Charles13 Strong13 Trust13 Lecture13 2012

Shen (spirit soul) in Chinese Religion and Medicine

Elisabeth13 Rochat13 de13 la13 Valleacutee1

I13 INTRODUCTION

113 The13 subject13

This13 paper13 concentrates13 on13 the13 notion13 of13 spirit13 as13 expressed13 by13 the13 Chinese13 character13 shen13 神Some13 possible13 and13 usual13 translations13 of13 this13 character13 into13 English13 are13 Spirit13 (s)13 -shy‐13 soul13 -shy‐13 gods13 -shy‐13 deities13 -shy‐13 immortals13 -shy‐13 spiritual13 beings13 -shy‐13 mind13 -shy‐13 appearances13 -shy‐13 looks13 -shy‐13 expressions13 -shy‐13 airs13 -shy‐13 supernatural13 -shy‐13 marvelous13 -shy‐13 wondrous13 -shy‐13 miraculous13 -shy‐13 mysterious13 -shy‐mystical13 -shy‐13 smart13 -shy‐13 clever13 hellipIn13 fact13 no13 single13 English13 word13 would13 translate13 what13 the13 Chinese13 character13 covers13 13 Reciprocally13 several13 other13 Chinese13 characters13 may13 convey13 the13 notion13 of13 spirit13 or13 soul13 and13 be13 translated13 by13 spirit13 or13 soul13 in13 the13 appropriate13 context

The13 notion13 as13 might13 be13 expected13 has13 changed13 and13 evolved13 over13 time13 Its13 apprehension13 also13 varies13 with13 the13 status13 of13 a13 person13 in13 society13 (due13 to13 rank13 education13 surrounding13 place13 such13 as13 contryside13 or13 city13 etc)

The13 notion13 of13 shen13 refers13 to13 a13 reality13 or13 to13 an13 attempt13 to13 name13 what13 is13 perceived13 as13 a13 reality13 it13 is13 not13 a13 pure13 abstraction13 So13 we13 can13 understand13 this13 notion13 by13 refering13 to13 our13 own13 vital13 experience13 of13 what13 we13 call13 spirit13 or13 soul13 or13 spiritual13 being13 or13 god(s)13 etcOn13 the13 other13 hand13 even13 if13 we13 share13 with13 the13 Chinese13 -shy‐13 including13 those13 of13 2013 centuries13 ago13 -shy‐13 what13 is13 seminal13 to13 be13 a13 human13 we13 should13 not13 to13 forget13 that13 our13 vision13 our13 universe13 our13 words13 are13 not13 the13 same13 We13 cannot13 then13 take13 just13 any13 notion13 as13 it13 is13 in13 our13 present13 language13 civilisation13 thought13 as13 equivalent13 to13 a13 notion13 expressed13 in13 classical13 Chinese

Something13 else13 we13 ought13 not13 to13 forget13 is13 that13 a13 word13 a13 character13 is13 naturally13 used13 at13 several13 levels13 Thanks13 to13 the13 context13 the13 signiNicance13 is13 made13 clearFor13 instance13 in13 English13 the13 use13 of13 words13 such13 as13 laquosoulraquo13 or13 laquospiritraquo13 is13 different13 according13 to13 the13 context13 but13 we13 hardly13 notice13 it13 because13 we13 understand13 the13 meaning13 immediately13 Some13 examples13 with13 laquosoulraquo13 13 laquoall13 soulsraquo13 laquosell13 onersquos13 soul13 to13 the13 devilraquo13 laquoupon13 my13 soulraquo13 laquothe13 life13 and13 soul13 of13 a13 partyraquo13 laquothe13 soul13 of13 discretionraquo13 laquothe13 soul13 of13 a13 countryraquo13 laquosoul13 musicraquo13 hellipAnd13 some13 with13 laquospiritraquo13 13 laquoHoly13 Spiritraquo13 laquoto13 lift13 everyonersquos13 spiritsraquo13 laquoin13 a13 spirit13 conNidenceraquo13 laquoenter13 into13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 occaisonraquo13 laquoaviation13 spiritraquo13 laquospirits13 of13 (alcohol)raquo13 laquoout13 of13 spiritsraquo13 13 laquoto13 be13 spirited13 awayraquo13 hellip

Not13 to13 be13 aware13 of13 the13 context13 leads13 to13 misapprehension13 misinterpretation13 misconception

13 1

1See13 13 elisabeth-shy‐rochatcom

2 Limits13 of13 this13 paper

This13 paper13 deals13 only13 with13 the13 notion13 as13 it13 appears13 in13 inscriptions13 and13 texts13 before13 the13 Christian13 era13 Which13 means13 that13 there13 will13 be13 no13 mention13 or13 discussion13 of13 a13 more13 popular13 or13 general13 use13 of13 the13 term13 rather13 a13 presentation13 of13 the13 notion13 in13 the13 works13 of13 those13 who13 were13 highly13 educated13 and13 meditated13 on13 the13 nature13 and13 destiny13 of13 the13 human13 being

Needless13 to13 say13 in13 this13 paper13 I13 am13 limited13 in13 time13 and13 cannot13 go13 into13 much13 further13 detail

13 2

II13 THE13 SPIRITS13 AS13 POWERS13 EXISTING13 OUTSIDE13 THE13 HUMAN13 BODY

113 Powers13 from13 above

Before13 the13 Nirst13 appareance13 of13 the13 character13 shen13 神13 itself13 there13 was13 a13 strong13 belief13 in13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 as13 well13 as13 in13 the13 spirits13 as13 natural13 forces13 They13 were13 close13 and13 sometimes13 the13 same13 13 a13 powerful13 dead13 ancestor13 might13 become13 a13 god13 attached13 to13 a13 natural13 phenomenon13 In13 Heaven13 they13 were13 around13 and13 submitted13 to13 the13 supreme13 deity13 called13 the13 High13 Sovereign13 or13 emperor13 above13 (shang13 di13 上帝)13 who13 probably13 was13 also13 the13 Nirst13 ancestor13 (of13 the13 dynasty13 of13 the13 king13 lineage)

One13 of13 the13 most13 important13 themes13 found13 on13 the13 ancient13 inscriptions13 (jiaguwen)13 is13 the13 spiritswind13 More13 precisely13 the13 Four13 Phoenix-shy‐Winds13 four13 spirits13 represented13 as13 phoenixes13 (feng13 鳳)13 who13 send13 inNluences13 on13 earth13 as13 the13 wind13 (feng13 風13 )13 does13 They13 are13 sent13 by13 the13 High13 Sovereign13 on13 the13 Four13 territories13 forming13 the13 Earth13 to13 bring13 life13 to13 each13 of13 them13 according13 to13 their13 natural13 position

What13 appears13 nowdays13 as13 a13 metaphor13 was13 then13 most13 probably13 believed13 to13 be13 a13 reality13 13 13 the13 wind13 brings13 life13 from13 heaven13 on13 Earth13 13 it13 penetrates13 the13 earth13 through13 its13 opening13 at13 the13 image13 of13 the13 caverns13 in13 the13 moutains13 (feng13 xue13 風穴)13 which13 are13 also13 where13 the13 phoenixes13 dwell13 at13 sunset13 Blowing13 in13 the13 spring13 it13 triggers13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 leading13 to13 germination13 growing13 of13 the13 vegetation13 and13 maturing13 of13 grains13

There13 is13 not13 only13 one13 wind13 but13 several13 traditionally13 all13 the13 winds13 are13 called13 the13 Eight13 winds13 corresponding13 to13 the13 direction13 of13 the13 compass13 But13 Four13 directions13 are13 enough13 to13 place13 Four13 territories13 expressing13 the13 diversity13 of13 the13 forms13 of13 life13 on13 Earth13 those13 in13 the13 South13 the13 North13 the13 East13 and13 the13 West13 Since13 the13 Earth13 reNlected13 the13 celestial13 order13 politically13 13 those13 were13 all13 the13 clans13 submitted13 to13 the13 authority13 of13 the13 sovereign13 who13 occupied13 the13 central13 region

So13 each13 wind13 brings13 life13 to13 each13 space13 on13 earth13 according13 to13 its13 own13 speciNicities13 determined13 by13 its13 position

The13 wind13 is13 one13 and13 multiple13 as13 is13 the13 spirit13 or13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 One13 because13 coming13 from13 one13 source13 and13 sharing13 the13 same13 nature13 and13 features13 Multiple13 because13 when13 expressed13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 always13 speciNic13 13 the13 northern13 wind13 or13 the13 eastern13 one13 the13 one13 bringing13 rain13 or13 the13 one13 bringing13 drought13 hellip

Wind13 and13 spirit13 (and13 qi13 later)13 share13 the13 same13 basic13 qualities13 13 they13 bring13 life13 from13 Heaven13 on13 Earth13 they13 start13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 leading13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 to13 take13 form13 according13 to13 its13 proper13 quality13 They13 allow13 the13 manifestation13 on13 Earth13 of13 what13 is13 above

As13 it13 is13 said13 in13 the13 Shuowen13 Jiezi13 The13 spirits13 are13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 (tian13 shen13 天神)13 who13 lead13 all13 the13 beings13 to13 appear

13 3

213 The13 character13 shen13 神

On13 Western13 Zhou13 dynasty13 bronzes13 (1046-shy‐77013 BC)13 the13 character13 appears13 like13 13 1033649 103365013 and13 with13 the13 meaning13 of13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 all13 the13 spirits13 who13 are13 around13 the13 High13 sovereign13 (shang13 di13 上帝)13 13 Even13 in13 its13 archaic13 forms13 it13 is13 made13 with13 two13 parts13 13 示13 and13 申13

On13 the13 left13 the13 radical13 the13 character13 shi13 示13 This13 very13 old13 character13 appears13 on13 the13 jiaguwen13 (prior13 to13 the13 XIth13 century13 BC)13 as13 for13 instance13 103460610346071034608103460913 and13 with13 the13 meaning13 of13 the13 place13 where13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 manifest13 themselves13 during13 the13 sacriNice13 (worship13 of13 the13 ancestor)13 and13 by13 extension13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 But13 as13 early13 as13 the13 Eastern13 Zhou13 dynasty13 (77013 -shy‐13 221)13 the13 character13 takes13 the13 meaning13 of13 manifestation13 especially13 from13 Heaven13 or13 in13 heaven13 such13 as13 omen13 portent13 presage13 warning13 (especially13 from13 above)13 later13 it13 simply13 means13 to13 show13 to13 manifest13 to13 demonstrate13

On13 the13 right13 the13 phonetic13 part13 the13 character13 shen13 申13 which13 also13 seems13 to13 play13 a13 role13 concerning13 the13 meaning13 since13 it13 had13 been13 used13 on13 some13 Western13 Zhou13 bronzes13 with13 the13 meaning13 of13 the13 complete13 character13 神13 ie13 laquospirits13 of13 the13 ancestorsraquoThe13 character13 shen13 申13 itself13 has13 been13 used13 from13 very13 ancient13 times13 to13 indicate13 dates13 and13 a13 period13 of13 time13 it13 is13 the13 ninth13 of13 the13 Twelve13 earthy13 branches13 It13 also13 conveys13 the13 ideas13 of13 13 expansion13 to13 extend13 to13 stretch13 and13 of13 showing13 to13 notify13 to13 report13 (to13 a13 superior)

Considering13 the13 archaic13 forms13 of13 the13 character13 shen13 申13 one13 may13 see13 a13 man13 kneeling13 and13

praying13 as13 in13 13 13 or13 13 13 13 while13 others13 see13 an13 extension13 as13 in 103363810324181033640103364210324171033643

The13 ninth13 of13 the13 Twelve13 earthly13 branches13 indicates13 a13 period13 of13 time13 when13 the13 maximum13 of13 extension13 has13 been13 reached13 for13 example13 around13 the13 end13 of13 the13 afternoon13 (9th13 hour13 30013 to13 50013 pm)13 or13 the13 end13 of13 the13 summer13 Also13 the13 period13 of13 time13 when13 the13 vegetation13 has13 fully13 unfurled13 and13 grown13 has13 extended13 to13 the13 maximum

Scholars13 have13 been13 glad13 centuries13 later13 to13 interpret13 a13 posteriori13 the13 character13 as13 the13 interaction13 of13 the13 yin13 and13 the13 yang13 and13 to13 relate13 it13 to13 the13 action13 of13 the13 spirits13 who13 draw13 up13 the13 vegetation13 and13 pull13 out13 in13 life13 all13 the13 creatures13 (see13 the13 text13 of13 the13 Shuowen13 jiezi13 quoted13 above)

3 Role13 of13 the13 spirits

In13 very13 ancient13 times13 as13 before13 the13 Xth13 century13 BC13 spirits13 were13 responsible13 for13 more13 or13 less13 everything13 good13 or13 bad13 occurring13 on13 earth13 and13 in13 human13 society13 Good13 things13 were13 viewed13 as13 rewards13 and13 bad13 ones13 as13 punishments13 When13 the13 harmonious13 relationship13 between13 the13 quick13 and13 the13 dead13 was13 lost13 when13 the13 descendants13 had13 displeased13 theirs13 ancestors13 then13 these13 latter13 could13 send13 calamities13 such13 as13 drought13 or13 epidemic13 diseases13 Rituals13 were13 performed13 to13 praise13 and13 propitiate13 them13 or13 to13 attract13 favors13 and13 blessings

Divination13 occupied13 a13 salient13 place13 in13 this13 ancient13 society13 and13 was13 also13 seen13 as13 a13 communication13 between13 the13 humans13 and13 the13 spirits13 They13 manifested13 themselves13 through13 the13 crackings13 of13 the13 turtle13 shell13 and13 their13 interpretation13 answered13 to13 the13 question13 asked13 by13 the13 prince13 and13 allowed13 him13 to13 take13 the13 right13 decision13 with13 the13 support13 of13 his13 ancestors13 of13 the13 spirits

13 4

4 The13 evolution13 during13 the13 Zhou13 dynasty

The13 relationship13 between13 the13 humans13 and13 the13 spirits13 evolved13 dramatically13 with13 the13 increasing13 awareness13 of13 human13 responsibilityIn13 the13 questions13 asked13 in13 divination13 it13 is13 noticeable13 that13 those13 concerning13 illnesses13 for13 instance13 diminish13 It13 is13 certainly13 due13 to13 progress13 made13 in13 medicine13 in13 the13 knowledge13 of13 causes13 and13 treatments13 of13 diseases13 But13 there13 is13 also13 a13 clear13 change13 of13 attitude13 13 the13 diseases13 are13 no13 more13 merely13 the13 punishment13 sent13 by13 deities13 to13 a13 greater13 extent13 they13 had13 become13 the13 result13 of13 human13 misbehavior2

Similarly13 if13 a13 prince13 wants13 to13 increase13 his13 territory13 it13 is13 not13 a13 good13 move13 to13 pray13 to13 a13 spirit13 and13 offer13 him13 sacriNice13 asking13 him13 beneNit13 for13 oneself13 while13 not13 paying13 attention13 to13 the13 actual13 state13 of13 the13 people313 Better13 to13 take13 care13 of13 his13 kingdom13 and13 his13 people13 and13 assure13 them13 peace13 and13 prosperity13 Thus13 the13 kingdom13 of13 this13 prince13 may13 get13 larger13 and13 his13 power13 bigger13 thanks13 to13 a13 natural13 movement13 since13 his13 people13 will13 be13 loyal13 to13 him13 and13 the13 foreigners13 attracted13 by13 a13 rich13 country13 But13 a13 prince13 who13 is13 unable13 to13 bring13 harmony13 on13 his13 own13 territory13 cannot13 ask13 for13 more13 it13 will13 be13 a13 contradiction13 in13 the13 natural13 order13 that13 no13 spirit13 could13 favor13 The13 prince13 is13 unable13 to13 do13 so13 because13 he13 is13 not13 himself13 in13 harmony13 being13 full13 of13 selNish13 desire13 and13 ambition13 by13 this13 attitude13 he13 estranges13 the13 spirits

There13 is13 nothing13 wrong13 in13 honoring13 the13 spirits13 in13 worshipping13 the13 ancestors13 but13 this13 has13 to13 be13 done13 out13 of13 respect13 and13 not13 to13 beg13 for13 a13 reward13 It13 is13 most13 probably13 the13 attitude13 adopted13 by13 Confucius13 (551-shy‐479)13 as13 expressed13 in13 the13 Lunyu13 or13 Confuciusrsquo13 Analects13

Fan13 Chi13 inquired13 about13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 Master13 replied13 lsquoTo13 devote13 yourself13 to13 what13 is13 appropriate13 for13 the13 people13 and13 to13 show13 respect13 for13 the13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 while13 keeping13 them13 at13 a13 distance13 can13 be13 called13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)rsquo13 (Lunyu13 VI2213 Transl13 Ames13 amp13 Rosemont)13 13

To13 keep13 the13 spirits13 at13 a13 distance13 means13 13 not13 to13 treat13 them13 casually13 with13 a13 lack13 of13 reserve13 and13 also13 most13 probably13 not13 to13 approach13 them13 with13 sacriNices13 to13 please13 them13 in13 order13 to13 obtain13 favors13 as13 the13 courtiers13 do13 to13 gain13 the13 favor13 of13 a13 human13 prince13 Respect13 and13 distance13 are13 the13 two13 master13 words

513 The13 intrinsic13 relationship13 between13 spirits13 and13 Heaven

As13 we13 saw13 the13 Shang13 dynasty13 (circa13 180013 -shy‐13 105013 BC)13 believed13 in13 a13 kind13 a13 supreme13 deity13 the13 Emperor13 from13 above13 (shang13 di13 上帝)13 who13 sent13 spirits13 phoenixes13 or13 wind13 as13 his13 messengers13 to13 the13 world13 below13 to13 incite13 life13 When13 this13 dynasty13 was13 overcome13 by13 the13 Zhou13 dynasty13 the13 supreme13 power13 above13 shifted13 to13 HeavenTian13 天13 Heaven13 implies13 the13 notion13 of13 nature13 natural13 power13 and13 natural13 order13 the13 order13 which13 is13 behind13 and13 beyond13 all13 manifestions13 of13 life13 in13 all13 the13 creatures13 or13 productions13 of13 the13 universe

