In English..?? š¤£
The problem as has been taught to me (and is also explicit in many of the original texts) is that this stuff canāt be learned from texts. They make constant reference to direct transmission from an able teacher. And the teacher also makes a choice whether the student is ready and capable to receive the transmission to begin with.
The best metaphor is that the texts are like lecture notes: theyāre pointless and donāt make sense unless you also attended the lecture.
Having said that, itās still bloody interesting reading!!
Eva Wong does a lot of translations, and I believe sheās also an adept of one lineage.
Damo Mitchell writes books, and heās a teacher in the UK.
Thomas Cleary and Fabrizio Pregadio have both done a lot of good quality scholarly translations.
Ni Huaching is from a strong family lineage of Taoists, not sure which school or sect.
Iād say find a teacher who resonates.
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Thank you so much for your suggestions. Will be looking into them , even if only from the perspective of a spiritual researcher; call me foolish, but I never was one to go looking for much of a teacher: I tend to look for words that convene with my personal interpretation of what I believe to be manifestations of spirit. And as a wordmonger I adore terms like Jade Gate or quarter inch square....and with a deep interest in nutrition as bridge between inner and outer, I am partial to the Five Element theory on what's hot and what's not...
Otherwise, I so agree with you that one generally needs more experience, plenty of resonant personal guidance, and fewer books! One day I hope to practice what I preach!