ago by sreichardt06
Cute and quick read of Taosim/Daoism
While I am sure there will be someone cry about using Winnie the Pooh to explain Taoism, the author proved to do a good job with the use of a common Western series of books with... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Peter Trzop
For Grandkids.
These are stories I read many years ago and then introduced them to my grandson who is 32. He has three children and wanted them to experience them. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Libbo
2 of 2 Best Books Ever Read
2 of 2 in best books I've ever read. (1 of 2 is The Art of War) The Tao of Pooh takes the overly complicated world and makes it simple. Read more
Published 5 months ago by PIA
Tao of Pooh is amazing!
The Tao of Pooh was incredibly influential on who I am now. The book breaks down the basic concepts of Taoism into easy to understand terms and explains them using stories from the... Read more
Published 7 months ago by A. Reynolds
Absolutely wonderful book for anyone
This is most definitely not a kids book. Instead it is an excellent analysis of Taoism told through the stories of Pooh Bear. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Michael T. Evanski
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This book cites 1
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100
books
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- The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff in Front Matter
- The Tao of Music: Sound Psychology by John M. Ortiz on 5 pages
- The Customer Loyalty Pyramid by Michael Lowenstein on 4 pages
- Religious Theories of Personality and Psychotherapy: East Meets West by Frank De Piano on 4 pages
- The Tao Of Writing: Imagine. Create. Flow. by Ralph L. Wahlstrom on 4 pages
- The Compassionate Classroom: Lessons That Nurture Wisdom and Empathy by Jane Dalton on page 133, page 148, and Back Matter
See all 100 books citing this book
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