13 5

213 See13 for13 instance13 Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 first13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhao

313 See13 Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 32nd13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhuang

In13 brief13 the13 main13 features13 of13 Heaven13 (as13 found13 in13 the13 classical13 texts)13 are13 -shy‐13 The13 laquoAugust13 Heavenraquo13 (huang13 tian13 皇天)13 the13 power13 taking13 the13 place13 of13 the13 High13 Sovereign13 watching13 the13 behavior13 of13 everyone13 on13 Earth13 sending13 punishment13 and13 blessing13 hellip-shy‐13 The13 atmospheric13 and13 natural13 power13 regulating13 the13 seasons13 sending13 the13 different13 qi13 (氣)13 on13 Earth13 to13 produce13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 and13 stimulate13 the13 transformations13 which13 give13 and13 maintain13 life-shy‐ The13 power13 which13 governs13 and13 regulates13 all13 natural13 activities13 Nature13 itself13 natural13 order13 everywhere13 in13 the13 universe-shy‐ The13 common13 origin13 of13 all13 beings13 the13 power13 which13 is13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 life13 in13 any13 being13 and13 endows13 each13 being13 with13 his13 true13 original13 nature-shy‐ Thus13 the13 power13 determining13 individual13 destiny13 which13 is13 to13 know13 and13 fulNill13 onersquos13 true13 nature-shy‐13 The13 presence13 in13 the13 human13 heart13 of13 a13 kind13 of13 laquomoral13 lawraquo13 the13 ability13 to13 discern13 the13 natural13 order13 and13 to13 submit13 to13 it13 to13 fulNill13 his13 destiny13 ie13 to13 behave13 according13 to13 what13 he13 is13 destined13 by13 Heaven13 or13 Nature13 Or13 the13 presence13 within13 oneself13 of13 the13 spontaneous13 movement13 of13 life

Heaven13 sends13 its13 inNlux13 on13 Earth13 as13 three13 pairs13 of13 qi13 in13 a13 way13 which13 is13 not13 without13 reminding13 the13 way13 the13 Emperor13 from13 above13 sends13 his13 spirits13 on13 the13 Four13 territories13 of13 the13 Earth13

Heaven13 has13 Six13 Qi13 (tian13 you13 liu13 qi13 天有六氣)13 which13 descending13 generate13 the13 Five13 Tastes13 (jiang13 sheng13 wu13 wei13 13 降生五味)13 issue13 as13 the13 Five13 Colours13 (wu13 se13 五色)13 are13 evidenced13 by13 the13 Five13 Sounds13 (wu13 sheng13 五聲)13 and13 in13 excess13 generate13 the13 Six13 13 Diseases13 (yin13 sheng13 liu13 ji13 淫生六疾)13 The13 Six13 Qi13 are13 shade13 and13 sunshine13 (yin13 yang13 陰陽)13 wind13 and13 rain13 (feng13 yu13 風雨)13 dark13 and13 light13 (hui13 ming13 晦明)13 They13 divide13 (fen13 分)13 to13 make13 the13 Four13 Seasons13 in13 sequence13 make13 the13 Five13 Rhythms13 (wu13 jie13 五節)13 and13 in13 excess13 bring13 about13 calamity13 (Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 Nirst13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhao13 Transl13 A13 Graham)

The13 power13 to13 start13 the13 process13 of13 life13 which13 will13 bring13 all13 beings13 to13 appearance13 and13 completion13 along13 with13 the13 regularity13 of13 which13 the13 Four13 seasons13 are13 the13 paragon13 and13 emblem13 are13 what13 belongs13 to13 Heaven13 Consequently13 these13 qualities13 belong13 also13 to13 the13 spirits13 who13 are13 the13 agents13 of13 Heaven13 its13 messengers

The13 spirits13 are13 thus13 seen13 as13 what13 allows13 a13 life13 to13 take13 form13 and13 to13 integrate13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 (li13 理)13 which13 guide13 its13 natural13 developmentThe13 result13 is13 a13 universe13 where13 all13 the13 beings13 things13 phenomena13 coexist13 in13 harmony13 and13 beauty13 An13 idea13 which13 is13 found13 in13 different13 thinkers13 even13 if13 the13 consequences13 and13 lessons13 are13 understood13 in13 often13 divergent13 manners13 Let13 us13 give13 two13 examples13 from13 two13 differents13 authors

Zhuang13 zi13 (circa13 370-shy‐30013 BC)13 a13 thinker13 who13 is13 associated13 with13 the13 early13 Daoism13 and13 mysticism13 looks13 at13 it13 as13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 Dao13 (道)13 and13 the13 way13 to13 integrate13 it

Heaven13 and13 earth13 have13 their13 great13 beauties13 but13 do13 not13 speak13 of13 them13 the13 four13 seasons13 have13 their13 clear-shymarked13 regularity13 but13 do13 not13 discuss13 it13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 have13 their13 principles13 of13 growth13 (li13 理)13 but13 do13 not13 expound13 them13 The13 sage13 seeks13 out13 the13 beauties13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 and13 masters13 the13 principles13 of13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 Thus13 it13 is13 that13 the13 Perfect13 Man13 does13 not13 act13 the13 Great13 Sage13 does13 not13 move13 -shy13 they13 have13 perceived13 [the13 Way13 of]13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 we13 may13 say13 This13 way13 whose13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 is13 of13 the13 greatest13 purity13 (zhi13 jing13 至精)13 13 joins13 with13 others13 in13 a13 hundred13 transformations13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch2213 Transl13 B13 Watson)

13 6

The13 laquospiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)raquo13 is13 how13 both13 the13 splendor13 of13 nature13 and13 the13 order13 the13 principles13 underlying13 this13 great13 beauty13 appear13 through13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 is13 called13 laquospiritsraquo13 To13 understand13 these13 patterns13 is13 to13 know13 all13 that13 is13 possible13 to13 know13 with13 a13 human13 intelligence13 and13 to13 recognize13 the13 laquointelligenceraquo13 the13 natural13 cleverness13 and13 spontaneous13 order13 which13 is13 behind13 the13 manifestation13 of13 life13 to13 acknowledge13 the13 spirits13 as13 the13 agents13 allowing13 the13 processWe13 will13 come13 back13 to13 this13 laquospiritual13 brighnessraquo13 when13 it13 is13 a13 reality13 within13 a13 humanZhuang13 zi13 uses13 human13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 go13 beyond13 the13 intellectual13 the13 thought13 the13 will13 and13 become13 an13 entirely13 laquonaturalraquo13 being13 entirely13 acting13 through13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 his13 original13 nature13 from13 the13 Way13 of13 Heaven13 (tian13 dao13 天道)13 Such13 a13 man13 is13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 13 helping13 the13 emergence13 of13 beings13 and13 inspiring13 the13 transformations13 maintaining13 their13 lives

One13 of13 the13 most13 prominent13 Confucian13 thinkers13 Xun13 zi13 (circa13 298-shy‐23513 BC)13 spoke13 of13 the13 spirits13 in13 a13 very13 similar13 manner13 but13 with13 something13 different13 in13 mind13

Heaven13 has13 its13 seasons13 earth13 has13 its13 riches13 man13 has13 his13 government13 (zhi13 治)13 Hence13 man13 may13 form13 a13 triad13 with13 the13 other13 two13 (can13 參)13 But13 if13 he13 sets13 aside13 that13 which13 allows13 him13 to13 form13 a13 triad13 with13 the13 other13 two13 and13 longs13 for13 what13 they13 have13 then13 he13 is13 deluded13 The13 ranks13 of13 stars13 move13 in13 progression13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 shine13 in13 turn13 the13 four13 seasons13 succed13 each13 other13 in13 good13 order13 the13 yin13 and13 yang13 go13 through13 their13 great13 transformations13 (da13 hua13 大化)13 and13 the13 wind13 and13 rain13 pass13 over13 the13 whole13 land13 All13 things13 obtain13 what13 is13 congenial13 to13 them13 (qi13 he13 其和)13 and13 come13 to13 life13 receive13 what13 is13 nourishing13 to13 them13 and13 grow13 to13 completion13 One13 does13 not13 see13 the13 process13 taking13 place13 but13 sees13 only13 the13 results13 Thus13 it13 is13 called13 godlike13 (spirit13 shen13 神)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch1713 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 Xun13 zi13 text13 shows13 both13 the13 greatness13 and13 the13 weakness13 of13 humankind13 Great13 as13 co-shy‐producer13 of13 life13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 of13 the13 universe13 weak13 as13 the13 trouble-shy‐maker13 who13 destroys13 beauty13 and13 harmony13 and13 destroys13 his13 ability13 to13 perceive13 them13 simultaneously13 What13 enables13 a13 human13 being13 to13 participate13 fully13 and13 accurately13 in13 the13 life13 of13 the13 universe13 is13 his13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 recognize13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 (li13 理)13 of13 life13 its13 natural13 order13 intrinsic13 organization13 principles13 and13 to13 behave13 accordingly13 To13 recognize13 these13 patterns13 is13 to13 reason13 to13 have13 reason13 sagacity13 and13 wisdom13 as13 well13 as13 sanity13 of13 mind13 a13 good13 functionning13 of13 mental13 faculties13 of13 wits

These13 underlying13 patterns13 are13 what13 we13 can13 know13 of13 the13 spirits13 how13 the13 human13 mind13 observes13 recognizes13 and13 represents13 an13 order13 behind13 all13 manifestations13 of13 life13 It13 is13 well13 expressed13 in13 the13 Xici13 or13 Great13 Commentary13 to13 the13 Book13 of13 Change13 (Yijing13 dazhuan)13

Knowing13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 way13 (dao13 道)13 of13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變化)13 is13 how13 one13 knows13 the13 Spirits13 (Xici13 I13 9)

But13 the13 spirits13 in13 themselves13 are13 beyond13 our13 capacity13 of13 analyzing13 and13 explaining13 which13 are13 for13 instance13 the13 yin13 yang13 the13 Five13 elements13 hellip13

What13 cannot13 be13 probed13 by13 yin13 yang13 is13 called13 lsquospiritsrsquo13 (shen13 神)13 (Xici13 I13 5)

Such13 knowledge13 which13 includes13 the13 stopping13 of13 the13 mental13 knowledge13 where13 it13 has13 to13 stop13 is13 the13 true13 working13 of13 the13 human13 heart

Now13 we13 will13 examine13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirits13 within13 the13 human13 body

13 7

III13 THE13 SPIRITS13 AS13 PRESENT13 IN13 A13 HUMAN13 BODY13 -shy13 THE13 VITAL13 SPIRIT

While13 in13 very13 ancient13 times13 the13 spirits13 were13 those13 of13 Heaven13 or13 those13 of13 the13 deceased13 ancestors13 the13 conception13 gradually13 changed13 over13 time13 and13 laquospiritraquo13 (shen13 神)13 started13 to13 be13 used13 for13 either13 simply13 a13 quality13 of13 the13 human13 mind13 (as13 shrewdness13 subtle13 intelligence)13 or13 a13 reality13 inside13 the13 human13 body

There13 are13 several13 possible13 meanings13 to13 the13 presence13 of13 spirits13 inside13 the13 body13 of13 a13 living13 human13 It13 may13 be13 the13 possession13 of13 a13 person13 by13 a13 ghost13 the13 vengeful13 soul13 of13 a13 dead13 person13 Or13 possession13 by13 a13 deity13 or13 a13 sacred13 trance13 often13 induced13 voluntarily13 with13 the13 help13 of13 drugs13 (as13 mushrooms)413 It13 may13 be13 what13 is13 found13 in13 shamanism13 the13 embodiment13 of13 spirits13 by13 the13 shaman13 as13 the13 bridge13 between13 the13 world13 of13 the13 spirits13 and13 the13 world13 of13 mere13 humans13 an13 embodiment13 that13 allows13 the13 shaman13 to13 beneNit13 from13 more13 power13 In13 several13 Daoist13 narrations13 of13 what13 can13 be13 an13 actual13 personal13 experience13 spirits13 come13 inside13 the13 follower13 of13 the13 Dao13 attesting13 by13 their13 presence13 his13 communion13 with13 the13 Dao13 Later13 the13 Daoist13 priests13 also13 would13 attract13 spirits13 to13 perform13 rituals13 requiring13 great13 power13 They13 would13 have13 had13 rolls13 or13 lists13 of13 the13 spirits13 they13 were13 able13 to13 put13 at13 their13 service13 in13 some13 way13 as13 part13 of13 the13 transmission13 from13 their13 master13 and13 lineage13 Also13 in13 the13 Daoist13 practice13 the13 adept13 visualizes13 a13 great13 number13 of13 spirits13 dwelling13 in13 each13 place13 of13 his13 body13 as13 in13 the13 organs13 in13 the13 throat13 in13 the13 brain13 and13 so13 on

We13 will13 leave13 aside13 all13 these13 aspects13 to13 consider13 only13 the13 main13 reNlections13 found13 in13 the13 scholarly13 textsSeveral13 considerations13 appear13

1 Spirit13 and13 body

Spirit13 and13 human13 body13 have13 a13 speciNic13 relationship13 which13 is13 partly13 like13 the13 one13 we13 are13 familiar13 with13 13 they13 are13 not13 the13 same13 thing13 not13 at13 the13 same13 level13 (which13 might13 be13 different13 from13 not13 being13 of13 the13 same13 laquonatureraquo)13 and13 partly13 different13 -shy‐13 even13 conNlicting13 -shy‐13 owing13 to13 the13 fact13 that13 in13 a13 human13 being13 one13 cannot13 function13 without13 the13 other13 the13 perfection13 of13 one13 is13 the13 perfection13 of13 the13 other13

In13 the13 Daoist13 approach13 of13 Zhuang13 zi13

He13 who13 holds13 fast13 to13 the13 Way13 (dao13 道)13 is13 complete13 (quan13 全)13 in13 Virtue13 (de13 德)513 being13 complete13 in13 Virtue13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 body13 (xing13 形)13 being13 complete13 in13 body13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 to13 be13 complete13 in13 spirit13 is13 the13 Way13 of13 the13 sage13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1213 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

Or13 in13 a13 syncretic13 book13 composed13 around13 the13 middle13 of13 the13 third13 century13 BC13

Nature13 (Heaven13 tian天)13 produced13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yang13 principles13 cold13 and13 heat13 wet13 and13 dry13 the13 transformations13 (hua13 化)13 of13 the13 four13 seasons13 and13 the13 metamorphoses13 (bian 變13 )13 of13 the13 myriad13 things13 Each13 of13 these13 can13 produce13 bene[it13 or13 it13 can13 cause13 harm13 The13 sage13 scrutinizes13 what13 is13

13 8

413 See13 Chuci

513 Here13 virtue13 is13 more13 a13 vital13 power13 than13 a13 moral13 achievement

appropriate13 to13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yan13 and13 discriminates13 what13 is13 bene[icial13 in13 the13 myriad13 things13 in13 order13 to13 enhance13 life13 Thus13 the13 vital13 essence13 and13 the13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 being13 secure13 within13 the13 bodily13 frame13 (xing13 形)13 the13 personrsquos13 life13 span13 is13 extended13 (Luumlshi13 chunqiu13 III13 213 Transl13 J13 Knobloch13 amp13 J13 Riegel)

The13 life13 of13 an13 human13 being13 is13 the13 coming13 together13 of13 the13 substance13 of13 a13 body13 and13 spirit13 As13 long13 as13 they13 remain13 together13 this13 being13 is13 alive13 their13 separation13 is13 his13 death13 as13 the13 separation13 may13 occur13 due13 to13 the13 weakness13 or13 unbalance13 of13 either13 the13 body13 form13 or13 the13 spirit13 both13 have13 to13 be13 taking13 care13 of13 in13 order13 to13 preserve13 enough13 harmony13 in13 their13 relationship

That13 is13 obvious13 in13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 relations13 13 these13 two13 kinds13 of13 laquosoulsraquo13 spiritual13 (Hun)13 and13 corporeal13 (Po)13 are13 the13 double13 animation13 from13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 in13 a13 human13 Life13 is13 their13 embrace13 and13 death13 their13 separation

The13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 what13 is13 received13 from13 Heaven13 and13 the13 physical13 body13 is13 that13 which13 is13 provided13 by13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Between13 Hun13 and13 Po13 or13 between13 spirit13 and13 body13 there13 is13 the13 same13 relationship13 as13 between13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 13 hierarchy13 and13 interdependency13 One13 cannot13 exist13 without13 the13 other13 it13 is13 their13 interaction13 and13 co-shy‐penetration13 which13 maintains13 life13 Nevertheless13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Heaven13 13 Hun13 soul13 spirit13 is13 more13 subtle13 has13 the13 capacity13 of13 knowledge13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 consequently13 must13 be13 in13 control13 of13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Earth13 13 Po13 body

213 The13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit(s)

Are13 these13 spirits13 inside13 a13 human13 body13 laquoembodied13 spiritsraquo13 spirits13 existing13 outside13 this13 human13 body13 and13 being13 attracted13 welcome13 hosted13 in13 it13 13 Or13 are13 they13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 this13 human13 and13 appear13 only13 in13 his13 body13 thanks13 to13 this13 body13 and13 its13 speciNic13 human13 quality13

Most13 probably13 the13 question13 was13 not13 asked13 in13 those13 terms13 and13 the13 answer13 not13 so13 clear-shy‐cut13 Nevertheless13 some13 ideas13 can13 emerge13

The13 spirits13 can13 dwell13 in13 a13 human13 body13 because13 of13 the13 quality13 of13 its13 vitality13 as13 expressed13 in13 its13 very13 substance

