Regino, John Kyle U.

3AR6

A Reflection Paper on Daoism and Kung Fu Panda

Po, a lazy panda, learns Kung Fu to save the Valley of Peace from a villain in
the 2008 animated feature Kung Fu Panda. Po's aspirations come true when he enters
the world of Kung Fu and studies alongside his idols, the famed Furious Five, under
the direction of their teacher, Master Shifu. But, before they realize it, the furious
and cunning snow leopard Tai Lung went on his way, and it all depended on Po to
protect everyone from the approaching peril.

Humans and animals should live in harmony with the Tao, or universe, according
to Daoism. Daoists believe in spiritual immortality, believing that after death, the
spirit of the body enters the universe. The most important concepts are (1) the
continuity between nature and humans, or the interaction between the world and
human society; (2) the universe's constant flux and transformation, and the return or
reversion of all things to the Dao from which they emerged; and (3) ancestor worship,
heaven worship, and the sovereign's divine nature.

Kung Fu Panda had a good understanding of various Daoist techniques. Po had

to believe in himself in order to obtain all of the abilities he needed to fight Tai Lung
in the film. Another essential Daoist practice is health; Daoists desire to live a long
life. They attain this goal through meditating, dieting, managing their chi, and
exercising. Po needed his body to practice Kung Fu and carry out his responsibilities
as the Dragon Warrior. To perfect Kung Fu, Po had to think incredibly hard and
channel his desire for food into learning the martial art.
 There were numerous Daoist quotes sprinkled throughout the film. When Master
Oogway tells Master Shifu that he can't manage the peach tree and make it blossom
another fruit or even bear fruit before its time, for example. Po is meant to be the
Dragon Warrior, he is effectively telling Shifu that he cannot control the nature of
things and that he cannot change faith. However, I believe he is playing into the
Daoist concept that you should not question things and instead go with the flow and
make do with what you have.