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Jade Writing by Imios Archangelis and Miaoyu Lanying Avater Solutions
book review by Carolyn
"To maximize efficiency in passing the information, a direct experience …is used whenever possible in this work."
A classic manuscript of Taoism, this English translation uses symbolic descriptions of the human body and spirit. The book speaks of the potential of the individual through "his or her interaction with (the) environment." The translation speaks of many points to ponder, such as, "Mystical teachings, each in its own terms, usually define a system of questions rather than answers. ... In depth understanding of ancient wisdom... is a never-ending process that continues from one challenge to another."
A reader could spend a lifetime studying this text, and many people have. An elementary description of the subject is the seeking of personal and spiritual harmony and simplicity to become one's true self. The book describes areas of the body and their functions. "A practitioner [of the study of Taoism] works on the integration of the Oneness and Uniqueness, Cosmos and Man, by accepting and recognizing the mystical designations (from without) and driving (from within) their practical fulfillment in the own, specific circumstances."
The original Chinese symbols are included, as well as their definitions and designations in English. Although translations may not describe the actual designations exactly the verses are translated from the Chinese, and attempts to be true to the original. The editor explains, "The contemporary interpretation of the mystical subject is presented in the hope and attempt to be valuable for everybody, ... but not guaranteed to work for others (as every person is unique, ...), without adaptation."
This book is recommended as a beautiful work of ancient scholarship. Some of the perspective differs significantly from that of some other works of Western scholarship, and may be savored all the more for its insights and wisdom.