Guess this is the first time I wrote the blog, without going thru the English book. I did finish the Chinese book though. I was so impressed with the 12 Laws that were described that I went ahead to order the original English book as I don't think I can translate the Chinese text backward to English without much effort from my end, and still preserve the meanings :)
After comparing the Chinese and English version, I would say they both have merits. The whole book is about a Mountain Sage (presumably a female character) meeting with Traveller (Author), and sharing with him the 12 Laws, within like 48-72 hours.
There are many interesting parables and life exercise examples embedded to this little book (about 100 pages) that can be finished within a day. The storyline is simple, but the meanings behind each Law is deep and far reaching.
Without further ado, below are the 12 Laws. They all are distilled wisdom that I think worth reading again to contemplate the meaning behind. I would say quite some Chinese/ Zen philosophy behind them, too. Enjoy!!
1. THE LAW OF BALANCE
- Finding the Middle Way
If gravity is the glue that holds the universe together, balance is the key that unlocks its secrets.
Balance applies to our body, mind, and emotions, to all levels of our being.
It reminds us that anything we do, we can overdo or underdo, and that if the pendulum of our lives or habits swings too far to one side, it will inevitably swing to the other.
2. THE LAW OF CHOICES
- Reclaiming Our Power
We are both burdened and blessed by the great responsibility of free will - the power of choice.
Our future is determined, in large part, by the choices we make now.
We cannot always control our circumstances, but we can and do choose our response to whatever arises.
Reclaiming the power of choice, we find the courage to live fully in the world.
3. THE LAW OF PROCESS
- Taking Life Step-by-Step
Process transforms any journey into a series of small steps, taken one by one, to reach any goal.
Process transcends time, teaches patience, rests on a solid foundation of careful preparation, and embodies trust in our unfolding potential.
4. THE LAW OF PRESENCE
- Living in the Moment
Time is a paradox, stretching between a "past" and "future" that have no reality except in our own minds.
The idea of time is a convention of thought and language, a social agreement.
Here is the deeper truth: We have only this moment.
5. THE LAW OF COMPASSION
- Awakening Our Humanity
The universe does not judge us;
it only provides consequences and lessons and opportunities to balance and learn through the law of cause and effect.
Compassion is the recognition that we are each doing the best we can
within the limits of our current beliefs and capacities.
6. THE LAW OF FAITH
- Trusting in Sprit
Faith is our direct link to universal wisdom,
reminding us that we know more than we have heard or read or studied -
that we have only to look, listen, and trust the love and wisdom of the Universal Spirit working through us all.
7. THE LAW OF EXPECTATION
- Expanding Our Reality
Energy follows thought;
we more toward, but not beyond, what we can imagine.
What we assume, expect, or believe creates and colors our experience.
By expanding our deepest beliefs about what is possible, we change our experience of life.
8. THE LAW OF INTEGRITY
- Living Our Truth
Integrity means living and acting in alignment with spiritual law and with our highest vision, despite impulses to the contrary.
From the heart of integrity,
we recognize, accept, and express our authentic interior reality,
inspiring others not with words, but with our example.
9. THE LAW OF ACTION
- Moving into Life
No matter what we feel or know, no matter what our potential gifts or talents, only action brings them to life.
Many of us understand concepts such as commitment, courage, and love, but we truly know only when we can do.
Doing leads to understanding, and action turns knowledge into wisdom.
10. THE LAW OF CYCLES
- Dancing to Nature's Song
The world of nature moves in rhythms, patterns, and cycles -
the passing of the seasons,
the movement of the stars,
the ebb and flow of the tides.
The seasons do not push one another; neither do clouds race the wind across the sky.
All things happen in their own good time -
rising and falling and rising like ocean waves,
in the cycles of time.
11. THE LAW OF SURRENDER
- Embracing A Higher Will
Surrender means accepting this moment, this body, and this life with open arms.
Surrender involves getting out of our own way and living in accord with a higher will, expressed as the wisdom of the heart.
Far more than passive acceptance,
surrender uses every challenge as a means of spiritual growth and expanded awareness.
12. THE LAW OF UNITY
- Remembering Our Connection
We appear on Earth as separate beings with diverse destinies; but as each separate raindrop is a part of the sea, so are we each a part of the Ocean of Awareness, the Body of God.
Find love and inner peace deep within the highest truth that we are all one Family.
Leave behind the baggage of fear, envy, and resentment;
fly aloft on wings of understanding,
to enter the boundless Lord of Compassion.
