The Tao of Pooh

Infobox Book
name = The Tao of Pooh
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author = Benjamin Hoff
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publisher = Dutton Books
pub_date = 1982
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isbn = 0-525-24458-1
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"The Tao of Pooh" is a book written by Benjamin Hoff. The book is an introduction to Taoism, using the fictional character of Winnie the Pooh. Hoff also wrote "The Te of Piglet", a companion book.

Hoff uses Winnie the Pooh and the other characters from A. A. Milne's stories to explain the basic principles of philosophical Taoism. Winnie the Pooh, for example, represents the principles of Wu Wei, or Wei Wu Wei. The book also includes translated excerpts from various Taoist texts, from authors such as Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi.

The book was on the New York Times bestseller list for 49 weeks and is used as required reading in some college courses. [cite web | url=http://www.marywood.edu/english/hoffmanmidfarsyll.stm | title=Mid and Far East Literature (ENGL. 332) | publisher=Marywood University | accessdate=2008-06-12] [cite web | title=Asian Studies 190 - Tao Reasoning | url=http://www.csulb.edu/~wweinste/ast190.html | publisher=California State University, Long Beach | accessdate=2008-06-12] [cite web | title=Introduction to Philosophy PHIL 001.005 | url=http://www.unr.edu/philosophy/pdf/s101dl_sp.pdf | publisher=University of Nevada, Reno | date=Spring 2008 | accessdate=2008-06-12] Stephen Mitchell, an author and Taoist scholar, criticizes the book for having little to do with Taoism yet believes it may be of value to "people who aren't ready for Lao-tzu".citation | last=Leigh Brown | first=Patricia | url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE2D91431F93AA15752C1A964958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all | accessdate=2008-06-12 | title=Peace Is a Bookshelf Away | publisher=New York Times | date=1992-11-29] It has also been criticized for its bias against other religions and thoughts.

Hoff wrote the book at night and on weekends while working as tree pruner in Portland Japanese Garden in Washington Park.

ee also

*The Te of Piglet

Notes

External links

* [http://www.just-pooh.com/tao.html The Tao of Pooh]
* [http://winnie-the-pooh.ru/online/lib/tao.html Quotes from The Tao of Pooh]