Peaches and Shito

        In this segment of the film, I watched two demonstrations of reverence that correlate with the Shinto tradition. The first was the respect shown for family. The young boy brings food to his older sister and her friends without looking for reward. This shows the Confucian inspired sense of duty to elders even older siblings. Though he lashes out and she kicks him out, she likewise displays the utmost concern for his well-being. The brother-sister, younger-older relationship seen here emphasizes the Shinto importance of family.  The other form of respect was respect towards nature. The peach tree spirits chastise the young boy because his family cut down the trees from the orchard. This a grave sin according to Shinto Ethics. The head spirit dismisses his tears as crying over the loss of peaches rather than the trees. The boy responds passionately saying that anyone can buy a beach but no one can buy an orchard in bloom. He truly appreciates the true intangible gifts of the world. The young boy’s understanding for the sacredness of nature fits with Shinto. In the Shinto tradition, everything is spiritual and there is no distinction between humanity, nature, and kamis. This idea is personified when the dancing spirits turn into peach trees for a split second before they disappear and only the stumps remain. The spirits' behavior represents that they themselves are not perfect but carry a range of emotions like anger, happiness, and compassion. This could relate to the Shinto idea that the Other Worlds where the human spirit can be with Kami is neither utopian or tortuous but a blend like our world is.

Tao of Pooh

The Tao of Pooh was a unique way to bring an Eastern tradition into Western perspective by comparing its doctrine to Winnie the Pooh, a core of American culture. I loved the way Hoff analyzes each character. I most enjoyed his twist on the most lovable character, Pooh. Pooh, though the fan favorite is often labeled as silly and foolish. Pooh is wrongly an underestimated. Pooh doesn’t try to fight his position in life. He tastes life as sweet no matter how bitter it may be. For instance, Pooh understands the beauty in waking up in the morning and simply having breakfast, while Piglet hopes something exciting will happen.

            To discuss American culture, Hoff uses Christopher Robin’s note, ‘Bisy Backson’, to describe Americans as always in a rush never having time to relax in the small moments. I find this insight as true but nothing revolutionary. The other Eastern traditions we have studied this semester point out the same flaw.  The innate patience of Buddhism as shown in  Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate contrasted heavily with the American racing, pulsing spiritual game. However, I felt Hoff delved further in the hurried American way. He sees bisy backsons as constantly chasing something that is not allocated for them by natural law. I strongly support this statement. From just watching American idol, you always see delusional contest with absolutely no talent. Singing does not come naturally to all people. American culture heavily supports that no dream is impossible and that all people are created equal.

            I have mixed feelings towards Taoism as the cure for the problem of American culture. On one hand, I believe that a more laissez-faire attitude towards life will bring more happiness to the nation.  However, I have concerns. I worry that without a competitive, slightly narcissistic drive innovation would be at a stand still. Innovation supports the globe as it is. If we stop trying to change the natural order of life, we wouldn’t able to fight the famine or disease. Innovation should be a necessary evil for Taoists. Additionally, innovation and imagination go hand in hand. I worry that children will be discouraged from dreaming.