Susan

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When comparing and contrasting Taoism and Confucianism, we always see ideas being clashed. This quote clearly shows the differences between to two religions. We can infer that the first quote is indirectly referring to Taoist beliefs. Before, we discussed in class how we cannot put a definition on the word ‘tao’ because it would limit the meaning. By saying things straightforward, it limits the way people can interpret things.This comes into play in the book because Pooh does not always do the obvious things and just goes with the flow.
 * 1) “My words are very easy to understand and very easy to put into practice,” but “Straightforward words seem paradoxical…” What does this mean? How does it come into play in The Tao of Pooh with regard to scholars?**

Pooh seems to think that scholars always try to come up with reasons, solutions and methods to find out a meaning to something. The confusing questions he asks such as “…That what is which and which is what,” explain how everything has to be something in a Confucius scholar’s mind. This relates to the Taoist view of knowledge because the religion always tries to emphasize the beauty of nature. Taoism also does not bluntly concentrate on only knowledge because it would obscure the beauty of nature.
 * 2) Read the poem on page 30. What does Pooh seem to think about scholars? How does that relate to the Taoist view of knowledge?**

The Cottlestone pie principal is about how people always try to do things they cannot and end up in the “wrong places.” If someone follows their inner nature, then things will go the way they are supposed to and they will feel at ease. For example, on page 40, the Chuang-tse attempted to make something else out of the big chunk of a tree, but no one could carve it. We can see, particularly in this example, that things should be left or used the way they are or should be, not the way they aren’t or cannot be. If people do not follow their inner nature, whatever they attempt to do they will fail.
 * 3) What are the messages behind Cottlestone pie (38-40 and 56). Think about inner nature.**

Susan Park Block D Chapter 3 Is it a Religion?

1) What is Saddha? When belief is dethroned and is substituted by confidence based on knowledge. This means that instead of merely putting all one's faith into BELIEF, one instead makes it a FACT with confidence and knowledge

2) Why should one not have blind faith in the Buddha? Who is responsible for purification? One should not have blind faith in Buddha because he only directs and instructs us. It is we that have to be responsible for our own purification.

3) On page 22, the author mentions many “do nots”. What should you do? What are the benefits ? You should not accept anything on here-say, tradition, rumors, just because if accords with your scriptures, interference, considering the reasons, because it agrees with your preconceived notions, it seems acceptable, thinking that the ascetic is respected by us. All in all ,you should never accept something because you THINK it is right; all these examples of do-nots have to do with things you should not accept based on your own reasoning, not on real knowledge. He says you must discover things for yourselves, think for yourself and you will bring out well-being and happiness.

4) The author ends that section stating “therefore it is right to accept his word” Does this page make sense or is there a flaw in the logic? This page does make sense in state of buddhist thoughts because Buddhism encompasses the idea of self-discipline and self purification. Buddhists are suppose to take responsibility of their own actions, thoughts and ideas, and by following these do-nots, they are able to step away from "sorrow" and "ruin," and will be able to reach Englightenment. However, this sentence "therefore it is right to accept his word" contradicts what he had just said

5) How do Buddhists view the Bo-tree and Buddhist images? The Bo-tree is a symbol of the Enlightenment. It is useful because "it concentrates one's attention." The Buddhist image is one that is not the Almighty God and there is no devine relations. People look at Buddha is a spiritual and visual domain. Buddhists are expected to only RESPECT Buddha, not worship him or expect something out of him.

6) Discuss one way Buddhism differs from traditional religions like Judaism and Christianity. Think about the view of God and the function of prayer? What are the goals of each religion? Unlike other traditional religions such as Judaism and Christianity, the Buddha does not believe in universal figures and does not embody an Almighty God that is suppose to be FEARED. Buddha does not hold any divine power from anyone else. Buddhism is just a "teaching," of a view of life, not a "system" of faith and or ship. Judaism and Christianity both reflect prayer to their God, but in Buddhism, YOU are responsible for purification, not Buddha.

7) What is Buddhist morality founded on? Mortality is based on personal experiences. Things must be proved right by rational facts and they must be veridied. Also, morality in Buddhism is the distinction and contrast of "good" and "evil." If someone is good, it aids them in reaching Enlightenment (Bodhi). However, moral is merely "the beginning" of buddhism, and one needs wisdom to reach total Enlightenment.

8) Buddhists aren’t afraid of God, so what guides them into ‘proper’ behavior? Their self-discipline and suffering serve as a guide. Moreover, the fact that Buddha serves as a role-model to his followers. This is a big fundamental into making sure that the Buddhists have 'proper' behavior because they respect him and not worship him. Thus, people can follow what he does.

9) To be even more confusing, what is Buddhism according to the author? He contradicts himself when he tries to define Buddhism on the second last page. He says Buddhism is one thing, but says that it is the exact opposite right after. However, one thing he did not contradict himself with is that it is the "unique Path of Enlightenment." This whole document is based on how one should always seek refuge in himself/ herself.