Coarse13 qi13 made13 small13 creatures13 pure13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 made13 humans13 Therefore13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 belong13 to13 Heaven13 and13 the13 bodily13 frame13 belongs13 to13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Is13 Heaven13 sending13 spirits13 into13 a13 human13 body13 13 Or13 is13 it13 natural13 to13 human13 life13 to13 possess13 spirit13 13 There13 is13 no13 real13 difference13 between13 these13 two13 phrases13 The13 speciNic13 quality13 which13 enables13 a13 human13 to13 be13 partner13 of13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 in13 the13 universe13 has13 to13 be13 both13 in13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 and13 in13 the13 ability13 of13 the13 mind13 These13 two13 correspond13 and13 they13 need13 to13 exist13 together13 The13 same13 subtlety13 is13 found13 in13 both13 and13 called13 13 subtle13 reNined13 pure13 seminal13 vital13 essential13 (jing13 精)13 If13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 is13 not13 kept13 pure13 enough13 if13 its13 laquoessencesraquo13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 then13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 spirit13 cannot13 be13 subtle13 and13 clear13 And13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 cannot13 remain13 in13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 how13 could13 it13 command13 adequately13 how13 the13 body13 operates13 and13 how13 life13 is13 nourished13 properly13

13 9

It13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 human13 body13 is13 the13 utmost13 perfect13 form13 among13 all13 that13 exists13 and13 why13 this13 body13 may13 be13 seen13 as13 a13 replica13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 the13 cosmic13 order

Thus13 the13 roundness13 of13 the13 head13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Heaven13 the13 square13 made13 by13 the13 feet13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Earth13 Heaven13 has13 four13 seasons13 [ive13 agents13 (or13 elements13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 nine13 disentanglements13 and13 36613 days13 Similarly13 Man13 has13 four13 limbs13 [ive13 organs13 (wu13 zang13 五藏)13 nine13 ori[ices13 and13 36613 articulations13 Heaven13 has13 wind13 and13 rain13 cold13 and13 heat13 and13 Man13 has13 taking13 and13 giving13 joy13 and13 angerThrough13 the13 correspondence13 of13 the13 gallbladder13 to13 clouds13 the13 lung13 to13 qi13 the13 liver13 to13 wind13 the13 kidneys13 to13 rain13 the13 spleen13 to13 thunder13 Man13 is13 in13 intimate13 association13 (can13 參)13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 and13 the13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 So13 the13 ear13 and13 eye13 are13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 blood13 and13 qi13 are13 wind13 and13 rain13 hellip13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)

Every13 human13 being13 is13 in13 charge13 of13 keeping13 or13 recovering13 this13 natural13 order13 in13 himself13 if13 he13 does13 not13 it13 brings13 him13 disorder13 diseases13 calamities13 on13 himself13 and13 in13 the13 world13

The13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 being13 has13 to13 be13 implemented13 It13 is13 like13 a13 potential13 development13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 a13 human13 to13 develop13 oneself13 to13 become13 spiritlike

Concentrate13 your13 qi13 (氣)13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 (ru13 shen13 如神)13 (Guanzi13 ch13 Neiye)

This13 potentiality13 is13 present13 from13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 the13 human13 body13 at13 conception13 and13 during13 gestation13 In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 the13 spiritwind13 -shy‐13 or13 the13 lightning13 -shy‐13 starts13 life13 in13 spring13 (the13 process13 of13 transformation13 which13 will13 lead13 to13 maturation13 ripeness13 and13 crops)13 a13 spiritual13 presence13 inhabits13 the13 qi13 which13 starts13 the13 formation13 of13 an13 embryo13 In13 a13 human13 being13 this13 presence13 is13 especially13 strong13 meaning13 that13 what13 is13 given13 by13 Heaven13 prevails13 and13 enables13 the13 human13 heartmind13 to13 build13 knowledge13 discernment13 and13 awarenessWhen13 a13 child13 is13 born13 laquoall13 the13 spirits13 are13 completeraquo13 he13 or13 she13 has13 all13 that13 is13 needed13 to13 build13 a13 vital13 spirit13 to13 have13 a13 heartmind13 working13 with13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit

What13 is13 called13 original13 spirits13 (yuan13 shen13 元神)13 is13 mainly13 understood13 as13 the13 power13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 processes13 of13 life13 emanating13 from13 the13 impenetrable13 mystery13 of13 Heaven13 source13 of13 life13 In13 each13 human13 it13 is13 part13 of13 their13 original13 endowment13 In13 a13 Daoist13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 human13 being13 perfectly13 merged13 with13 those13 of13 Heaven13 moving13 without13 impediment13 through13 the13 inNinite13 spaces13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 companions13 to13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 In13 a13 more13 common13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirit13 which13 gives13 the13 human13 heartmind13 its13 clear-shy‐sightedness13 and13 intelligence13 and13 which13 makes13 it13 possible13 for13 the13 heart13 to13 recognize13 more13 and13 more13 clearly13 the13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 its13 own13 nature13 This13 understanding13 provides13 a13 proper13 basis13 for13 mental13 activity13 and13 for13 how13 it13 expresses13 itself13 in13 thought13 and13 purpose13 It13 enables13 us13 to13 accomplish13 our13 destiny13 (ming13 命)13 Calmness13 encourages13 the13 relationship13 of13 the13 spirits13 to13 our13 origin13 giving13 strength13 and13 vigour13 to13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 Emotions13 agitated13 hurrying13 or13 exhaustion13 diminish13 it13 In13 a13 more13 speciNic13 or13 medical13 context13 the13 original13 spirit13 is13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 brain13 which13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 mirrors13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heartmind

Thus13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 possibility13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 each13 human13 being13 to13 build13 their13 own13 heartmind13 and13 through13 it13 their13 own13 awareness13 and13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 reason13 in13 such13 a13 way13 that13 they13 behave13 according13 to13 the13 order13 and13 patterns13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 It13 is13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 operating13 through13 the13 human13 heartmindIn13 Daoism13 it13 leads13 up13 to13 the13 union13 with13 the13 Dao13

13 10

Therefore13 what13 is13 called13 spirit13 allows13 the13 responsibility13 of13 a13 human13 for13 his13 own13 life13 and13 behaviorTo13 embody13 the13 spirit13 is13 to13 open13 the13 heart13 to13 nature13 to13 natural13 order13 to13 Heaven13 to13 enlighten13 the13 intelligence13 knowledge13 and13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 fulNill13 onersquos13 destiny13 and13 also13 at13 the13 same13 time13 to13 nourish13 onersquos13 life13 and13 that13 of13 the13 others

As13 the13 Huainan13 zi13 said13

Its13 movements13 are13 hidden13 from13 sight13 (wu13 xing13 無13 形)13 and13 its13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變13 化)13 are13 godlike13 (ru13 shen13 若13 神)13 it13 does13 not13 leave13 any13 traces13 behind13 in13 its13 progress13 it13 is13 ever13 in13 the13 lead13 though13 always13 coming13 behind13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)13

More13 than13 attracting13 external13 spirits13 into13 his13 body13 it13 is13 the13 process13 of13 internalization13 the13 building13 13 of13 an13 inner13 life13 which13 is13 real13 it13 creates13 the13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 all13 lifes13 the13 foundation13 of13 all13 reality13

The13 spirit13 no13 one13 knows13 its13 limits13 with13 a13 natural13 clarity13 it13 knows13 all13 that13 exists13 Safeguard13 it13 within13 and13 donrsquot13 let13 it13 slip13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 (external)13 beings13 disturb13 the13 sense13 organs13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 sense13 organs13 disturb13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心13 )13 13 this13 is13 called13 to13 grasp13 the13 core13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 Neiye)

313 Clear13 and13 unclear13 spirit

But13 this13 potentiality13 of13 becoming13 like13 a13 spirit13 and13 building13 oneself13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 is13 not13 easily13 done13 The13 human13 heart13 is13 weak13 and13 proned13 to13 indulge13 in13 desires13 and13 passions13 This13 means13 that13 a13 human13 will13 achieve13 this13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 this13 building13 of13 themselves13 as13 a13 spirit13 in13 various13 degrees13 of13 imperfectionperfection13

The13 Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 independently13 exists13 (在)13 Its13 going13 and13 coming13 no13 one13 is13 able13 to13 contemplateLose13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 confused13 (luan13 亂)13 obtain13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 well13 regulated13 (zhi13 治)13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 NeiyeTransl13 W13 Allyn13 Rickett)

Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 or13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 is13 used13 to13 speak13 of13 how13 a13 human13 being13 personiNies13 the13 spirit13 by13 the13 quality13 and13 ruling13 of13 their13 heartmind13 This13 fulNilment13 is13 often13 far13 away13 from13 the13 endowment13 of13 their13 own13 original13 nature13 from13 what13 they13 were13 destined13 to13 become13 by13 HeavenThe13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 called13 spirit13 or13 vital13 spirit13 whatever13 the13 quality13 actually13 achieved

The13 human13 able13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 is13 in13 harmony13 and13 joy13 The13 movement13 and13 interchange13 of13 their13 qi13 are13 regular13 ensuring13 a13 perfect13 mental13 balance13 and13 perfect13 health

Water13 that13 is13 still13 gives13 back13 a13 clear13 image13 of13 beard13 and13 eyebrows13 reposing13 in13 the13 water13 level13 it13 offers13 a13 measure13 to13 the13 great13 carpenter13 And13 if13 water13 in13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 possesses13 such13 clarity13 (ming13 明)13 how13 much13 more13 must13 pure13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 The13 sagersquos13 mind13 (heart13 xin13 心)13 in13 stillness13 is13 the13 mirror13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 the13 glass13 of13 the13 ten13 thousang13 things13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1313 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

13 11

The13 fulNilment13 as13 spirit13 allows13 the13 human13 mind13 to13 be13 one13 with13 the13 universe13 and13 to13 have13 an13 intimate13 knowledge13 (not13 only13 an13 intellectual13 one)13 of13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 It13 also13 allows13 one13 to13 perceive13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 oneself13 and13 to13 see13 them13 as13 what13 has13 to13 be13 undertaken13 as13 the13 laquowill13 of13 Heavenraquo

But13 if13 it13 is13 not13 the13 case13 the13 texts13 speak13 of13 blind13 dull13 and13 poor13 spirits13 of13 how13 to13 exhaust13 his13 spirits13 by13 relying13 on13 accumulated13 knowledge613 and13 onersquos13 own13 willUsing13 onersquos13 mind13 badly13 poorly13 inadequately13 wears13 out13 vitality13 it13 starts13 with13 delusion13 misconception13 due13 to13 what13 we13 believe13 what13 we13 are13 sure13 we13 know13 what13 we13 want13 and13 desireThus13 the13 importance13 of13 cultivating13 onersquos13 heart13 cleaning13 the13 mirror13 emptying13 the13 heart

To13 appease13 the13 passions13 and13 diminish13 the13 desires13 to13 calm13 agitation13 and13 stop13 bustle13 is13 always13 at13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 spiritual13 path13 a13 prerequisite13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit13 It13 is13 also13 necessary13 to13 have13 not13 only13 a13 healthly13 mind13 but13 a13 mind13 free13 of13 any13 prejudice13 likes13 and13 dislikes13 in13 order13 to13 see13 things13 and13 beings13 as13 they13 are13 And13 consequently13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 movements13 of13 life13 with13 their13 patterns13 the13 natural13 order13 as13 it13 is13 and13 not13 the13 vision13 or13 reasoning13 we13 indulge13 in13 because13 of13 our13 desires13 emotions13 ambitions13 passions

Calming13 down13 is13 more13 than13 just13 absence13 of13 agitation13 It13 is13 to13 reach13 the13 state13 of13 equilibrium13 from13 where13 activity13 and13 rest13 Nind13 their13 balance13 and13 appropriate13 time13 and13 strength

The13 sage13 rests13 with13 rest13 comes13 peaceful13 ease13 with13 peaceful13 ease13 comes13 limpidity13 and13 where13 there13 is13 ease13 and13 limpidity13 care13 and13 worry13 cannot13 get13 at13 him13 noxious13 airs13 (evil13 pathogenic13 qi13 xie13 qi13 邪氣)13 cannot13 assault13 him13 Therefore13 his13 Virtue13 is13 complete13 and13 his13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 unimpaired13 []13 Pure13 spirit13 (vial13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 reaches13 in13 the13 four13 directions13 [lows13 now13 this13 way13 now13 that13 -shy13 there13 is13 no13 place13 it13 does13 not13 extend13 to13 Above13 it13 brushes13 Heaven13 below13 it13 coils13 on13 the13 earth13 It13 transforms13 and13 nurses13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 but13 no13 one13 can13 make13 out13 its13 form13 Its13 name13 is13 called13 One-shywith-shyHeaven13 The13 way13 to13 purity13 and13 whiteness13 is13 to13 guard13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 this13 alone13 guard13 it13 and13 never13 lose13 it13 and13 you13 will13 become13 one13 with13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 one13 with13 its13 pure13 essence13 (jing精)13 which13 communicates13 and13 mingles13 with13 the13 Heavenly13 Order13 (Zhuangzi13 ch1513 Transl13 B13 Watson)

By13 cultivating13 onersquos13 own13 spirit13 one13 is13 united13 with13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 the13 life13 force13 the13 pure13 vitality13 and13 follows13 its13 way13 to13 proceed13 with13 less13 and13 less13 effort

Not13 to13 accomplish13 onersquos13 spirit13 is13 to13 oppose13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 to13 separate13 oneself13 from13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 the13 universe13

A13 man13 is13 quiescent13 when13 bornThis13 is13 his13 Heaven-shyendowed13 nature13 He13 moves13 when13 aroused13 This13 is13 the13 stirring13 of13 that13 nature13 The13 human13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 responds13 when13 things13 come13 on13 to13 senseThis13 is13 the13 movement13 of13 the13 intellect13 (zhi13 知)13 When13 the13 intellect13 comes13 into13 contact13 with13 things13 feelings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 are13 produced13 When13 these13 fellings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 have13 taken13 shape13 and13 the13 intellect13 has13 been13 enticed13 from13 the13 outside13 one13 is13 unable13 to13 return13 to13 himself13 and13 the13 Heavenly13 principles13 (tian13 li13 天理)13 in13 him13 are13 destroyed13 []Thus13 when13 a13 man13 harbors13 a13 calculating13 heart13 in13 his13 breast13 the13 quality13 of13 his13 person13 is13 contaminated13 and13 his13 spirituality13 (shen13 神)13 is13 not13 kept13 whole13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)

13 12

613 There13 is13 a13 difference13 between13 Confucians13 and13 Daoists13 concerning13 the13 value13 agtributed13 to13 knowledge

As13 soon13 as13 one13 makes13 oneself13 able13 to13 see13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 of13 cosmic13 life13 what13 one13 perceives13 Nills13 onersquos13 heartmind13 and13 inNluences13 onersquos13 thought13 intention13 and13 action13 It13 is13 what13 guides13 his13 life13 what13 has13 to13 be13 done13 The13 Confucian13 attitude13 favors13 study13 learning13 willpower13 and13 a13 moral13 law13 whereas13 the13 Daoist13 perspective13 aims13 at13 reaching13 a13 natural13 behavior13 spontaneously13 What13 is13 common13 to13 both13 is13 the13 distinction13 between13 the13 person13 who13 get13 closer13 to13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 and13 the13 person13 who13 is13 to13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions

413 The13 Spirit13 and13 the13 HeartMind

The13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 the13 treasure13 of13 the13 heart13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)As13 we13 have13 already13 seen13 the13 relationship13 between13 the13 spirit13 and13 the13 heartmind13 is13 so13 strong13 and13 so13 close13 that13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 depends13 upon13 the13 presence13 or13 internalization13 or13 fulNilment13 of13 the13 spiritBesides13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 occurs13 through13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 and13 of13 course13 its13 working13 at13 the13 light13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 with13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 If13 the13 heartmind13 cannot13 put13 itself13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life13 it13 is13 ineffective13 for13 the13 spirit13 Human13 intelligence13 alone13 is13 not13 able13 to13 acceed13 to13 the13 true13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 their13 underlying13 patternsThe13 heartmind13 encompasses13 all13 that13 is13 emotional13 psychological13 intellectual13 mental13 spiritual13 and13 also13 what13 is13 physically13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 circulation13 the13 beating13 which13 indicates13 life13 these13 various13 aspects13 act13 and13 react13 continuously13 one13 with13 the13 others13 So13 the13 heartmind13 can13 easily13 go13 astray13 and13 leaves13 the13 way13 of13 life

By13 nature13 (xing13 性)13 a13 human13 possesses13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 a13 heart13 that13 allows13 knowledge13 (xin13 zhi13 心知13 )13 Grief13 as13 well13 as13 joy13 elation13 or13 anger13 do13 not13 exist13 permanently13 within13 They13 are13 reactions13 to13 the13 stimulation13 of13 objects13 It13 is13 then13 that13 the13 Art13 of13 the13 Heart13 (xin13 shu13 心術13 )13 intervenes13 (xing13 行)13 (Liji13 Yueji)

Knowledge13 is13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 as13 is13 the13 control13 or13 lack13 of13 control13 on13 the13 emotions13 The13 quality13 of13 the13 awareness13 depends13 on13 the13 cleverness13 the13 emotions13 but13 also13 on13 the13 very13 bodily13 and13 physical13 situation13 And13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 commands13 all13 what13 happen13 in13 the13 body13 all13 movements13 of13 qi

The13 Confucian13 thinker13 Xun13 zi13 devotes13 a13 chapter13 to13 this13 question13 Here13 are13 some13 sentences13

How13 can13 a13 human13 know13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 Way13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 And13 how13 is13 the13 heartmind13 able13 of13 such13 a13 knowledge13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 emptyness13 (xu13 虛)13 his13 unifying13 power13 (yi13 壹)13 and13 his13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

When13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 guided13 by13 the13 principles13 (of13 the13 natural13 order13 li13 理)13 and13 nourished13 with13 purity13 when13 no13 external13 object13 unbalances13 it13 then13 it13 is13 enough13 for13 it13 to13 determine13 right13 and13 wrong13 to13 decide13 on13 any13 uncertainty13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 the13 sovereign13 (jun13 君)13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 master13 (zhu13 主)13 of13 the13 spiritlike13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 13 (Xun13 zi13 ch21)

