Character Reflections: Contemplating the Spiritual Wisdom in Chinese Characters

by Elyn MacInnis

Why is this book called Character Reflections? Not just because it is reflections on the roots of Chinese characters, but because the characters reflect a pool of universal truth that will guide you to new levels of spiritual wealth, no matter what religious background you come from.

132 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2011

Reviews

[Mmh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our understanding of life and all things is shaped by that which we already know. The known can become that much bigger in so many ways. This book is a wonderful example of what can happen when an author (Elyn MacInnis) brings all that she is (ordained Episcopal Priest, wife, mother, for starters) and has studied (including Chinese language and culture, Taoism, Buddhism) to the creation of a new common ground for the lay reader. Whatever the reader's own background may be, there need be no special interest in China or religion to enjoy these texts. If the special interest is there, all the better and more challenging your response could be. Examples from daily life illustrate the author's ongoing learning process. The anecdotes are broadened by quotes from US Presidential speeches, French philosophers, the Bible, The Bhagavad Gita and many other sources. One of my favorites: "Wherein does religion consist? It consists in doing as little harm as possible, in doing good in abundance,in the practice of love, of compassion, of truthfulness and purity, in all the walks of life." (p.76)

[June · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the Chinese characters explanations were interesting and evoked deeper thought, but I didn't like very many of her vignettes relating it to Christianity.