Title: The Shu: The Gnostic Tao Te Ching
Author: Thomax Green
Publisher: 8th Hour Press
ISBN: 9781496039514
Pages: 108
Genre: Nonfiction-Religion & Philosophy
Reviewed by: Tania Staley, Pacific Book Review
Book Review
Do you struggle to find faith in a world that has so many struggles and so much darkness? Do you have difficult balancing your beliefs with those around you? In a world with so many religions and views on the purpose of life; do you have troubles choosing your own path?If these are questions and thoughts that you have considered, then Thomax Green’s book, The Shu: The Gnostic Tao Te Ching, is one you should pick up. The back of his book states that “The Shu is the philosophy of living life well, happily with an open mind.” Readers will gain valuable insight into Green’s way of viewing the world, which has its basis in the belief that within all religions there is truth and we all share a common spiritual power that resides within us. This is a book about breaking through our preconceived notions about the world and looking to see it through a new lens of acceptance that is open and available to all.
I don’t necessarily agree one hundred percent with every aspect of Green’s philosophy in this book. To do so would be a lie, and honestly, I don’t believe Green would expect his readers to. He encourages a freedom of thought and belief that is quite refreshing. He asks readers to dig deep and question the ways of the world on a spiritual level. Some answers may not match his own, but as his book shows, these beliefs are just as valid as his own. All realms of spirituality have importance to Green, and he encourages all walks of life that do not bring harm to others. While his walk may be different than my own in some aspects, I will say that I found much of his writing enlightening, and even in the areas of disagreement, I found things I could learn. I love his message of peace in the world. Rather than fighting over our differences, he encourages seeing the areas of commonalities in our various beliefs and exploring the differences in order to gain new insight into the ways of the world. He asks us to look within ourselves and see that the power to create change and gain enlightenment lies within ourselves. The author’s way of seeing the world and our place within it is quite empowering.
While the verse format of Green’s book is quite lovely and he recalls the religious texts that have influenced The Shu: The Gnostic Tao Te Ching, there were times this format became repetitive, if trying to read each entry back to back like a typical collection is often read. Instead, I would recommend that readers allow this book to be one they turn to daily for several weeks, reading one or two of the poems at a time. This will allow the meanings of each to stand out and be absorbed more easily. Green is a deep thinker and this comes through in his writing. To not take the opportunity to think and dwell upon his verses would be a shame, and it would mean a loss of valuable insight and information for the reader. This is not a book to read through quickly in order to achieve an end result, but rather a leisurely journey to enlightenment. I recommend Thomax Green’s book, The Shu: The Gnostic Tao Te Ching for all readers who can keep an open mind, are looking for a spiritual awakening, or would simply like to consider a different way of viewing the world.