13 13

513 The13 spirit13 leaving13 the13 body13 at13 death

Traditionally13 at13 death13 the13 spirit13 joins13 Heaven13 to13 become13 the13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 who13 will13 be13 honored13 in13 the13 ceremonies13 of13 the13 ancestral13 worship13 at13 least13 for13 some13 generations13 The13 body13 returns13 to13 the13 Earth

The13 vital13 spirits13 will13 re-shyenter13 the13 gate13 and13 the13 body13 frame13 revert13 to13 its13 roots13 how13 can13 lsquoIrsquo13 continue13 to13 exist13 13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)The13 question13 of13 the13 survival13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 after13 death13 is13 too13 complex13 to13 be13 addressed13 here13 We13 can13 just13 notice13 that13 the13 Huainanzi13 states13 that13 the13 laquoIraquo13 who13 is13 presently13 living13 disappears13 at13 death13 the13 laquoIraquo13 exists13 only13 thanks13 to13 the13 merging13 of13 body13 and13 spirit13 But13 it13 does13 not13 imply13 that13 death13 is13 the13 end13 of13 everything13 There13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 what13 was13 my13 body13 continuing13 the13 transformation13 of13 the13 substance13 in13 the13 Earth13 And13 there13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 my13 vital13 spirit13 but13 not13 as13 the13 laquoIraquo13 or13 the13 laquoegoraquo13 The13 one13 who13 wants13 to13 survive13 as13 a13 self13 is13 in13 delusion13 and13 weakens13 his13 own13 spirit13 through13 this13 desire13

In13 the13 perspective13 of13 the13 Huainanzi13 a13 text13 mostly13 of13 Daoist13 vision13 the13 one13 who13 is13 able13 to13 forget13 his13 own13 self13 enables13 his13 vital13 spirit13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao

They13 dwell13 in13 a13 space13 that13 cannot13 contain13 settle13 in13 a13 place13 that13 is13 nowhere13 they13 move13 in13 the13 formless13 are13 still13 in13 the13 bodyless13 They13 are13 present13 as13 if13 vanished13 and13 live13 as13 if13 dead13 They13 enter13 and13 leave13 where13 there13 is13 no13 opening13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 as13 servants13 They13 are13 engulfed13 by13 the13 unfathomable13 and13 enter13 into13 what13 has13 no13 opening13 in13 order13 to13 be13 moulded13 into13 different13 formsendings13 and13 beginnings13 are13 like13 a13 circle13 no-shyone13 can13 grasp13 their13 succession13 This13 is13 how13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 able13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 713 Monkey13 press)

Merged13 with13 the13 Dao13 the13 vital13 spirit13 of13 a13 human13 is13 one13 with13 the13 axis13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 the13 source13 of13 all13 that13 happens13 Therefore13 this13 vital13 spirit13 can13 be13 said13 to13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits713 as13 servants13 since13 they13 are13 the13 agents13 behind13 the13 life-shy‐giving13 and13 life-shy‐maintening13 transformations

613 The13 various13 status13 of13 spirit13 (shen)13 in13 a13 human13 body

From13 what13 has13 been13 said13 we13 can13 see13 that13 the13 term13 shen13 spirit13 may13 be13 used13 at13 several13 levels13 -shy‐ What13 is13 at13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 each13 life13 allowing13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 transformations13 making13 life13 according13 to13 the13 natural13 order-shy‐ the13 potentiality13 of13 the13 human13 heart13 with13 its13 functioning13 as13 my13 mind13 my13 awareness13 intelligence13 consciousness13 hellip-shy‐ the13 actual13 fulNilment13 of13 this13 heart13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 falling13 prey13 to13 desires13 and13 passions13 and13 becoming13 more13 and13 more13 unable13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 order13 of13 life13 and13 its13 underlying13 patterns13 and13 consequently13 to13 guide13 the13 conduct13 of13 life-shy‐ what13 will13 join13 Heaven13 after13 death13 as13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 or13 as13 a13 companion13 of13 the13 Way13

13 14

713 Ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 13 the13 spirits13 of13 Earth13 and13 those13 of13 Heaven

-shy‐ IV13 SPIRIT(S)13 IN13 MEDICINE

In13 this13 part13 we13 will13 just13 give13 a13 rapid13 survey13 of13 the13 concept13 of13 spirit13 shen13 神13 in13 the13 main13 classical13 medical13 texts813 without13 going13 into13 a13 detailed13 presentation13 and13 without13 speaking13 of13 the13 pathologies13 both13 of13 the13 body13 and13 of13 the13 mind13 which13 are13 related13 to13 the13 spirit

We13 mainly13 try13 to13 show13 how13 this13 concept13 of13 spirit13 in13 the13 medical13 theory13 is13 rooted13 in13 the13 conceptions13 of13 the13 scholars13 of13 the13 VthIInd13 centuries13 BC

1 External13 power13

Even13 if13 the13 medical13 texts13 are13 generally13 concerned13 with13 the13 human13 spirit13 acting13 inside13 a13 body13 they13 may13 also13 use13 the13 concept13 when13 speaking13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 universe13 Some13 of13 the13 best13 examples13 are13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch513 one13 of13 the13 key13 texts13 in13 the13 establishment13 of13 the13 medical13 theory13 Some13 example13

Speaking13 of13 the13 order13 perceived13 in13 nature13 13

Since13 clear13 yang13 rises13 to13 Heaven13 and13 turbid13 yin13 returns13 to13 Earth13 HeavenEarth13 feel13 the13 effects13 of13 movement13 and13 rest13 and13 the13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 forms13 the13 net13 of13 laws13 and13 principles13 Thus13 through13 a13 process13 of13 generating13 growth13 gathering13 and13 burying13 everything13 reaches13 its13 term13 and13 starts13 again13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

When13 speaking13 of13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 life13 manifestations13 of13 what13 is13 beyond13 the13 analysis13 and13 undertanding13 by13 the13 laws13 of13 yin13 yang13 and13 Five13 elements13 precisely13 in13 order13 to13 introduce13 the13 great13 presentation13 of13 the13 correlations13 based13 on13 the13 Five13 elements13 which13 expresses13 the13 cosmic13 order13

In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 the13 deep13 mystery13 In13 Man13 it13 is13 the13 Way13 On13 Earth13 it13 is13 transformationTransformation13 produces13 the13 [ive13 tastes13 The13 Way13 produces13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 deep13 mystery13 produces13 the13 spirits13 The13 spirits13 13 In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 wind13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 wood13 (element)13 of13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 it13 is13 muscular13 movement13 of13 the13 zang13 organ13 it13 is13 the13 liver13 13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

The13 spirits13 which13 are13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 cosmic13 life13 are13 also13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 each13 human13 being13 starting13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 forming13 his13 life13 body13 and13 mind

When13 two13 spirits13 (liang13 shen13 兩神)13 embrace13 their13 union13 gives13 form13 to13 a13 body13 Always13 that13 which13 comes13 [irst13 (xian先)13 in13 the13 personal13 life13 (expressed13 through13 a13 body13 shen13 sheng13 身生)13 is13 called13 the13 essences13 (vitality13 jing13 精)13 (Lingshu13 ch30)

The13 two13 spirits13 are13 a13 pair13 which13 means13 that13 they13 are13 different13 even13 opposite13 but13 in13 the13 same13 time13 complementary13 13 Here13 they13 are13 the13 yin13 yang13 couple13 formed13 by13 the13 male13 (father)13 and13 the13 female13 (mother)13 each13 been13 seen13 as13 participating13 to13 the13 natural13 production13 of13 life13

13 15

813 As13 for13 instance13 the13 Huangdi13 Neijing13 the13 Inner13 Classic13 of13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

2 Limits13 of13 this13 paper

This13 paper13 deals13 only13 with13 the13 notion13 as13 it13 appears13 in13 inscriptions13 and13 texts13 before13 the13 Christian13 era13 Which13 means13 that13 there13 will13 be13 no13 mention13 or13 discussion13 of13 a13 more13 popular13 or13 general13 use13 of13 the13 term13 rather13 a13 presentation13 of13 the13 notion13 in13 the13 works13 of13 those13 who13 were13 highly13 educated13 and13 meditated13 on13 the13 nature13 and13 destiny13 of13 the13 human13 being

Needless13 to13 say13 in13 this13 paper13 I13 am13 limited13 in13 time13 and13 cannot13 go13 into13 much13 further13 detail

13 2

II13 THE13 SPIRITS13 AS13 POWERS13 EXISTING13 OUTSIDE13 THE13 HUMAN13 BODY

113 Powers13 from13 above

Before13 the13 Nirst13 appareance13 of13 the13 character13 shen13 神13 itself13 there13 was13 a13 strong13 belief13 in13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 as13 well13 as13 in13 the13 spirits13 as13 natural13 forces13 They13 were13 close13 and13 sometimes13 the13 same13 13 a13 powerful13 dead13 ancestor13 might13 become13 a13 god13 attached13 to13 a13 natural13 phenomenon13 In13 Heaven13 they13 were13 around13 and13 submitted13 to13 the13 supreme13 deity13 called13 the13 High13 Sovereign13 or13 emperor13 above13 (shang13 di13 上帝)13 who13 probably13 was13 also13 the13 Nirst13 ancestor13 (of13 the13 dynasty13 of13 the13 king13 lineage)

One13 of13 the13 most13 important13 themes13 found13 on13 the13 ancient13 inscriptions13 (jiaguwen)13 is13 the13 spiritswind13 More13 precisely13 the13 Four13 Phoenix-shy‐Winds13 four13 spirits13 represented13 as13 phoenixes13 (feng13 鳳)13 who13 send13 inNluences13 on13 earth13 as13 the13 wind13 (feng13 風13 )13 does13 They13 are13 sent13 by13 the13 High13 Sovereign13 on13 the13 Four13 territories13 forming13 the13 Earth13 to13 bring13 life13 to13 each13 of13 them13 according13 to13 their13 natural13 position

What13 appears13 nowdays13 as13 a13 metaphor13 was13 then13 most13 probably13 believed13 to13 be13 a13 reality13 13 13 the13 wind13 brings13 life13 from13 heaven13 on13 Earth13 13 it13 penetrates13 the13 earth13 through13 its13 opening13 at13 the13 image13 of13 the13 caverns13 in13 the13 moutains13 (feng13 xue13 風穴)13 which13 are13 also13 where13 the13 phoenixes13 dwell13 at13 sunset13 Blowing13 in13 the13 spring13 it13 triggers13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 leading13 to13 germination13 growing13 of13 the13 vegetation13 and13 maturing13 of13 grains13

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Wind13 and13 spirit13 (and13 qi13 later)13 share13 the13 same13 basic13 qualities13 13 they13 bring13 life13 from13 Heaven13 on13 Earth13 they13 start13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 leading13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 to13 take13 form13 according13 to13 its13 proper13 quality13 They13 allow13 the13 manifestation13 on13 Earth13 of13 what13 is13 above

As13 it13 is13 said13 in13 the13 Shuowen13 Jiezi13 The13 spirits13 are13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 (tian13 shen13 天神)13 who13 lead13 all13 the13 beings13 to13 appear

13 3

213 The13 character13 shen13 神

On13 Western13 Zhou13 dynasty13 bronzes13 (1046-shy‐77013 BC)13 the13 character13 appears13 like13 13 1033649 103365013 and13 with13 the13 meaning13 of13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 all13 the13 spirits13 who13 are13 around13 the13 High13 sovereign13 (shang13 di13 上帝)13 13 Even13 in13 its13 archaic13 forms13 it13 is13 made13 with13 two13 parts13 13 示13 and13 申13

On13 the13 left13 the13 radical13 the13 character13 shi13 示13 This13 very13 old13 character13 appears13 on13 the13 jiaguwen13 (prior13 to13 the13 XIth13 century13 BC)13 as13 for13 instance13 103460610346071034608103460913 and13 with13 the13 meaning13 of13 the13 place13 where13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 manifest13 themselves13 during13 the13 sacriNice13 (worship13 of13 the13 ancestor)13 and13 by13 extension13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 But13 as13 early13 as13 the13 Eastern13 Zhou13 dynasty13 (77013 -shy‐13 221)13 the13 character13 takes13 the13 meaning13 of13 manifestation13 especially13 from13 Heaven13 or13 in13 heaven13 such13 as13 omen13 portent13 presage13 warning13 (especially13 from13 above)13 later13 it13 simply13 means13 to13 show13 to13 manifest13 to13 demonstrate13

On13 the13 right13 the13 phonetic13 part13 the13 character13 shen13 申13 which13 also13 seems13 to13 play13 a13 role13 concerning13 the13 meaning13 since13 it13 had13 been13 used13 on13 some13 Western13 Zhou13 bronzes13 with13 the13 meaning13 of13 the13 complete13 character13 神13 ie13 laquospirits13 of13 the13 ancestorsraquoThe13 character13 shen13 申13 itself13 has13 been13 used13 from13 very13 ancient13 times13 to13 indicate13 dates13 and13 a13 period13 of13 time13 it13 is13 the13 ninth13 of13 the13 Twelve13 earthy13 branches13 It13 also13 conveys13 the13 ideas13 of13 13 expansion13 to13 extend13 to13 stretch13 and13 of13 showing13 to13 notify13 to13 report13 (to13 a13 superior)

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praying13 as13 in13 13 13 or13 13 13 13 while13 others13 see13 an13 extension13 as13 in 103363810324181033640103364210324171033643

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3 Role13 of13 the13 spirits

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Divination13 occupied13 a13 salient13 place13 in13 this13 ancient13 society13 and13 was13 also13 seen13 as13 a13 communication13 between13 the13 humans13 and13 the13 spirits13 They13 manifested13 themselves13 through13 the13 crackings13 of13 the13 turtle13 shell13 and13 their13 interpretation13 answered13 to13 the13 question13 asked13 by13 the13 prince13 and13 allowed13 him13 to13 take13 the13 right13 decision13 with13 the13 support13 of13 his13 ancestors13 of13 the13 spirits

13 4

4 The13 evolution13 during13 the13 Zhou13 dynasty

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Similarly13 if13 a13 prince13 wants13 to13 increase13 his13 territory13 it13 is13 not13 a13 good13 move13 to13 pray13 to13 a13 spirit13 and13 offer13 him13 sacriNice13 asking13 him13 beneNit13 for13 oneself13 while13 not13 paying13 attention13 to13 the13 actual13 state13 of13 the13 people313 Better13 to13 take13 care13 of13 his13 kingdom13 and13 his13 people13 and13 assure13 them13 peace13 and13 prosperity13 Thus13 the13 kingdom13 of13 this13 prince13 may13 get13 larger13 and13 his13 power13 bigger13 thanks13 to13 a13 natural13 movement13 since13 his13 people13 will13 be13 loyal13 to13 him13 and13 the13 foreigners13 attracted13 by13 a13 rich13 country13 But13 a13 prince13 who13 is13 unable13 to13 bring13 harmony13 on13 his13 own13 territory13 cannot13 ask13 for13 more13 it13 will13 be13 a13 contradiction13 in13 the13 natural13 order13 that13 no13 spirit13 could13 favor13 The13 prince13 is13 unable13 to13 do13 so13 because13 he13 is13 not13 himself13 in13 harmony13 being13 full13 of13 selNish13 desire13 and13 ambition13 by13 this13 attitude13 he13 estranges13 the13 spirits

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Fan13 Chi13 inquired13 about13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 Master13 replied13 lsquoTo13 devote13 yourself13 to13 what13 is13 appropriate13 for13 the13 people13 and13 to13 show13 respect13 for13 the13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 while13 keeping13 them13 at13 a13 distance13 can13 be13 called13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)rsquo13 (Lunyu13 VI2213 Transl13 Ames13 amp13 Rosemont)13 13

To13 keep13 the13 spirits13 at13 a13 distance13 means13 13 not13 to13 treat13 them13 casually13 with13 a13 lack13 of13 reserve13 and13 also13 most13 probably13 not13 to13 approach13 them13 with13 sacriNices13 to13 please13 them13 in13 order13 to13 obtain13 favors13 as13 the13 courtiers13 do13 to13 gain13 the13 favor13 of13 a13 human13 prince13 Respect13 and13 distance13 are13 the13 two13 master13 words

513 The13 intrinsic13 relationship13 between13 spirits13 and13 Heaven

As13 we13 saw13 the13 Shang13 dynasty13 (circa13 180013 -shy‐13 105013 BC)13 believed13 in13 a13 kind13 a13 supreme13 deity13 the13 Emperor13 from13 above13 (shang13 di13 上帝)13 who13 sent13 spirits13 phoenixes13 or13 wind13 as13 his13 messengers13 to13 the13 world13 below13 to13 incite13 life13 When13 this13 dynasty13 was13 overcome13 by13 the13 Zhou13 dynasty13 the13 supreme13 power13 above13 shifted13 to13 HeavenTian13 天13 Heaven13 implies13 the13 notion13 of13 nature13 natural13 power13 and13 natural13 order13 the13 order13 which13 is13 behind13 and13 beyond13 all13 manifestions13 of13 life13 in13 all13 the13 creatures13 or13 productions13 of13 the13 universe

13 5

213 See13 for13 instance13 Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 first13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhao

313 See13 Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 32nd13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhuang

In13 brief13 the13 main13 features13 of13 Heaven13 (as13 found13 in13 the13 classical13 texts)13 are13 -shy‐13 The13 laquoAugust13 Heavenraquo13 (huang13 tian13 皇天)13 the13 power13 taking13 the13 place13 of13 the13 High13 Sovereign13 watching13 the13 behavior13 of13 everyone13 on13 Earth13 sending13 punishment13 and13 blessing13 hellip-shy‐13 The13 atmospheric13 and13 natural13 power13 regulating13 the13 seasons13 sending13 the13 different13 qi13 (氣)13 on13 Earth13 to13 produce13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 and13 stimulate13 the13 transformations13 which13 give13 and13 maintain13 life-shy‐ The13 power13 which13 governs13 and13 regulates13 all13 natural13 activities13 Nature13 itself13 natural13 order13 everywhere13 in13 the13 universe-shy‐ The13 common13 origin13 of13 all13 beings13 the13 power13 which13 is13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 life13 in13 any13 being13 and13 endows13 each13 being13 with13 his13 true13 original13 nature-shy‐ Thus13 the13 power13 determining13 individual13 destiny13 which13 is13 to13 know13 and13 fulNill13 onersquos13 true13 nature-shy‐13 The13 presence13 in13 the13 human13 heart13 of13 a13 kind13 of13 laquomoral13 lawraquo13 the13 ability13 to13 discern13 the13 natural13 order13 and13 to13 submit13 to13 it13 to13 fulNill13 his13 destiny13 ie13 to13 behave13 according13 to13 what13 he13 is13 destined13 by13 Heaven13 or13 Nature13 Or13 the13 presence13 within13 oneself13 of13 the13 spontaneous13 movement13 of13 life

