Watching the Tree
abracad, · Categories: books, reviews
Adeline Yen Mah's Watching the Tree attracted me for two reasons. Firstly, as a Spiritual seeker I thirst for knowledge of the Spiritual traditions of different cultures in order to discern the common threads common to all. Secondly, as citizen of the 21st century I wanted to gain a greater understanding of China, widely predicted to be the world's next economic superpower. Watching the Tree didn't disappoint on either count.
Yen Mah gives a wide-ranging account of Chinese culture, showing how it has been shaped by ancient traditions of the Tao, Confucius etc. She brings the various philosophies to life by describing numerous fascinating episodes from her own past.Adeline Yen Mah is ideally qualified to author such a work. Having been born and raised in China but long time resident in America she brings both intimate knowledge and detached objectivity. Though a qualified medical doctor she holds sincere reverence, but not open-ended gullibility, for China's immense Spiritual heritage. Alongside very readable introductions to Confucius, the Tao, the I Ching, Feng Shui and more Yen Mah blends words of supreme wisdom imparted by her beloved grandfather Ye Ye and aunt Baba.
Watching the Tree expands into the realms of history by considering the origins of the Chinese language and how for centuries spoken language evolved while writing remained rooted in the past. China's loss of intellectual leadership is attributed to its failing to discover such simplicities as the number zero and the concept of numeric positional value.
The Chinese approach to medicine is considered as being more holistic than its western equivalent. Modern science is demonstrating the effectiveness of many traditional remedies, just as modern physics shows parallels with many of the ancient philosophical teachings.
If Watching the Tree has one slight criticism it is perhaps the number of references made to the author feeling rejected by her parents. Though occasionally coming close to self-pity, undoubtedly the inferior role given to females and stepchildren in China's past (and present?) has helped shaped both nation and author. Towards the end Yen Mah poignantly ponders whether her father's meanness actually helped drive her to greater success.
As an accessible and entertaining introduction to China's culture and Spiritual tradition, and a glimpse into the Chinese mind, Watching the Tree is highly recommended.
Also by Adeline Yen Mah:
Falling Leaves: The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter
Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter
A Thousand Pieces of Gold: Growing Up Through China's Proverbs
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