The Tao in Tao of Po - a quick guide to understanding my dilettante-ism

So this site uses Kung Fu Panda as a fable for understanding greatness, achievement, etc. blah, blah. To do this we reveal the secret of the panda's success by describing it in terms of the principals of Taoism.

Damn right I used this awesome 1970s poster to make a point.

Hang with me while I depart momentarily from running and exercise and other frivolity to explain how I abuse the tenets of Taoism to conform to my literary conceit.

The Tao (pronounced "DOW") can be easily described -- if one can actually do such with enduring religions and philosophies in few mere paragraphs -- as the natural flow, rhythm and properties of the universe. Literally translated as "the way" or "the path," the Tao is the force behind the natural order of things that helps keep the universe in balance.



It can also be understood through the Taoist concept of wu wei, which literally means "without action," and commonly paraphrased as "action without action." In other words, the Taoist accepts the world as it is, understanding that there is natural energy and dynamism to everything. By appreciating the natural order and energy of the universe, the Taoist is empowered by it -- the Tao -- but equally important, the Taoist achieves peace. At least that's what's on the pamphlet.

I'm sorry to do this to you, but probably the most well known Western version of the Tao is the Force from Star Wars.

Taoism purists will hate me for drawing such comparisons, but they should know better than to hate. Haters.