Heaven13 sends13 its13 inNlux13 on13 Earth13 as13 three13 pairs13 of13 qi13 in13 a13 way13 which13 is13 not13 without13 reminding13 the13 way13 the13 Emperor13 from13 above13 sends13 his13 spirits13 on13 the13 Four13 territories13 of13 the13 Earth13

Heaven13 has13 Six13 Qi13 (tian13 you13 liu13 qi13 天有六氣)13 which13 descending13 generate13 the13 Five13 Tastes13 (jiang13 sheng13 wu13 wei13 13 降生五味)13 issue13 as13 the13 Five13 Colours13 (wu13 se13 五色)13 are13 evidenced13 by13 the13 Five13 Sounds13 (wu13 sheng13 五聲)13 and13 in13 excess13 generate13 the13 Six13 13 Diseases13 (yin13 sheng13 liu13 ji13 淫生六疾)13 The13 Six13 Qi13 are13 shade13 and13 sunshine13 (yin13 yang13 陰陽)13 wind13 and13 rain13 (feng13 yu13 風雨)13 dark13 and13 light13 (hui13 ming13 晦明)13 They13 divide13 (fen13 分)13 to13 make13 the13 Four13 Seasons13 in13 sequence13 make13 the13 Five13 Rhythms13 (wu13 jie13 五節)13 and13 in13 excess13 bring13 about13 calamity13 (Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 Nirst13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhao13 Transl13 A13 Graham)

The13 power13 to13 start13 the13 process13 of13 life13 which13 will13 bring13 all13 beings13 to13 appearance13 and13 completion13 along13 with13 the13 regularity13 of13 which13 the13 Four13 seasons13 are13 the13 paragon13 and13 emblem13 are13 what13 belongs13 to13 Heaven13 Consequently13 these13 qualities13 belong13 also13 to13 the13 spirits13 who13 are13 the13 agents13 of13 Heaven13 its13 messengers

The13 spirits13 are13 thus13 seen13 as13 what13 allows13 a13 life13 to13 take13 form13 and13 to13 integrate13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 (li13 理)13 which13 guide13 its13 natural13 developmentThe13 result13 is13 a13 universe13 where13 all13 the13 beings13 things13 phenomena13 coexist13 in13 harmony13 and13 beauty13 An13 idea13 which13 is13 found13 in13 different13 thinkers13 even13 if13 the13 consequences13 and13 lessons13 are13 understood13 in13 often13 divergent13 manners13 Let13 us13 give13 two13 examples13 from13 two13 differents13 authors

Zhuang13 zi13 (circa13 370-shy‐30013 BC)13 a13 thinker13 who13 is13 associated13 with13 the13 early13 Daoism13 and13 mysticism13 looks13 at13 it13 as13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 Dao13 (道)13 and13 the13 way13 to13 integrate13 it

Heaven13 and13 earth13 have13 their13 great13 beauties13 but13 do13 not13 speak13 of13 them13 the13 four13 seasons13 have13 their13 clear-shymarked13 regularity13 but13 do13 not13 discuss13 it13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 have13 their13 principles13 of13 growth13 (li13 理)13 but13 do13 not13 expound13 them13 The13 sage13 seeks13 out13 the13 beauties13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 and13 masters13 the13 principles13 of13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 Thus13 it13 is13 that13 the13 Perfect13 Man13 does13 not13 act13 the13 Great13 Sage13 does13 not13 move13 -shy13 they13 have13 perceived13 [the13 Way13 of]13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 we13 may13 say13 This13 way13 whose13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 is13 of13 the13 greatest13 purity13 (zhi13 jing13 至精)13 13 joins13 with13 others13 in13 a13 hundred13 transformations13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch2213 Transl13 B13 Watson)

13 6

The13 laquospiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)raquo13 is13 how13 both13 the13 splendor13 of13 nature13 and13 the13 order13 the13 principles13 underlying13 this13 great13 beauty13 appear13 through13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 is13 called13 laquospiritsraquo13 To13 understand13 these13 patterns13 is13 to13 know13 all13 that13 is13 possible13 to13 know13 with13 a13 human13 intelligence13 and13 to13 recognize13 the13 laquointelligenceraquo13 the13 natural13 cleverness13 and13 spontaneous13 order13 which13 is13 behind13 the13 manifestation13 of13 life13 to13 acknowledge13 the13 spirits13 as13 the13 agents13 allowing13 the13 processWe13 will13 come13 back13 to13 this13 laquospiritual13 brighnessraquo13 when13 it13 is13 a13 reality13 within13 a13 humanZhuang13 zi13 uses13 human13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 go13 beyond13 the13 intellectual13 the13 thought13 the13 will13 and13 become13 an13 entirely13 laquonaturalraquo13 being13 entirely13 acting13 through13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 his13 original13 nature13 from13 the13 Way13 of13 Heaven13 (tian13 dao13 天道)13 Such13 a13 man13 is13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 13 helping13 the13 emergence13 of13 beings13 and13 inspiring13 the13 transformations13 maintaining13 their13 lives

One13 of13 the13 most13 prominent13 Confucian13 thinkers13 Xun13 zi13 (circa13 298-shy‐23513 BC)13 spoke13 of13 the13 spirits13 in13 a13 very13 similar13 manner13 but13 with13 something13 different13 in13 mind13

Heaven13 has13 its13 seasons13 earth13 has13 its13 riches13 man13 has13 his13 government13 (zhi13 治)13 Hence13 man13 may13 form13 a13 triad13 with13 the13 other13 two13 (can13 參)13 But13 if13 he13 sets13 aside13 that13 which13 allows13 him13 to13 form13 a13 triad13 with13 the13 other13 two13 and13 longs13 for13 what13 they13 have13 then13 he13 is13 deluded13 The13 ranks13 of13 stars13 move13 in13 progression13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 shine13 in13 turn13 the13 four13 seasons13 succed13 each13 other13 in13 good13 order13 the13 yin13 and13 yang13 go13 through13 their13 great13 transformations13 (da13 hua13 大化)13 and13 the13 wind13 and13 rain13 pass13 over13 the13 whole13 land13 All13 things13 obtain13 what13 is13 congenial13 to13 them13 (qi13 he13 其和)13 and13 come13 to13 life13 receive13 what13 is13 nourishing13 to13 them13 and13 grow13 to13 completion13 One13 does13 not13 see13 the13 process13 taking13 place13 but13 sees13 only13 the13 results13 Thus13 it13 is13 called13 godlike13 (spirit13 shen13 神)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch1713 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 Xun13 zi13 text13 shows13 both13 the13 greatness13 and13 the13 weakness13 of13 humankind13 Great13 as13 co-shy‐producer13 of13 life13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 of13 the13 universe13 weak13 as13 the13 trouble-shy‐maker13 who13 destroys13 beauty13 and13 harmony13 and13 destroys13 his13 ability13 to13 perceive13 them13 simultaneously13 What13 enables13 a13 human13 being13 to13 participate13 fully13 and13 accurately13 in13 the13 life13 of13 the13 universe13 is13 his13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 recognize13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 (li13 理)13 of13 life13 its13 natural13 order13 intrinsic13 organization13 principles13 and13 to13 behave13 accordingly13 To13 recognize13 these13 patterns13 is13 to13 reason13 to13 have13 reason13 sagacity13 and13 wisdom13 as13 well13 as13 sanity13 of13 mind13 a13 good13 functionning13 of13 mental13 faculties13 of13 wits

These13 underlying13 patterns13 are13 what13 we13 can13 know13 of13 the13 spirits13 how13 the13 human13 mind13 observes13 recognizes13 and13 represents13 an13 order13 behind13 all13 manifestations13 of13 life13 It13 is13 well13 expressed13 in13 the13 Xici13 or13 Great13 Commentary13 to13 the13 Book13 of13 Change13 (Yijing13 dazhuan)13

Knowing13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 way13 (dao13 道)13 of13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變化)13 is13 how13 one13 knows13 the13 Spirits13 (Xici13 I13 9)

But13 the13 spirits13 in13 themselves13 are13 beyond13 our13 capacity13 of13 analyzing13 and13 explaining13 which13 are13 for13 instance13 the13 yin13 yang13 the13 Five13 elements13 hellip13

What13 cannot13 be13 probed13 by13 yin13 yang13 is13 called13 lsquospiritsrsquo13 (shen13 神)13 (Xici13 I13 5)

Such13 knowledge13 which13 includes13 the13 stopping13 of13 the13 mental13 knowledge13 where13 it13 has13 to13 stop13 is13 the13 true13 working13 of13 the13 human13 heart

Now13 we13 will13 examine13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirits13 within13 the13 human13 body

13 7

III13 THE13 SPIRITS13 AS13 PRESENT13 IN13 A13 HUMAN13 BODY13 -shy13 THE13 VITAL13 SPIRIT

While13 in13 very13 ancient13 times13 the13 spirits13 were13 those13 of13 Heaven13 or13 those13 of13 the13 deceased13 ancestors13 the13 conception13 gradually13 changed13 over13 time13 and13 laquospiritraquo13 (shen13 神)13 started13 to13 be13 used13 for13 either13 simply13 a13 quality13 of13 the13 human13 mind13 (as13 shrewdness13 subtle13 intelligence)13 or13 a13 reality13 inside13 the13 human13 body

There13 are13 several13 possible13 meanings13 to13 the13 presence13 of13 spirits13 inside13 the13 body13 of13 a13 living13 human13 It13 may13 be13 the13 possession13 of13 a13 person13 by13 a13 ghost13 the13 vengeful13 soul13 of13 a13 dead13 person13 Or13 possession13 by13 a13 deity13 or13 a13 sacred13 trance13 often13 induced13 voluntarily13 with13 the13 help13 of13 drugs13 (as13 mushrooms)413 It13 may13 be13 what13 is13 found13 in13 shamanism13 the13 embodiment13 of13 spirits13 by13 the13 shaman13 as13 the13 bridge13 between13 the13 world13 of13 the13 spirits13 and13 the13 world13 of13 mere13 humans13 an13 embodiment13 that13 allows13 the13 shaman13 to13 beneNit13 from13 more13 power13 In13 several13 Daoist13 narrations13 of13 what13 can13 be13 an13 actual13 personal13 experience13 spirits13 come13 inside13 the13 follower13 of13 the13 Dao13 attesting13 by13 their13 presence13 his13 communion13 with13 the13 Dao13 Later13 the13 Daoist13 priests13 also13 would13 attract13 spirits13 to13 perform13 rituals13 requiring13 great13 power13 They13 would13 have13 had13 rolls13 or13 lists13 of13 the13 spirits13 they13 were13 able13 to13 put13 at13 their13 service13 in13 some13 way13 as13 part13 of13 the13 transmission13 from13 their13 master13 and13 lineage13 Also13 in13 the13 Daoist13 practice13 the13 adept13 visualizes13 a13 great13 number13 of13 spirits13 dwelling13 in13 each13 place13 of13 his13 body13 as13 in13 the13 organs13 in13 the13 throat13 in13 the13 brain13 and13 so13 on

We13 will13 leave13 aside13 all13 these13 aspects13 to13 consider13 only13 the13 main13 reNlections13 found13 in13 the13 scholarly13 textsSeveral13 considerations13 appear13

1 Spirit13 and13 body

Spirit13 and13 human13 body13 have13 a13 speciNic13 relationship13 which13 is13 partly13 like13 the13 one13 we13 are13 familiar13 with13 13 they13 are13 not13 the13 same13 thing13 not13 at13 the13 same13 level13 (which13 might13 be13 different13 from13 not13 being13 of13 the13 same13 laquonatureraquo)13 and13 partly13 different13 -shy‐13 even13 conNlicting13 -shy‐13 owing13 to13 the13 fact13 that13 in13 a13 human13 being13 one13 cannot13 function13 without13 the13 other13 the13 perfection13 of13 one13 is13 the13 perfection13 of13 the13 other13

In13 the13 Daoist13 approach13 of13 Zhuang13 zi13

He13 who13 holds13 fast13 to13 the13 Way13 (dao13 道)13 is13 complete13 (quan13 全)13 in13 Virtue13 (de13 德)513 being13 complete13 in13 Virtue13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 body13 (xing13 形)13 being13 complete13 in13 body13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 to13 be13 complete13 in13 spirit13 is13 the13 Way13 of13 the13 sage13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1213 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

Or13 in13 a13 syncretic13 book13 composed13 around13 the13 middle13 of13 the13 third13 century13 BC13

Nature13 (Heaven13 tian天)13 produced13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yang13 principles13 cold13 and13 heat13 wet13 and13 dry13 the13 transformations13 (hua13 化)13 of13 the13 four13 seasons13 and13 the13 metamorphoses13 (bian 變13 )13 of13 the13 myriad13 things13 Each13 of13 these13 can13 produce13 bene[it13 or13 it13 can13 cause13 harm13 The13 sage13 scrutinizes13 what13 is13

13 8

413 See13 Chuci

513 Here13 virtue13 is13 more13 a13 vital13 power13 than13 a13 moral13 achievement

appropriate13 to13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yan13 and13 discriminates13 what13 is13 bene[icial13 in13 the13 myriad13 things13 in13 order13 to13 enhance13 life13 Thus13 the13 vital13 essence13 and13 the13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 being13 secure13 within13 the13 bodily13 frame13 (xing13 形)13 the13 personrsquos13 life13 span13 is13 extended13 (Luumlshi13 chunqiu13 III13 213 Transl13 J13 Knobloch13 amp13 J13 Riegel)

The13 life13 of13 an13 human13 being13 is13 the13 coming13 together13 of13 the13 substance13 of13 a13 body13 and13 spirit13 As13 long13 as13 they13 remain13 together13 this13 being13 is13 alive13 their13 separation13 is13 his13 death13 as13 the13 separation13 may13 occur13 due13 to13 the13 weakness13 or13 unbalance13 of13 either13 the13 body13 form13 or13 the13 spirit13 both13 have13 to13 be13 taking13 care13 of13 in13 order13 to13 preserve13 enough13 harmony13 in13 their13 relationship

That13 is13 obvious13 in13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 relations13 13 these13 two13 kinds13 of13 laquosoulsraquo13 spiritual13 (Hun)13 and13 corporeal13 (Po)13 are13 the13 double13 animation13 from13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 in13 a13 human13 Life13 is13 their13 embrace13 and13 death13 their13 separation

The13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 what13 is13 received13 from13 Heaven13 and13 the13 physical13 body13 is13 that13 which13 is13 provided13 by13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Between13 Hun13 and13 Po13 or13 between13 spirit13 and13 body13 there13 is13 the13 same13 relationship13 as13 between13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 13 hierarchy13 and13 interdependency13 One13 cannot13 exist13 without13 the13 other13 it13 is13 their13 interaction13 and13 co-shy‐penetration13 which13 maintains13 life13 Nevertheless13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Heaven13 13 Hun13 soul13 spirit13 is13 more13 subtle13 has13 the13 capacity13 of13 knowledge13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 consequently13 must13 be13 in13 control13 of13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Earth13 13 Po13 body

213 The13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit(s)

Are13 these13 spirits13 inside13 a13 human13 body13 laquoembodied13 spiritsraquo13 spirits13 existing13 outside13 this13 human13 body13 and13 being13 attracted13 welcome13 hosted13 in13 it13 13 Or13 are13 they13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 this13 human13 and13 appear13 only13 in13 his13 body13 thanks13 to13 this13 body13 and13 its13 speciNic13 human13 quality13

Most13 probably13 the13 question13 was13 not13 asked13 in13 those13 terms13 and13 the13 answer13 not13 so13 clear-shy‐cut13 Nevertheless13 some13 ideas13 can13 emerge13

The13 spirits13 can13 dwell13 in13 a13 human13 body13 because13 of13 the13 quality13 of13 its13 vitality13 as13 expressed13 in13 its13 very13 substance

Coarse13 qi13 made13 small13 creatures13 pure13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 made13 humans13 Therefore13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 belong13 to13 Heaven13 and13 the13 bodily13 frame13 belongs13 to13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Is13 Heaven13 sending13 spirits13 into13 a13 human13 body13 13 Or13 is13 it13 natural13 to13 human13 life13 to13 possess13 spirit13 13 There13 is13 no13 real13 difference13 between13 these13 two13 phrases13 The13 speciNic13 quality13 which13 enables13 a13 human13 to13 be13 partner13 of13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 in13 the13 universe13 has13 to13 be13 both13 in13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 and13 in13 the13 ability13 of13 the13 mind13 These13 two13 correspond13 and13 they13 need13 to13 exist13 together13 The13 same13 subtlety13 is13 found13 in13 both13 and13 called13 13 subtle13 reNined13 pure13 seminal13 vital13 essential13 (jing13 精)13 If13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 is13 not13 kept13 pure13 enough13 if13 its13 laquoessencesraquo13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 then13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 spirit13 cannot13 be13 subtle13 and13 clear13 And13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 cannot13 remain13 in13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 how13 could13 it13 command13 adequately13 how13 the13 body13 operates13 and13 how13 life13 is13 nourished13 properly13

13 9

It13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 human13 body13 is13 the13 utmost13 perfect13 form13 among13 all13 that13 exists13 and13 why13 this13 body13 may13 be13 seen13 as13 a13 replica13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 the13 cosmic13 order

