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The Vinegar Tasters. An Introduction to Three Great Philosophers of the East. Activity: Tasting Vinegar. Materials 3 Dixie Cups on each table 3 Different Vinegars (Brown Rice, Cider, Balsamic) Sheet of Paper to record your observations Task Label each Dixie cup
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The Vinegar Tasters An Introduction to Three Great Philosophers of the East
Activity: Tasting Vinegar • Materials • 3 Dixie Cups on each table • 3 Different Vinegars (Brown Rice, Cider, Balsamic) • Sheet of Paper to record your observations • Task • Label each Dixie cup • Dip your fingertip into the Dixie cup containing one of the three vinegars • Record your observations: • What did each taste like? Be as descriptive as possible. • Sour, sweet, tangy, bitter, spicy, woody, etc. • How did you react?
Allegory • This painting is not a depiction of a real event, i.e. Confucius, the Buddha, and Lao Tzu didn’t really get together one day and sample vinegars • Instead, this painting uses images to represent ideas • The man on the left represents Confucius • The man in the center represents the Buddha • The man on the right represents Lao Tzu • What does the vinegar represent?
Confucius • In the painting, Confucius has a sour look on his face • This is thought to represent Confucius’ idea that the world is out of harmony with the natural order of things, i.e. the world had soured • To restore harmony in the world, we need to: • Return to the ways of our ancestors • Establish clear roles for everyone in society • Obey certain rules appropriate to each role in society
The Buddha • In the painting, the Buddha is thought to have a bitter look on his face • This is thought to represent his idea that the world is full of disappointment and pain, i.e. bitter • The goal of life then is to avoid disappointment by not expecting too much • We should not desire too much for then we are only setting ourselves up for disappointment and bitterness
Lao Tzu • In the painting, Lao Tzu is thought to be smiling • This is thought to represent his idea that beauty and happiness is found in experiencing things the way they are and not how we would want them to be • Vinegar is a strong taste and it is “Wonderful!” • Restoring harmony with the world is not something that occurred in the past; it can be achieved now • Appreciate the beauty that lies within everything and happiness follows from that
Assignment for Next Week • Choose one of the three great Eastern philosophers whose approach to tasting vinegar you agree with most • Write up a summary of why that philosopher believes vinegar/the world to be sour or bitter or sweet (do some research on your chosen philosopher, if needed) • Then, explain why you agree with him. • Why do you think that vinegar/the world is sour or bitter or sweet? • What lessons can we learn from this painting?