Taoism Nature Observations.

[Mr. J.]

Now that you have learned about the philosophy of Taoism and performed
your own observations of nature, you will act as a Taoist and put your
own personal spin on the phenomena of nature itself. (Choose three
observations) First, you will describe the force of nature that you
witnessed, explain how it was in harmony with nature, and finally
interpret the event from a human standpoint. (I.E. How can you
conform to your specific way of nature?) Always remember that Taoists
had a literally universal curiosity. Always remember that nothing was
too low, distasteful, or grand for their observation as they sought to
merge with the Tao. Please email me your responses at
glen.jas...@rtsd.org by Monday May 17th.

[Shahrin Islam]

1. Rock in Stream/Creek

In the creek/stream by the junior parking lot, there were many rocks. There was a particularly large rock smack dab in the middle of the creek. Since water is so fluid and has no definite shape, the rock was obstacle to the creek. The creek just continued to flow only it split when it came about the rock and then "rejoined" after it passed the rock. In human nature, one can apply to his or her life in many ways. The most important of these interpretations, in my opinion deals with this concept: life is just a bunch of obstacles, frankly. Often, we are frustrated by these obstacles and we try to avoid them, but just like the creek couldn't avoid the rock, we can't avoid the obstacles. We have to conform and adjust our lives so that we can overcome the obstacle. Of course it will be difficult and it will tear us apart, like the rock tore apart the creek, but in the end, when we overcome the obstacle, we will regather and become one again. It will test our endurance, but we won't "break" and even if we break, we still have the opportunity to become one again. 

2.Dandelions/Rock

I sat in a spot where there was a rock and a dandelion next to the rock. Nothing phenomenal really happened, but in thinking about their key characteristics, they are a perfect example of yin and  yang. The rock is hard, solid, sturdy, unmoved by the wind. It stays in its place; men are supposed to resemble rocks in a typical society. The rock is stone cold; it feels nothing. The wind brushes it, yet it is oblivious to the wind's effects. Unlike the rock, even the slightest breath causes the dandelion to disintegrate. The dandelion is fragile, weak, easily moved. It needs to be handled with care and even the slightest gush of air can make it falter.It is the epitome of feminine characteristics. But it's not good to be 100% either or. One must find a harmonious balance between the characteristics of both. So like the rock, I should be strong and must not be easily moved but then again, I must be vulnerable and be able to feel emotions because otherwise, I could not be empathetic but if I'm easily moved, I will be taken advantage of. One of Taoism's fundamental beliefs is finding balance, aka the principle/concept of Yin-Yang. I think the dandelion and the rock represent this two concepts very well.

3. Leaning Tree

One of the trees near the junior parking lot, leans toward the sun. The leaves are turned towards the sun. I think that this symbolizes how one must always depend on the brighter aspects of life. And that you must always lean towards positivism and take shadow amidst the brightness in life. (contradiction, much?) If you lean towards the positives, you can grow and flourish, like the trees. The trees that hover in the shadows of darkness shrivel away and die. Light gives mirth. Positivism provides nourishment for a healthy life and happy (I'm assuming the tree is happy since it's green and all) life.

By the way Mr. Jaskelewicz, I think Taoism is a big paradox. It doesn't make any sense to me. Is it a religion? Forgive me for being a conformist. 

I think nature is the way it is because it wants to be.