Customer Reviews

Lillian Too's Chinese Wisdom: Spiritual Magic for Everyday Living

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In this book the author attempts to give a practical introduction to what would take a library to document and half a lifetime of discipleship to understand. Be forewarned, this does not even begin to attempt to explain the basics of the religions and practices of China, Taoism and Buddhism. That having been said, it does explain a lot of what most Westerners will find in shops and basic practices they might see, for example the meanings of the figures of the Eight Immortals (but without their stories) and basic understandings of karma and how to resolve it (but without the meanings of the mantra or instructions on emptiness meditations). It should be seen as a practical guide to some practices and a very brief survey of practices which may give a spiritual seeker enough information to decide if this may be a direction to investigate in more depth. It bears the same relation to these traditions as a newspaper sun sign astrology column has to Hermetics or Greek religion and mythology

Overall the book is worth having and worth reading but is not a substitue for a guide or authentic instruction on the traditions.

This is positively one of the most lovely books I've ever read. The page layouts and illustrations are first rate, and make for very enjoyable reading. Lillian manages to touch on just about every aspect of Chinese belief, including Taoist philosophy, Feng Shui, Buddhist meditation, the I Ching, Chinese astrology, the Eight Immortals, etc. Of course, covering such a broad range of subjects means that this book cannot go into detail on any of them. You won't become an expert on any of the subjects presented here. You will, however, gain a better appreciation for the wide range of beliefs and practices found in Chinese culture.

All in all, /Chinese Wisdom/ is a beautifully presented overview of some of the most important cultural elements of the Chinese. If you're interested in Chinese spiritual matters, but don't know where to begin, this book makes an excellent first step.

I have read many books on Chinese systems, and this is one of the best for a good indepth overview of the different types. Too much different information to list here. I constantly refer back to this book as a reference for further study.

lillian too is genuine author. this book is written well, i love the presentation, pictures, and her grasp about chinese wisdom!!!

Lillian Too's Chinese Wisdom: Spiritual Magic for Everyday Living

FROM THE PUBLISHER
What could make a more appealing combination than the world's leading authority on feng shui and the inspiring insights of the sages from ancient China? Best-selling author Lillian Too shares this profound knowledge with you in an exquisitely illustrated introduction to the illuminating practices that make up her cultural heritage. Chinese wisdom is a captivating blend of the three sources of energy that embellish our existence-heaven, Earth, and man. Some call this luck; others call it chi, or the life force. Go along the path of discovery, increasing your awareness with transcendental purification ceremonies, powerful forms of meditation, and other contemplative exercises.

Open your spirit and mind to the seven pillars of the Tao, including the concepts of Yin and Yang and Continual Change; the eight trigrams and their symbolic overtones; the 64 hexagrams of space and time; and the Chinese pantheon of gods. Balance reason and logic to foster order, harmony, and happiness. Within the multiple dimensions of Chinese thought, you'll uncover a wealth of practices and rituals that can improve every aspect of your being-and a series of guideposts to follow on life's journey, ensuring you live long, well, and wisely. 10 3/8 X 7 5/8. 160 Color Pages

This was an excellent book. It touched on a little bit of everything. It is a good foundation book if you are interested in learing about the Chinese culture. Lillian Too has a wonderful way of explaining things in a way that is easy to understand. I didn't like the part about face readings, but all the information on religions and Chinese astrology were just facinating. I didn't put the book down for two days and still reference alot out of it. A great read!!!

In this book the author attempts to give a practical introduction to what would take a library to document and half a lifetime of discipleship to understand. Be forewarned, this does not even begin to attempt to explain the basics of the religions and practices of China, Taoism and Buddhism. That having been said, it does explain a lot of what most Westerners will find in shops and basic practices they might see, for example the meanings of the figures of the Eight Immortals (but without their stories) and basic understandings of karma and how to resolve it (but without the meanings of the mantra or instructions on emptiness meditations). It should be seen as a practical guide to some practices and a very brief survey of practices which may give a spiritual seeker enough information to decide if this may be a direction to investigate in more depth. It bears the same relation to these traditions as a newspaper sun sign astrology column has to Hermetics or Greek religion and mythology

Overall the book is worth having and worth reading but is not a substitue for a guide or authentic instruction on the traditions.