The Alchemist Advanced Flashcards
(26 cards)
What are the three main principles of Taoism
The Tao also called The Way Wu Wei also called Effortless Action and Ziran which means Naturalness or Simplicity
What is the Tao
The natural way of the universe an invisible force that flows through all things and cannot be named or controlled
What is Wu Wei
Effortless action or doing without forcing it means going with the flow of life and not resisting the natural order
What is Ziran
Naturalness or being true to your original self by avoiding artificiality and living simply and authentically
What is Yin Yang
A Taoist symbol representing the balance and harmony of opposites in all things
What does the tea symbolize in A Cup of Tea
It symbolizes ego preconceived opinions and biases that must be emptied to gain wisdom
What does the cup symbolize in A Cup of Tea
It symbolizes the soul or mind which must be emptied to receive something new
What are six core concepts of Taoism taught in class
Let go of your ego flow freely wherever life takes you dare not to be first let go of your desire to rush things and embrace Wu Wei embrace change be content with little and accept your flaws
What is a Personal Legend
A person’s destiny or true dream known in childhood but often buried by fear or doubt
What is the Soul of the World
A spiritual force that connects all living things and is influenced by human emotions and energy
What is the Language of the World
Love the universal form of communication that connects all beings and leads to spiritual understanding
What does Maktub mean
It is written meaning everything happens for a reason and is part of one’s destiny
What lesson does Santiago learn from the gem shop merchant
That people who fear change may never pursue their dreams and will live with regret
Who is Melchizedek and what does he teach Santiago
He is a mystical king who teaches Santiago to follow omens and pursue his Personal Legend
What does the camel driver teach Santiago
To live in the present moment and accept life’s unpredictability without fear
What does Fatima teach Santiago
True love does not hold you back it helps you grow and pursue your destiny
What are the four obstacles to achieving a Personal Legend
Fear of discouragement fear of failure fear of hurting loved ones and fear of realizing your dream
How does Santiago overcome fear of discouragement
By trusting himself and listening to people who believe in him like Melchizedek
How does Santiago overcome fear of failure
By accepting mistakes as part of the journey and continuing to believe in his dream
How does Santiago overcome fear of hurting loved ones
By realizing that true love supports his journey as Fatima encourages him to follow his dream
How does Santiago overcome fear of realizing his dream
By reaching the pyramids and discovering the treasure was back home proving the journey was necessary
What does Santiago’s transformation into the wind symbolize
His unity with the Soul of the World and mastery of the spiritual forces of life
What is the irony of the novel’s ending
The treasure Santiago searched for in Egypt was actually buried near the ruined church where he started