Thus13 the13 roundness13 of13 the13 head13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Heaven13 the13 square13 made13 by13 the13 feet13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Earth13 Heaven13 has13 four13 seasons13 [ive13 agents13 (or13 elements13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 nine13 disentanglements13 and13 36613 days13 Similarly13 Man13 has13 four13 limbs13 [ive13 organs13 (wu13 zang13 五藏)13 nine13 ori[ices13 and13 36613 articulations13 Heaven13 has13 wind13 and13 rain13 cold13 and13 heat13 and13 Man13 has13 taking13 and13 giving13 joy13 and13 angerThrough13 the13 correspondence13 of13 the13 gallbladder13 to13 clouds13 the13 lung13 to13 qi13 the13 liver13 to13 wind13 the13 kidneys13 to13 rain13 the13 spleen13 to13 thunder13 Man13 is13 in13 intimate13 association13 (can13 參)13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 and13 the13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 So13 the13 ear13 and13 eye13 are13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 blood13 and13 qi13 are13 wind13 and13 rain13 hellip13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)

Every13 human13 being13 is13 in13 charge13 of13 keeping13 or13 recovering13 this13 natural13 order13 in13 himself13 if13 he13 does13 not13 it13 brings13 him13 disorder13 diseases13 calamities13 on13 himself13 and13 in13 the13 world13

The13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 being13 has13 to13 be13 implemented13 It13 is13 like13 a13 potential13 development13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 a13 human13 to13 develop13 oneself13 to13 become13 spiritlike

Concentrate13 your13 qi13 (氣)13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 (ru13 shen13 如神)13 (Guanzi13 ch13 Neiye)

This13 potentiality13 is13 present13 from13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 the13 human13 body13 at13 conception13 and13 during13 gestation13 In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 the13 spiritwind13 -shy‐13 or13 the13 lightning13 -shy‐13 starts13 life13 in13 spring13 (the13 process13 of13 transformation13 which13 will13 lead13 to13 maturation13 ripeness13 and13 crops)13 a13 spiritual13 presence13 inhabits13 the13 qi13 which13 starts13 the13 formation13 of13 an13 embryo13 In13 a13 human13 being13 this13 presence13 is13 especially13 strong13 meaning13 that13 what13 is13 given13 by13 Heaven13 prevails13 and13 enables13 the13 human13 heartmind13 to13 build13 knowledge13 discernment13 and13 awarenessWhen13 a13 child13 is13 born13 laquoall13 the13 spirits13 are13 completeraquo13 he13 or13 she13 has13 all13 that13 is13 needed13 to13 build13 a13 vital13 spirit13 to13 have13 a13 heartmind13 working13 with13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit

What13 is13 called13 original13 spirits13 (yuan13 shen13 元神)13 is13 mainly13 understood13 as13 the13 power13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 processes13 of13 life13 emanating13 from13 the13 impenetrable13 mystery13 of13 Heaven13 source13 of13 life13 In13 each13 human13 it13 is13 part13 of13 their13 original13 endowment13 In13 a13 Daoist13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 human13 being13 perfectly13 merged13 with13 those13 of13 Heaven13 moving13 without13 impediment13 through13 the13 inNinite13 spaces13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 companions13 to13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 In13 a13 more13 common13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirit13 which13 gives13 the13 human13 heartmind13 its13 clear-shy‐sightedness13 and13 intelligence13 and13 which13 makes13 it13 possible13 for13 the13 heart13 to13 recognize13 more13 and13 more13 clearly13 the13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 its13 own13 nature13 This13 understanding13 provides13 a13 proper13 basis13 for13 mental13 activity13 and13 for13 how13 it13 expresses13 itself13 in13 thought13 and13 purpose13 It13 enables13 us13 to13 accomplish13 our13 destiny13 (ming13 命)13 Calmness13 encourages13 the13 relationship13 of13 the13 spirits13 to13 our13 origin13 giving13 strength13 and13 vigour13 to13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 Emotions13 agitated13 hurrying13 or13 exhaustion13 diminish13 it13 In13 a13 more13 speciNic13 or13 medical13 context13 the13 original13 spirit13 is13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 brain13 which13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 mirrors13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heartmind

Thus13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 possibility13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 each13 human13 being13 to13 build13 their13 own13 heartmind13 and13 through13 it13 their13 own13 awareness13 and13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 reason13 in13 such13 a13 way13 that13 they13 behave13 according13 to13 the13 order13 and13 patterns13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 It13 is13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 operating13 through13 the13 human13 heartmindIn13 Daoism13 it13 leads13 up13 to13 the13 union13 with13 the13 Dao13

13 10

Therefore13 what13 is13 called13 spirit13 allows13 the13 responsibility13 of13 a13 human13 for13 his13 own13 life13 and13 behaviorTo13 embody13 the13 spirit13 is13 to13 open13 the13 heart13 to13 nature13 to13 natural13 order13 to13 Heaven13 to13 enlighten13 the13 intelligence13 knowledge13 and13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 fulNill13 onersquos13 destiny13 and13 also13 at13 the13 same13 time13 to13 nourish13 onersquos13 life13 and13 that13 of13 the13 others

As13 the13 Huainan13 zi13 said13

Its13 movements13 are13 hidden13 from13 sight13 (wu13 xing13 無13 形)13 and13 its13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變13 化)13 are13 godlike13 (ru13 shen13 若13 神)13 it13 does13 not13 leave13 any13 traces13 behind13 in13 its13 progress13 it13 is13 ever13 in13 the13 lead13 though13 always13 coming13 behind13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)13

More13 than13 attracting13 external13 spirits13 into13 his13 body13 it13 is13 the13 process13 of13 internalization13 the13 building13 13 of13 an13 inner13 life13 which13 is13 real13 it13 creates13 the13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 all13 lifes13 the13 foundation13 of13 all13 reality13

The13 spirit13 no13 one13 knows13 its13 limits13 with13 a13 natural13 clarity13 it13 knows13 all13 that13 exists13 Safeguard13 it13 within13 and13 donrsquot13 let13 it13 slip13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 (external)13 beings13 disturb13 the13 sense13 organs13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 sense13 organs13 disturb13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心13 )13 13 this13 is13 called13 to13 grasp13 the13 core13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 Neiye)

313 Clear13 and13 unclear13 spirit

But13 this13 potentiality13 of13 becoming13 like13 a13 spirit13 and13 building13 oneself13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 is13 not13 easily13 done13 The13 human13 heart13 is13 weak13 and13 proned13 to13 indulge13 in13 desires13 and13 passions13 This13 means13 that13 a13 human13 will13 achieve13 this13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 this13 building13 of13 themselves13 as13 a13 spirit13 in13 various13 degrees13 of13 imperfectionperfection13

The13 Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 independently13 exists13 (在)13 Its13 going13 and13 coming13 no13 one13 is13 able13 to13 contemplateLose13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 confused13 (luan13 亂)13 obtain13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 well13 regulated13 (zhi13 治)13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 NeiyeTransl13 W13 Allyn13 Rickett)

Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 or13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 is13 used13 to13 speak13 of13 how13 a13 human13 being13 personiNies13 the13 spirit13 by13 the13 quality13 and13 ruling13 of13 their13 heartmind13 This13 fulNilment13 is13 often13 far13 away13 from13 the13 endowment13 of13 their13 own13 original13 nature13 from13 what13 they13 were13 destined13 to13 become13 by13 HeavenThe13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 called13 spirit13 or13 vital13 spirit13 whatever13 the13 quality13 actually13 achieved

The13 human13 able13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 is13 in13 harmony13 and13 joy13 The13 movement13 and13 interchange13 of13 their13 qi13 are13 regular13 ensuring13 a13 perfect13 mental13 balance13 and13 perfect13 health

Water13 that13 is13 still13 gives13 back13 a13 clear13 image13 of13 beard13 and13 eyebrows13 reposing13 in13 the13 water13 level13 it13 offers13 a13 measure13 to13 the13 great13 carpenter13 And13 if13 water13 in13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 possesses13 such13 clarity13 (ming13 明)13 how13 much13 more13 must13 pure13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 The13 sagersquos13 mind13 (heart13 xin13 心)13 in13 stillness13 is13 the13 mirror13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 the13 glass13 of13 the13 ten13 thousang13 things13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1313 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

13 11

The13 fulNilment13 as13 spirit13 allows13 the13 human13 mind13 to13 be13 one13 with13 the13 universe13 and13 to13 have13 an13 intimate13 knowledge13 (not13 only13 an13 intellectual13 one)13 of13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 It13 also13 allows13 one13 to13 perceive13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 oneself13 and13 to13 see13 them13 as13 what13 has13 to13 be13 undertaken13 as13 the13 laquowill13 of13 Heavenraquo

But13 if13 it13 is13 not13 the13 case13 the13 texts13 speak13 of13 blind13 dull13 and13 poor13 spirits13 of13 how13 to13 exhaust13 his13 spirits13 by13 relying13 on13 accumulated13 knowledge613 and13 onersquos13 own13 willUsing13 onersquos13 mind13 badly13 poorly13 inadequately13 wears13 out13 vitality13 it13 starts13 with13 delusion13 misconception13 due13 to13 what13 we13 believe13 what13 we13 are13 sure13 we13 know13 what13 we13 want13 and13 desireThus13 the13 importance13 of13 cultivating13 onersquos13 heart13 cleaning13 the13 mirror13 emptying13 the13 heart

To13 appease13 the13 passions13 and13 diminish13 the13 desires13 to13 calm13 agitation13 and13 stop13 bustle13 is13 always13 at13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 spiritual13 path13 a13 prerequisite13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit13 It13 is13 also13 necessary13 to13 have13 not13 only13 a13 healthly13 mind13 but13 a13 mind13 free13 of13 any13 prejudice13 likes13 and13 dislikes13 in13 order13 to13 see13 things13 and13 beings13 as13 they13 are13 And13 consequently13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 movements13 of13 life13 with13 their13 patterns13 the13 natural13 order13 as13 it13 is13 and13 not13 the13 vision13 or13 reasoning13 we13 indulge13 in13 because13 of13 our13 desires13 emotions13 ambitions13 passions

Calming13 down13 is13 more13 than13 just13 absence13 of13 agitation13 It13 is13 to13 reach13 the13 state13 of13 equilibrium13 from13 where13 activity13 and13 rest13 Nind13 their13 balance13 and13 appropriate13 time13 and13 strength

The13 sage13 rests13 with13 rest13 comes13 peaceful13 ease13 with13 peaceful13 ease13 comes13 limpidity13 and13 where13 there13 is13 ease13 and13 limpidity13 care13 and13 worry13 cannot13 get13 at13 him13 noxious13 airs13 (evil13 pathogenic13 qi13 xie13 qi13 邪氣)13 cannot13 assault13 him13 Therefore13 his13 Virtue13 is13 complete13 and13 his13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 unimpaired13 []13 Pure13 spirit13 (vial13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 reaches13 in13 the13 four13 directions13 [lows13 now13 this13 way13 now13 that13 -shy13 there13 is13 no13 place13 it13 does13 not13 extend13 to13 Above13 it13 brushes13 Heaven13 below13 it13 coils13 on13 the13 earth13 It13 transforms13 and13 nurses13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 but13 no13 one13 can13 make13 out13 its13 form13 Its13 name13 is13 called13 One-shywith-shyHeaven13 The13 way13 to13 purity13 and13 whiteness13 is13 to13 guard13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 this13 alone13 guard13 it13 and13 never13 lose13 it13 and13 you13 will13 become13 one13 with13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 one13 with13 its13 pure13 essence13 (jing精)13 which13 communicates13 and13 mingles13 with13 the13 Heavenly13 Order13 (Zhuangzi13 ch1513 Transl13 B13 Watson)

By13 cultivating13 onersquos13 own13 spirit13 one13 is13 united13 with13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 the13 life13 force13 the13 pure13 vitality13 and13 follows13 its13 way13 to13 proceed13 with13 less13 and13 less13 effort

Not13 to13 accomplish13 onersquos13 spirit13 is13 to13 oppose13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 to13 separate13 oneself13 from13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 the13 universe13

A13 man13 is13 quiescent13 when13 bornThis13 is13 his13 Heaven-shyendowed13 nature13 He13 moves13 when13 aroused13 This13 is13 the13 stirring13 of13 that13 nature13 The13 human13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 responds13 when13 things13 come13 on13 to13 senseThis13 is13 the13 movement13 of13 the13 intellect13 (zhi13 知)13 When13 the13 intellect13 comes13 into13 contact13 with13 things13 feelings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 are13 produced13 When13 these13 fellings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 have13 taken13 shape13 and13 the13 intellect13 has13 been13 enticed13 from13 the13 outside13 one13 is13 unable13 to13 return13 to13 himself13 and13 the13 Heavenly13 principles13 (tian13 li13 天理)13 in13 him13 are13 destroyed13 []Thus13 when13 a13 man13 harbors13 a13 calculating13 heart13 in13 his13 breast13 the13 quality13 of13 his13 person13 is13 contaminated13 and13 his13 spirituality13 (shen13 神)13 is13 not13 kept13 whole13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)

13 12

613 There13 is13 a13 difference13 between13 Confucians13 and13 Daoists13 concerning13 the13 value13 agtributed13 to13 knowledge

As13 soon13 as13 one13 makes13 oneself13 able13 to13 see13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 of13 cosmic13 life13 what13 one13 perceives13 Nills13 onersquos13 heartmind13 and13 inNluences13 onersquos13 thought13 intention13 and13 action13 It13 is13 what13 guides13 his13 life13 what13 has13 to13 be13 done13 The13 Confucian13 attitude13 favors13 study13 learning13 willpower13 and13 a13 moral13 law13 whereas13 the13 Daoist13 perspective13 aims13 at13 reaching13 a13 natural13 behavior13 spontaneously13 What13 is13 common13 to13 both13 is13 the13 distinction13 between13 the13 person13 who13 get13 closer13 to13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 and13 the13 person13 who13 is13 to13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions

413 The13 Spirit13 and13 the13 HeartMind

The13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 the13 treasure13 of13 the13 heart13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)As13 we13 have13 already13 seen13 the13 relationship13 between13 the13 spirit13 and13 the13 heartmind13 is13 so13 strong13 and13 so13 close13 that13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 depends13 upon13 the13 presence13 or13 internalization13 or13 fulNilment13 of13 the13 spiritBesides13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 occurs13 through13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 and13 of13 course13 its13 working13 at13 the13 light13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 with13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 If13 the13 heartmind13 cannot13 put13 itself13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life13 it13 is13 ineffective13 for13 the13 spirit13 Human13 intelligence13 alone13 is13 not13 able13 to13 acceed13 to13 the13 true13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 their13 underlying13 patternsThe13 heartmind13 encompasses13 all13 that13 is13 emotional13 psychological13 intellectual13 mental13 spiritual13 and13 also13 what13 is13 physically13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 circulation13 the13 beating13 which13 indicates13 life13 these13 various13 aspects13 act13 and13 react13 continuously13 one13 with13 the13 others13 So13 the13 heartmind13 can13 easily13 go13 astray13 and13 leaves13 the13 way13 of13 life

By13 nature13 (xing13 性)13 a13 human13 possesses13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 a13 heart13 that13 allows13 knowledge13 (xin13 zhi13 心知13 )13 Grief13 as13 well13 as13 joy13 elation13 or13 anger13 do13 not13 exist13 permanently13 within13 They13 are13 reactions13 to13 the13 stimulation13 of13 objects13 It13 is13 then13 that13 the13 Art13 of13 the13 Heart13 (xin13 shu13 心術13 )13 intervenes13 (xing13 行)13 (Liji13 Yueji)

Knowledge13 is13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 as13 is13 the13 control13 or13 lack13 of13 control13 on13 the13 emotions13 The13 quality13 of13 the13 awareness13 depends13 on13 the13 cleverness13 the13 emotions13 but13 also13 on13 the13 very13 bodily13 and13 physical13 situation13 And13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 commands13 all13 what13 happen13 in13 the13 body13 all13 movements13 of13 qi

The13 Confucian13 thinker13 Xun13 zi13 devotes13 a13 chapter13 to13 this13 question13 Here13 are13 some13 sentences13

How13 can13 a13 human13 know13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 Way13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 And13 how13 is13 the13 heartmind13 able13 of13 such13 a13 knowledge13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 emptyness13 (xu13 虛)13 his13 unifying13 power13 (yi13 壹)13 and13 his13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

When13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 guided13 by13 the13 principles13 (of13 the13 natural13 order13 li13 理)13 and13 nourished13 with13 purity13 when13 no13 external13 object13 unbalances13 it13 then13 it13 is13 enough13 for13 it13 to13 determine13 right13 and13 wrong13 to13 decide13 on13 any13 uncertainty13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 the13 sovereign13 (jun13 君)13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 master13 (zhu13 主)13 of13 the13 spiritlike13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 13 (Xun13 zi13 ch21)

13 13

513 The13 spirit13 leaving13 the13 body13 at13 death

Traditionally13 at13 death13 the13 spirit13 joins13 Heaven13 to13 become13 the13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 who13 will13 be13 honored13 in13 the13 ceremonies13 of13 the13 ancestral13 worship13 at13 least13 for13 some13 generations13 The13 body13 returns13 to13 the13 Earth

The13 vital13 spirits13 will13 re-shyenter13 the13 gate13 and13 the13 body13 frame13 revert13 to13 its13 roots13 how13 can13 lsquoIrsquo13 continue13 to13 exist13 13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)The13 question13 of13 the13 survival13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 after13 death13 is13 too13 complex13 to13 be13 addressed13 here13 We13 can13 just13 notice13 that13 the13 Huainanzi13 states13 that13 the13 laquoIraquo13 who13 is13 presently13 living13 disappears13 at13 death13 the13 laquoIraquo13 exists13 only13 thanks13 to13 the13 merging13 of13 body13 and13 spirit13 But13 it13 does13 not13 imply13 that13 death13 is13 the13 end13 of13 everything13 There13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 what13 was13 my13 body13 continuing13 the13 transformation13 of13 the13 substance13 in13 the13 Earth13 And13 there13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 my13 vital13 spirit13 but13 not13 as13 the13 laquoIraquo13 or13 the13 laquoegoraquo13 The13 one13 who13 wants13 to13 survive13 as13 a13 self13 is13 in13 delusion13 and13 weakens13 his13 own13 spirit13 through13 this13 desire13

