Stephen Loertscher
April 24, 1012
Matich
Tao Essay
The Way
Taoism can be described by three concepts: P’u, Wu Wei, and the Bisy
Backson Theory. These concepts can be explained using The Tao of Pooh and the Tao
Te Ching.
“The Essence of the principle of the Uncarved Block is that things in their
original simplicity contain their own natural power, power that is easily
spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed.” (Hoff 10)
P’u is the Uncarved Block. The Chinese character P’u means simple, natural,
plain. This pretty much describes the whole concept of P’u. If we have a “mirrormind” of the Uncarved Block, then we will be better than the great thinkers of our
modern world just like Pooh is greater than Owl and Rabbit.
Wu Wei is best described by Nike’s motto “Just Do It.” Wu Wei is becoming
one with your inner self by following your gut feeling. If we can follow Wu Wei like
the rest of the natural world does then we will not make mistakes. “Mistakes are
Made-or imagined-by man” (Hoff 69)
The Bisy Backson theory is basically the thought that those who try to do to
much are missing out on life. For example, an athlete who is always training and
playing or racing might miss out on things like being with family and observing
nature. The Tao Te Ching says, “Return is the movement of the Tao. Yielding is the way
of the Tao.” (Zinvol 40) this pretty much describes the bisy backson theory as it is a
yielding to all things.
These three, P’u, Wu Wei, and the bisy backson theory, can pretty much sum up
Taoism. The Tao Te Ching says “All things end in the Tao as rivers flow into the sea.”
(Zinvoul 32) this one phrase can sum up all of Taoism.
Works Cited
Hoff, Benjamin. the Tao of Pooh. NY, New York: Penguin Books, 1982. Print.
Zinvol, Ron. Tao Te Ching. eBook. <http://dl.dropbox.com/u/21310731/Tao of
Pooh/simple taoism.pdf>.