Description: "Its miracle and its enigma are within the worlds of inner alchemy of the Age of Enlightenment." Sunday TimesJoin this mystical journey of Portuguese settlers to Macao, Jesuit Priests, Dutch traders, Chinese governors, artists, set in the Age of Enlightenment during the Dutch attack to Macao in 1622.Ama De-Nobille is a fictional character created by Nataša Pantović in her historical novel Alchemy of Love, set in the 17th century during the Age of Enlightenment in China, particularly in the Portuguese settlement of Macao.Ama is portrayed as an African alchemist, goddess, and storyteller, who serves as a central figure in the novel. She draws from the rich spiritual and philosophical heritage of multiple cultures and weaves them together to provide a deep and mystical perspective on the unfolding events. The setting of Macao in the 17th century is significant not only for its role as a crossroads of trade between the East and the West, but also as a place where different ideas, traditions, and worldviews collided and interacted.Ama De-Nobille in the Context of the Age of EnlightenmentDuring the Age of Enlightenment, China, under the Qing dynasty, was not only a political and cultural powerhouse but also a deeply philosophical society. While Western powers, particularly Britain, sought to influence and trade with China, the Qing Emperor, in his letter rejecting the British ambassador Lord Macartney in 1793, made clear his disdain for foreign influence and emphasized China’s self-sufficiency.The Emperor's response, often quoted in historical accounts, reflects the belief that China was the "center of the world"—the "Celestial Empire"—and that the Western world had little to offer. He remarked that China had everything it needed and was not interested in foreign goods or influence. This closed-off, self-assured stance was characteristic of the period and was rooted in the Confucian worldview that China had already achieved the highest form of civilization. In this context, Western ideas, whether they were about science, politics, or culture, were viewed with suspicion, and the West was seen not as a cultural equal but as a mere trading partner.Ama De-Nobille, as a character, exists in this complex world of East-West tension. While China believed in its own superiority, the arrival of Jesuits, missionaries, and traders from Europe began to introduce new ideas about science, mathematics, and philosophy into Chinese society. These Western ideas, as well as the Chinese understanding of them, are explored through Ama’s character, who serves as a bridge between cultures.Ama’s background as an African woman and alchemist places her in a unique position—she represents not only the intersection of Eastern and Western thought but also the blending of African and Chinese spiritual traditions. Her journey is one of alchemy—a metaphorical and literal transformation of the self and society. Throughout the novel, Ama plays a role in bringing enlightenment to those around her, while also navigating the complicated political and cultural landscape of the time.Macao in the 17th CenturyMacao, at this time, was a Portuguese colony and a melting pot of cultures. Its role as a trading hub for Chinese goods (silk, porcelain, tea) and Western imports (especially from Europe) made it an important gateway for cultural and intellectual exchange. It is within this dynamic environment that Ama’s story unfolds.The Age of Enlightenment in Europe was marked by a flourishing of ideas about reason, individual rights, and scientific progress. Meanwhile, in China, there was an ongoing dialogue with Western missionaries, particularly the Jesuits, who were eager to introduce the latest scientific and philosophical developments to the Chinese imperial court. Although the Qing dynasty maintained a stance of cultural superiority, the interaction between East and West in Macao created a space for new ideas to ferment.Ama’s character embodies this exchange, acting as a conduit for wisdom, teaching not only about the traditional spiritual practices of Africa but also engaging with the intellectual currents of both East and West. She uses her alchemical knowledge to help characters navigate the moral, philosophical, and political dilemmas of the time, challenging them to seek enlightenment in their own ways.Ama's Role in the StoryAma is a multi-dimensional character—she is a mother, a teacher, an alchemist, and a lover of life. Her mystical knowledge transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, drawing from the wisdom of various traditions. Through her, the reader is exposed to a deeper exploration of concepts such as the sacred and the profane, mind-body-spirit unity, alchemy, and the connection between humanity and the cosmos.In the novel, Ama’s presence in Macao acts as a catalyst for transformation. She teaches those around her about the interconnectedness of all things, as well as the deep... We have made it easy for you to find a PDF Ebooks without any digging. And by having access to our ebooks online or by storing it on your computer, you have convenient answers. To get started finding A-Ma Alchemy of Love (AoL Mindfulness, #1), you are right to find our website which has a comprehensive collection of manuals listed. Our library is the biggest of these that have literally hundreds of thousands of different products represented.