In13 the13 perspective13 of13 the13 Huainanzi13 a13 text13 mostly13 of13 Daoist13 vision13 the13 one13 who13 is13 able13 to13 forget13 his13 own13 self13 enables13 his13 vital13 spirit13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao

They13 dwell13 in13 a13 space13 that13 cannot13 contain13 settle13 in13 a13 place13 that13 is13 nowhere13 they13 move13 in13 the13 formless13 are13 still13 in13 the13 bodyless13 They13 are13 present13 as13 if13 vanished13 and13 live13 as13 if13 dead13 They13 enter13 and13 leave13 where13 there13 is13 no13 opening13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 as13 servants13 They13 are13 engulfed13 by13 the13 unfathomable13 and13 enter13 into13 what13 has13 no13 opening13 in13 order13 to13 be13 moulded13 into13 different13 formsendings13 and13 beginnings13 are13 like13 a13 circle13 no-shyone13 can13 grasp13 their13 succession13 This13 is13 how13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 able13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 713 Monkey13 press)

Merged13 with13 the13 Dao13 the13 vital13 spirit13 of13 a13 human13 is13 one13 with13 the13 axis13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 the13 source13 of13 all13 that13 happens13 Therefore13 this13 vital13 spirit13 can13 be13 said13 to13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits713 as13 servants13 since13 they13 are13 the13 agents13 behind13 the13 life-shy‐giving13 and13 life-shy‐maintening13 transformations

613 The13 various13 status13 of13 spirit13 (shen)13 in13 a13 human13 body

From13 what13 has13 been13 said13 we13 can13 see13 that13 the13 term13 shen13 spirit13 may13 be13 used13 at13 several13 levels13 -shy‐ What13 is13 at13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 each13 life13 allowing13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 transformations13 making13 life13 according13 to13 the13 natural13 order-shy‐ the13 potentiality13 of13 the13 human13 heart13 with13 its13 functioning13 as13 my13 mind13 my13 awareness13 intelligence13 consciousness13 hellip-shy‐ the13 actual13 fulNilment13 of13 this13 heart13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 falling13 prey13 to13 desires13 and13 passions13 and13 becoming13 more13 and13 more13 unable13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 order13 of13 life13 and13 its13 underlying13 patterns13 and13 consequently13 to13 guide13 the13 conduct13 of13 life-shy‐ what13 will13 join13 Heaven13 after13 death13 as13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 or13 as13 a13 companion13 of13 the13 Way13

13 14

713 Ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 13 the13 spirits13 of13 Earth13 and13 those13 of13 Heaven

-shy‐ IV13 SPIRIT(S)13 IN13 MEDICINE

In13 this13 part13 we13 will13 just13 give13 a13 rapid13 survey13 of13 the13 concept13 of13 spirit13 shen13 神13 in13 the13 main13 classical13 medical13 texts813 without13 going13 into13 a13 detailed13 presentation13 and13 without13 speaking13 of13 the13 pathologies13 both13 of13 the13 body13 and13 of13 the13 mind13 which13 are13 related13 to13 the13 spirit

We13 mainly13 try13 to13 show13 how13 this13 concept13 of13 spirit13 in13 the13 medical13 theory13 is13 rooted13 in13 the13 conceptions13 of13 the13 scholars13 of13 the13 VthIInd13 centuries13 BC

1 External13 power13

Even13 if13 the13 medical13 texts13 are13 generally13 concerned13 with13 the13 human13 spirit13 acting13 inside13 a13 body13 they13 may13 also13 use13 the13 concept13 when13 speaking13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 universe13 Some13 of13 the13 best13 examples13 are13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch513 one13 of13 the13 key13 texts13 in13 the13 establishment13 of13 the13 medical13 theory13 Some13 example13

Speaking13 of13 the13 order13 perceived13 in13 nature13 13

Since13 clear13 yang13 rises13 to13 Heaven13 and13 turbid13 yin13 returns13 to13 Earth13 HeavenEarth13 feel13 the13 effects13 of13 movement13 and13 rest13 and13 the13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 forms13 the13 net13 of13 laws13 and13 principles13 Thus13 through13 a13 process13 of13 generating13 growth13 gathering13 and13 burying13 everything13 reaches13 its13 term13 and13 starts13 again13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

When13 speaking13 of13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 life13 manifestations13 of13 what13 is13 beyond13 the13 analysis13 and13 undertanding13 by13 the13 laws13 of13 yin13 yang13 and13 Five13 elements13 precisely13 in13 order13 to13 introduce13 the13 great13 presentation13 of13 the13 correlations13 based13 on13 the13 Five13 elements13 which13 expresses13 the13 cosmic13 order13

In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 the13 deep13 mystery13 In13 Man13 it13 is13 the13 Way13 On13 Earth13 it13 is13 transformationTransformation13 produces13 the13 [ive13 tastes13 The13 Way13 produces13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 deep13 mystery13 produces13 the13 spirits13 The13 spirits13 13 In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 wind13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 wood13 (element)13 of13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 it13 is13 muscular13 movement13 of13 the13 zang13 organ13 it13 is13 the13 liver13 13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

The13 spirits13 which13 are13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 cosmic13 life13 are13 also13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 each13 human13 being13 starting13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 forming13 his13 life13 body13 and13 mind

When13 two13 spirits13 (liang13 shen13 兩神)13 embrace13 their13 union13 gives13 form13 to13 a13 body13 Always13 that13 which13 comes13 [irst13 (xian先)13 in13 the13 personal13 life13 (expressed13 through13 a13 body13 shen13 sheng13 身生)13 is13 called13 the13 essences13 (vitality13 jing13 精)13 (Lingshu13 ch30)

The13 two13 spirits13 are13 a13 pair13 which13 means13 that13 they13 are13 different13 even13 opposite13 but13 in13 the13 same13 time13 complementary13 13 Here13 they13 are13 the13 yin13 yang13 couple13 formed13 by13 the13 male13 (father)13 and13 the13 female13 (mother)13 each13 been13 seen13 as13 participating13 to13 the13 natural13 production13 of13 life13

13 15

813 As13 for13 instance13 the13 Huangdi13 Neijing13 the13 Inner13 Classic13 of13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

II13 THE13 SPIRITS13 AS13 POWERS13 EXISTING13 OUTSIDE13 THE13 HUMAN13 BODY

113 Powers13 from13 above

Before13 the13 Nirst13 appareance13 of13 the13 character13 shen13 神13 itself13 there13 was13 a13 strong13 belief13 in13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 as13 well13 as13 in13 the13 spirits13 as13 natural13 forces13 They13 were13 close13 and13 sometimes13 the13 same13 13 a13 powerful13 dead13 ancestor13 might13 become13 a13 god13 attached13 to13 a13 natural13 phenomenon13 In13 Heaven13 they13 were13 around13 and13 submitted13 to13 the13 supreme13 deity13 called13 the13 High13 Sovereign13 or13 emperor13 above13 (shang13 di13 上帝)13 who13 probably13 was13 also13 the13 Nirst13 ancestor13 (of13 the13 dynasty13 of13 the13 king13 lineage)

One13 of13 the13 most13 important13 themes13 found13 on13 the13 ancient13 inscriptions13 (jiaguwen)13 is13 the13 spiritswind13 More13 precisely13 the13 Four13 Phoenix-shy‐Winds13 four13 spirits13 represented13 as13 phoenixes13 (feng13 鳳)13 who13 send13 inNluences13 on13 earth13 as13 the13 wind13 (feng13 風13 )13 does13 They13 are13 sent13 by13 the13 High13 Sovereign13 on13 the13 Four13 territories13 forming13 the13 Earth13 to13 bring13 life13 to13 each13 of13 them13 according13 to13 their13 natural13 position

What13 appears13 nowdays13 as13 a13 metaphor13 was13 then13 most13 probably13 believed13 to13 be13 a13 reality13 13 13 the13 wind13 brings13 life13 from13 heaven13 on13 Earth13 13 it13 penetrates13 the13 earth13 through13 its13 opening13 at13 the13 image13 of13 the13 caverns13 in13 the13 moutains13 (feng13 xue13 風穴)13 which13 are13 also13 where13 the13 phoenixes13 dwell13 at13 sunset13 Blowing13 in13 the13 spring13 it13 triggers13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 leading13 to13 germination13 growing13 of13 the13 vegetation13 and13 maturing13 of13 grains13

There13 is13 not13 only13 one13 wind13 but13 several13 traditionally13 all13 the13 winds13 are13 called13 the13 Eight13 winds13 corresponding13 to13 the13 direction13 of13 the13 compass13 But13 Four13 directions13 are13 enough13 to13 place13 Four13 territories13 expressing13 the13 diversity13 of13 the13 forms13 of13 life13 on13 Earth13 those13 in13 the13 South13 the13 North13 the13 East13 and13 the13 West13 Since13 the13 Earth13 reNlected13 the13 celestial13 order13 politically13 13 those13 were13 all13 the13 clans13 submitted13 to13 the13 authority13 of13 the13 sovereign13 who13 occupied13 the13 central13 region

So13 each13 wind13 brings13 life13 to13 each13 space13 on13 earth13 according13 to13 its13 own13 speciNicities13 determined13 by13 its13 position

The13 wind13 is13 one13 and13 multiple13 as13 is13 the13 spirit13 or13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 One13 because13 coming13 from13 one13 source13 and13 sharing13 the13 same13 nature13 and13 features13 Multiple13 because13 when13 expressed13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 always13 speciNic13 13 the13 northern13 wind13 or13 the13 eastern13 one13 the13 one13 bringing13 rain13 or13 the13 one13 bringing13 drought13 hellip

Wind13 and13 spirit13 (and13 qi13 later)13 share13 the13 same13 basic13 qualities13 13 they13 bring13 life13 from13 Heaven13 on13 Earth13 they13 start13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 leading13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 to13 take13 form13 according13 to13 its13 proper13 quality13 They13 allow13 the13 manifestation13 on13 Earth13 of13 what13 is13 above

As13 it13 is13 said13 in13 the13 Shuowen13 Jiezi13 The13 spirits13 are13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 (tian13 shen13 天神)13 who13 lead13 all13 the13 beings13 to13 appear

13 3

213 The13 character13 shen13 神

On13 Western13 Zhou13 dynasty13 bronzes13 (1046-shy‐77013 BC)13 the13 character13 appears13 like13 13 1033649 103365013 and13 with13 the13 meaning13 of13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 all13 the13 spirits13 who13 are13 around13 the13 High13 sovereign13 (shang13 di13 上帝)13 13 Even13 in13 its13 archaic13 forms13 it13 is13 made13 with13 two13 parts13 13 示13 and13 申13

On13 the13 left13 the13 radical13 the13 character13 shi13 示13 This13 very13 old13 character13 appears13 on13 the13 jiaguwen13 (prior13 to13 the13 XIth13 century13 BC)13 as13 for13 instance13 103460610346071034608103460913 and13 with13 the13 meaning13 of13 the13 place13 where13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 manifest13 themselves13 during13 the13 sacriNice13 (worship13 of13 the13 ancestor)13 and13 by13 extension13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 But13 as13 early13 as13 the13 Eastern13 Zhou13 dynasty13 (77013 -shy‐13 221)13 the13 character13 takes13 the13 meaning13 of13 manifestation13 especially13 from13 Heaven13 or13 in13 heaven13 such13 as13 omen13 portent13 presage13 warning13 (especially13 from13 above)13 later13 it13 simply13 means13 to13 show13 to13 manifest13 to13 demonstrate13

On13 the13 right13 the13 phonetic13 part13 the13 character13 shen13 申13 which13 also13 seems13 to13 play13 a13 role13 concerning13 the13 meaning13 since13 it13 had13 been13 used13 on13 some13 Western13 Zhou13 bronzes13 with13 the13 meaning13 of13 the13 complete13 character13 神13 ie13 laquospirits13 of13 the13 ancestorsraquoThe13 character13 shen13 申13 itself13 has13 been13 used13 from13 very13 ancient13 times13 to13 indicate13 dates13 and13 a13 period13 of13 time13 it13 is13 the13 ninth13 of13 the13 Twelve13 earthy13 branches13 It13 also13 conveys13 the13 ideas13 of13 13 expansion13 to13 extend13 to13 stretch13 and13 of13 showing13 to13 notify13 to13 report13 (to13 a13 superior)

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praying13 as13 in13 13 13 or13 13 13 13 while13 others13 see13 an13 extension13 as13 in 103363810324181033640103364210324171033643

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3 Role13 of13 the13 spirits

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Divination13 occupied13 a13 salient13 place13 in13 this13 ancient13 society13 and13 was13 also13 seen13 as13 a13 communication13 between13 the13 humans13 and13 the13 spirits13 They13 manifested13 themselves13 through13 the13 crackings13 of13 the13 turtle13 shell13 and13 their13 interpretation13 answered13 to13 the13 question13 asked13 by13 the13 prince13 and13 allowed13 him13 to13 take13 the13 right13 decision13 with13 the13 support13 of13 his13 ancestors13 of13 the13 spirits

13 4

4 The13 evolution13 during13 the13 Zhou13 dynasty

The13 relationship13 between13 the13 humans13 and13 the13 spirits13 evolved13 dramatically13 with13 the13 increasing13 awareness13 of13 human13 responsibilityIn13 the13 questions13 asked13 in13 divination13 it13 is13 noticeable13 that13 those13 concerning13 illnesses13 for13 instance13 diminish13 It13 is13 certainly13 due13 to13 progress13 made13 in13 medicine13 in13 the13 knowledge13 of13 causes13 and13 treatments13 of13 diseases13 But13 there13 is13 also13 a13 clear13 change13 of13 attitude13 13 the13 diseases13 are13 no13 more13 merely13 the13 punishment13 sent13 by13 deities13 to13 a13 greater13 extent13 they13 had13 become13 the13 result13 of13 human13 misbehavior2

Similarly13 if13 a13 prince13 wants13 to13 increase13 his13 territory13 it13 is13 not13 a13 good13 move13 to13 pray13 to13 a13 spirit13 and13 offer13 him13 sacriNice13 asking13 him13 beneNit13 for13 oneself13 while13 not13 paying13 attention13 to13 the13 actual13 state13 of13 the13 people313 Better13 to13 take13 care13 of13 his13 kingdom13 and13 his13 people13 and13 assure13 them13 peace13 and13 prosperity13 Thus13 the13 kingdom13 of13 this13 prince13 may13 get13 larger13 and13 his13 power13 bigger13 thanks13 to13 a13 natural13 movement13 since13 his13 people13 will13 be13 loyal13 to13 him13 and13 the13 foreigners13 attracted13 by13 a13 rich13 country13 But13 a13 prince13 who13 is13 unable13 to13 bring13 harmony13 on13 his13 own13 territory13 cannot13 ask13 for13 more13 it13 will13 be13 a13 contradiction13 in13 the13 natural13 order13 that13 no13 spirit13 could13 favor13 The13 prince13 is13 unable13 to13 do13 so13 because13 he13 is13 not13 himself13 in13 harmony13 being13 full13 of13 selNish13 desire13 and13 ambition13 by13 this13 attitude13 he13 estranges13 the13 spirits

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Fan13 Chi13 inquired13 about13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 Master13 replied13 lsquoTo13 devote13 yourself13 to13 what13 is13 appropriate13 for13 the13 people13 and13 to13 show13 respect13 for13 the13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 while13 keeping13 them13 at13 a13 distance13 can13 be13 called13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)rsquo13 (Lunyu13 VI2213 Transl13 Ames13 amp13 Rosemont)13 13

To13 keep13 the13 spirits13 at13 a13 distance13 means13 13 not13 to13 treat13 them13 casually13 with13 a13 lack13 of13 reserve13 and13 also13 most13 probably13 not13 to13 approach13 them13 with13 sacriNices13 to13 please13 them13 in13 order13 to13 obtain13 favors13 as13 the13 courtiers13 do13 to13 gain13 the13 favor13 of13 a13 human13 prince13 Respect13 and13 distance13 are13 the13 two13 master13 words

513 The13 intrinsic13 relationship13 between13 spirits13 and13 Heaven

As13 we13 saw13 the13 Shang13 dynasty13 (circa13 180013 -shy‐13 105013 BC)13 believed13 in13 a13 kind13 a13 supreme13 deity13 the13 Emperor13 from13 above13 (shang13 di13 上帝)13 who13 sent13 spirits13 phoenixes13 or13 wind13 as13 his13 messengers13 to13 the13 world13 below13 to13 incite13 life13 When13 this13 dynasty13 was13 overcome13 by13 the13 Zhou13 dynasty13 the13 supreme13 power13 above13 shifted13 to13 HeavenTian13 天13 Heaven13 implies13 the13 notion13 of13 nature13 natural13 power13 and13 natural13 order13 the13 order13 which13 is13 behind13 and13 beyond13 all13 manifestions13 of13 life13 in13 all13 the13 creatures13 or13 productions13 of13 the13 universe

13 5

213 See13 for13 instance13 Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 first13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhao

313 See13 Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 32nd13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhuang

In13 brief13 the13 main13 features13 of13 Heaven13 (as13 found13 in13 the13 classical13 texts)13 are13 -shy‐13 The13 laquoAugust13 Heavenraquo13 (huang13 tian13 皇天)13 the13 power13 taking13 the13 place13 of13 the13 High13 Sovereign13 watching13 the13 behavior13 of13 everyone13 on13 Earth13 sending13 punishment13 and13 blessing13 hellip-shy‐13 The13 atmospheric13 and13 natural13 power13 regulating13 the13 seasons13 sending13 the13 different13 qi13 (氣)13 on13 Earth13 to13 produce13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 and13 stimulate13 the13 transformations13 which13 give13 and13 maintain13 life-shy‐ The13 power13 which13 governs13 and13 regulates13 all13 natural13 activities13 Nature13 itself13 natural13 order13 everywhere13 in13 the13 universe-shy‐ The13 common13 origin13 of13 all13 beings13 the13 power13 which13 is13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 life13 in13 any13 being13 and13 endows13 each13 being13 with13 his13 true13 original13 nature-shy‐ Thus13 the13 power13 determining13 individual13 destiny13 which13 is13 to13 know13 and13 fulNill13 onersquos13 true13 nature-shy‐13 The13 presence13 in13 the13 human13 heart13 of13 a13 kind13 of13 laquomoral13 lawraquo13 the13 ability13 to13 discern13 the13 natural13 order13 and13 to13 submit13 to13 it13 to13 fulNill13 his13 destiny13 ie13 to13 behave13 according13 to13 what13 he13 is13 destined13 by13 Heaven13 or13 Nature13 Or13 the13 presence13 within13 oneself13 of13 the13 spontaneous13 movement13 of13 life

Heaven13 sends13 its13 inNlux13 on13 Earth13 as13 three13 pairs13 of13 qi13 in13 a13 way13 which13 is13 not13 without13 reminding13 the13 way13 the13 Emperor13 from13 above13 sends13 his13 spirits13 on13 the13 Four13 territories13 of13 the13 Earth13

Heaven13 has13 Six13 Qi13 (tian13 you13 liu13 qi13 天有六氣)13 which13 descending13 generate13 the13 Five13 Tastes13 (jiang13 sheng13 wu13 wei13 13 降生五味)13 issue13 as13 the13 Five13 Colours13 (wu13 se13 五色)13 are13 evidenced13 by13 the13 Five13 Sounds13 (wu13 sheng13 五聲)13 and13 in13 excess13 generate13 the13 Six13 13 Diseases13 (yin13 sheng13 liu13 ji13 淫生六疾)13 The13 Six13 Qi13 are13 shade13 and13 sunshine13 (yin13 yang13 陰陽)13 wind13 and13 rain13 (feng13 yu13 風雨)13 dark13 and13 light13 (hui13 ming13 晦明)13 They13 divide13 (fen13 分)13 to13 make13 the13 Four13 Seasons13 in13 sequence13 make13 the13 Five13 Rhythms13 (wu13 jie13 五節)13 and13 in13 excess13 bring13 about13 calamity13 (Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 Nirst13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhao13 Transl13 A13 Graham)

The13 power13 to13 start13 the13 process13 of13 life13 which13 will13 bring13 all13 beings13 to13 appearance13 and13 completion13 along13 with13 the13 regularity13 of13 which13 the13 Four13 seasons13 are13 the13 paragon13 and13 emblem13 are13 what13 belongs13 to13 Heaven13 Consequently13 these13 qualities13 belong13 also13 to13 the13 spirits13 who13 are13 the13 agents13 of13 Heaven13 its13 messengers

The13 spirits13 are13 thus13 seen13 as13 what13 allows13 a13 life13 to13 take13 form13 and13 to13 integrate13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 (li13 理)13 which13 guide13 its13 natural13 developmentThe13 result13 is13 a13 universe13 where13 all13 the13 beings13 things13 phenomena13 coexist13 in13 harmony13 and13 beauty13 An13 idea13 which13 is13 found13 in13 different13 thinkers13 even13 if13 the13 consequences13 and13 lessons13 are13 understood13 in13 often13 divergent13 manners13 Let13 us13 give13 two13 examples13 from13 two13 differents13 authors

Zhuang13 zi13 (circa13 370-shy‐30013 BC)13 a13 thinker13 who13 is13 associated13 with13 the13 early13 Daoism13 and13 mysticism13 looks13 at13 it13 as13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 Dao13 (道)13 and13 the13 way13 to13 integrate13 it

Heaven13 and13 earth13 have13 their13 great13 beauties13 but13 do13 not13 speak13 of13 them13 the13 four13 seasons13 have13 their13 clear-shymarked13 regularity13 but13 do13 not13 discuss13 it13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 have13 their13 principles13 of13 growth13 (li13 理)13 but13 do13 not13 expound13 them13 The13 sage13 seeks13 out13 the13 beauties13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 and13 masters13 the13 principles13 of13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 Thus13 it13 is13 that13 the13 Perfect13 Man13 does13 not13 act13 the13 Great13 Sage13 does13 not13 move13 -shy13 they13 have13 perceived13 [the13 Way13 of]13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 we13 may13 say13 This13 way13 whose13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 is13 of13 the13 greatest13 purity13 (zhi13 jing13 至精)13 13 joins13 with13 others13 in13 a13 hundred13 transformations13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch2213 Transl13 B13 Watson)

13 6

The13 laquospiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)raquo13 is13 how13 both13 the13 splendor13 of13 nature13 and13 the13 order13 the13 principles13 underlying13 this13 great13 beauty13 appear13 through13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 is13 called13 laquospiritsraquo13 To13 understand13 these13 patterns13 is13 to13 know13 all13 that13 is13 possible13 to13 know13 with13 a13 human13 intelligence13 and13 to13 recognize13 the13 laquointelligenceraquo13 the13 natural13 cleverness13 and13 spontaneous13 order13 which13 is13 behind13 the13 manifestation13 of13 life13 to13 acknowledge13 the13 spirits13 as13 the13 agents13 allowing13 the13 processWe13 will13 come13 back13 to13 this13 laquospiritual13 brighnessraquo13 when13 it13 is13 a13 reality13 within13 a13 humanZhuang13 zi13 uses13 human13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 go13 beyond13 the13 intellectual13 the13 thought13 the13 will13 and13 become13 an13 entirely13 laquonaturalraquo13 being13 entirely13 acting13 through13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 his13 original13 nature13 from13 the13 Way13 of13 Heaven13 (tian13 dao13 天道)13 Such13 a13 man13 is13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 13 helping13 the13 emergence13 of13 beings13 and13 inspiring13 the13 transformations13 maintaining13 their13 lives

One13 of13 the13 most13 prominent13 Confucian13 thinkers13 Xun13 zi13 (circa13 298-shy‐23513 BC)13 spoke13 of13 the13 spirits13 in13 a13 very13 similar13 manner13 but13 with13 something13 different13 in13 mind13

Heaven13 has13 its13 seasons13 earth13 has13 its13 riches13 man13 has13 his13 government13 (zhi13 治)13 Hence13 man13 may13 form13 a13 triad13 with13 the13 other13 two13 (can13 參)13 But13 if13 he13 sets13 aside13 that13 which13 allows13 him13 to13 form13 a13 triad13 with13 the13 other13 two13 and13 longs13 for13 what13 they13 have13 then13 he13 is13 deluded13 The13 ranks13 of13 stars13 move13 in13 progression13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 shine13 in13 turn13 the13 four13 seasons13 succed13 each13 other13 in13 good13 order13 the13 yin13 and13 yang13 go13 through13 their13 great13 transformations13 (da13 hua13 大化)13 and13 the13 wind13 and13 rain13 pass13 over13 the13 whole13 land13 All13 things13 obtain13 what13 is13 congenial13 to13 them13 (qi13 he13 其和)13 and13 come13 to13 life13 receive13 what13 is13 nourishing13 to13 them13 and13 grow13 to13 completion13 One13 does13 not13 see13 the13 process13 taking13 place13 but13 sees13 only13 the13 results13 Thus13 it13 is13 called13 godlike13 (spirit13 shen13 神)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch1713 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 Xun13 zi13 text13 shows13 both13 the13 greatness13 and13 the13 weakness13 of13 humankind13 Great13 as13 co-shy‐producer13 of13 life13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 of13 the13 universe13 weak13 as13 the13 trouble-shy‐maker13 who13 destroys13 beauty13 and13 harmony13 and13 destroys13 his13 ability13 to13 perceive13 them13 simultaneously13 What13 enables13 a13 human13 being13 to13 participate13 fully13 and13 accurately13 in13 the13 life13 of13 the13 universe13 is13 his13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 recognize13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 (li13 理)13 of13 life13 its13 natural13 order13 intrinsic13 organization13 principles13 and13 to13 behave13 accordingly13 To13 recognize13 these13 patterns13 is13 to13 reason13 to13 have13 reason13 sagacity13 and13 wisdom13 as13 well13 as13 sanity13 of13 mind13 a13 good13 functionning13 of13 mental13 faculties13 of13 wits

These13 underlying13 patterns13 are13 what13 we13 can13 know13 of13 the13 spirits13 how13 the13 human13 mind13 observes13 recognizes13 and13 represents13 an13 order13 behind13 all13 manifestations13 of13 life13 It13 is13 well13 expressed13 in13 the13 Xici13 or13 Great13 Commentary13 to13 the13 Book13 of13 Change13 (Yijing13 dazhuan)13

Knowing13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 way13 (dao13 道)13 of13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變化)13 is13 how13 one13 knows13 the13 Spirits13 (Xici13 I13 9)

But13 the13 spirits13 in13 themselves13 are13 beyond13 our13 capacity13 of13 analyzing13 and13 explaining13 which13 are13 for13 instance13 the13 yin13 yang13 the13 Five13 elements13 hellip13

What13 cannot13 be13 probed13 by13 yin13 yang13 is13 called13 lsquospiritsrsquo13 (shen13 神)13 (Xici13 I13 5)

Such13 knowledge13 which13 includes13 the13 stopping13 of13 the13 mental13 knowledge13 where13 it13 has13 to13 stop13 is13 the13 true13 working13 of13 the13 human13 heart

Now13 we13 will13 examine13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirits13 within13 the13 human13 body

13 7

III13 THE13 SPIRITS13 AS13 PRESENT13 IN13 A13 HUMAN13 BODY13 -shy13 THE13 VITAL13 SPIRIT

While13 in13 very13 ancient13 times13 the13 spirits13 were13 those13 of13 Heaven13 or13 those13 of13 the13 deceased13 ancestors13 the13 conception13 gradually13 changed13 over13 time13 and13 laquospiritraquo13 (shen13 神)13 started13 to13 be13 used13 for13 either13 simply13 a13 quality13 of13 the13 human13 mind13 (as13 shrewdness13 subtle13 intelligence)13 or13 a13 reality13 inside13 the13 human13 body

There13 are13 several13 possible13 meanings13 to13 the13 presence13 of13 spirits13 inside13 the13 body13 of13 a13 living13 human13 It13 may13 be13 the13 possession13 of13 a13 person13 by13 a13 ghost13 the13 vengeful13 soul13 of13 a13 dead13 person13 Or13 possession13 by13 a13 deity13 or13 a13 sacred13 trance13 often13 induced13 voluntarily13 with13 the13 help13 of13 drugs13 (as13 mushrooms)413 It13 may13 be13 what13 is13 found13 in13 shamanism13 the13 embodiment13 of13 spirits13 by13 the13 shaman13 as13 the13 bridge13 between13 the13 world13 of13 the13 spirits13 and13 the13 world13 of13 mere13 humans13 an13 embodiment13 that13 allows13 the13 shaman13 to13 beneNit13 from13 more13 power13 In13 several13 Daoist13 narrations13 of13 what13 can13 be13 an13 actual13 personal13 experience13 spirits13 come13 inside13 the13 follower13 of13 the13 Dao13 attesting13 by13 their13 presence13 his13 communion13 with13 the13 Dao13 Later13 the13 Daoist13 priests13 also13 would13 attract13 spirits13 to13 perform13 rituals13 requiring13 great13 power13 They13 would13 have13 had13 rolls13 or13 lists13 of13 the13 spirits13 they13 were13 able13 to13 put13 at13 their13 service13 in13 some13 way13 as13 part13 of13 the13 transmission13 from13 their13 master13 and13 lineage13 Also13 in13 the13 Daoist13 practice13 the13 adept13 visualizes13 a13 great13 number13 of13 spirits13 dwelling13 in13 each13 place13 of13 his13 body13 as13 in13 the13 organs13 in13 the13 throat13 in13 the13 brain13 and13 so13 on

We13 will13 leave13 aside13 all13 these13 aspects13 to13 consider13 only13 the13 main13 reNlections13 found13 in13 the13 scholarly13 textsSeveral13 considerations13 appear13

1 Spirit13 and13 body

Spirit13 and13 human13 body13 have13 a13 speciNic13 relationship13 which13 is13 partly13 like13 the13 one13 we13 are13 familiar13 with13 13 they13 are13 not13 the13 same13 thing13 not13 at13 the13 same13 level13 (which13 might13 be13 different13 from13 not13 being13 of13 the13 same13 laquonatureraquo)13 and13 partly13 different13 -shy‐13 even13 conNlicting13 -shy‐13 owing13 to13 the13 fact13 that13 in13 a13 human13 being13 one13 cannot13 function13 without13 the13 other13 the13 perfection13 of13 one13 is13 the13 perfection13 of13 the13 other13

In13 the13 Daoist13 approach13 of13 Zhuang13 zi13

He13 who13 holds13 fast13 to13 the13 Way13 (dao13 道)13 is13 complete13 (quan13 全)13 in13 Virtue13 (de13 德)513 being13 complete13 in13 Virtue13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 body13 (xing13 形)13 being13 complete13 in13 body13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 to13 be13 complete13 in13 spirit13 is13 the13 Way13 of13 the13 sage13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1213 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

Or13 in13 a13 syncretic13 book13 composed13 around13 the13 middle13 of13 the13 third13 century13 BC13

Nature13 (Heaven13 tian天)13 produced13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yang13 principles13 cold13 and13 heat13 wet13 and13 dry13 the13 transformations13 (hua13 化)13 of13 the13 four13 seasons13 and13 the13 metamorphoses13 (bian 變13 )13 of13 the13 myriad13 things13 Each13 of13 these13 can13 produce13 bene[it13 or13 it13 can13 cause13 harm13 The13 sage13 scrutinizes13 what13 is13

13 8

413 See13 Chuci

513 Here13 virtue13 is13 more13 a13 vital13 power13 than13 a13 moral13 achievement

appropriate13 to13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yan13 and13 discriminates13 what13 is13 bene[icial13 in13 the13 myriad13 things13 in13 order13 to13 enhance13 life13 Thus13 the13 vital13 essence13 and13 the13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 being13 secure13 within13 the13 bodily13 frame13 (xing13 形)13 the13 personrsquos13 life13 span13 is13 extended13 (Luumlshi13 chunqiu13 III13 213 Transl13 J13 Knobloch13 amp13 J13 Riegel)

The13 life13 of13 an13 human13 being13 is13 the13 coming13 together13 of13 the13 substance13 of13 a13 body13 and13 spirit13 As13 long13 as13 they13 remain13 together13 this13 being13 is13 alive13 their13 separation13 is13 his13 death13 as13 the13 separation13 may13 occur13 due13 to13 the13 weakness13 or13 unbalance13 of13 either13 the13 body13 form13 or13 the13 spirit13 both13 have13 to13 be13 taking13 care13 of13 in13 order13 to13 preserve13 enough13 harmony13 in13 their13 relationship

That13 is13 obvious13 in13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 relations13 13 these13 two13 kinds13 of13 laquosoulsraquo13 spiritual13 (Hun)13 and13 corporeal13 (Po)13 are13 the13 double13 animation13 from13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 in13 a13 human13 Life13 is13 their13 embrace13 and13 death13 their13 separation

The13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 what13 is13 received13 from13 Heaven13 and13 the13 physical13 body13 is13 that13 which13 is13 provided13 by13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Between13 Hun13 and13 Po13 or13 between13 spirit13 and13 body13 there13 is13 the13 same13 relationship13 as13 between13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 13 hierarchy13 and13 interdependency13 One13 cannot13 exist13 without13 the13 other13 it13 is13 their13 interaction13 and13 co-shy‐penetration13 which13 maintains13 life13 Nevertheless13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Heaven13 13 Hun13 soul13 spirit13 is13 more13 subtle13 has13 the13 capacity13 of13 knowledge13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 consequently13 must13 be13 in13 control13 of13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Earth13 13 Po13 body

213 The13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit(s)

Are13 these13 spirits13 inside13 a13 human13 body13 laquoembodied13 spiritsraquo13 spirits13 existing13 outside13 this13 human13 body13 and13 being13 attracted13 welcome13 hosted13 in13 it13 13 Or13 are13 they13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 this13 human13 and13 appear13 only13 in13 his13 body13 thanks13 to13 this13 body13 and13 its13 speciNic13 human13 quality13

Most13 probably13 the13 question13 was13 not13 asked13 in13 those13 terms13 and13 the13 answer13 not13 so13 clear-shy‐cut13 Nevertheless13 some13 ideas13 can13 emerge13

The13 spirits13 can13 dwell13 in13 a13 human13 body13 because13 of13 the13 quality13 of13 its13 vitality13 as13 expressed13 in13 its13 very13 substance

Coarse13 qi13 made13 small13 creatures13 pure13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 made13 humans13 Therefore13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 belong13 to13 Heaven13 and13 the13 bodily13 frame13 belongs13 to13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Is13 Heaven13 sending13 spirits13 into13 a13 human13 body13 13 Or13 is13 it13 natural13 to13 human13 life13 to13 possess13 spirit13 13 There13 is13 no13 real13 difference13 between13 these13 two13 phrases13 The13 speciNic13 quality13 which13 enables13 a13 human13 to13 be13 partner13 of13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 in13 the13 universe13 has13 to13 be13 both13 in13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 and13 in13 the13 ability13 of13 the13 mind13 These13 two13 correspond13 and13 they13 need13 to13 exist13 together13 The13 same13 subtlety13 is13 found13 in13 both13 and13 called13 13 subtle13 reNined13 pure13 seminal13 vital13 essential13 (jing13 精)13 If13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 is13 not13 kept13 pure13 enough13 if13 its13 laquoessencesraquo13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 then13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 spirit13 cannot13 be13 subtle13 and13 clear13 And13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 cannot13 remain13 in13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 how13 could13 it13 command13 adequately13 how13 the13 body13 operates13 and13 how13 life13 is13 nourished13 properly13

13 9

It13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 human13 body13 is13 the13 utmost13 perfect13 form13 among13 all13 that13 exists13 and13 why13 this13 body13 may13 be13 seen13 as13 a13 replica13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 the13 cosmic13 order

Thus13 the13 roundness13 of13 the13 head13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Heaven13 the13 square13 made13 by13 the13 feet13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Earth13 Heaven13 has13 four13 seasons13 [ive13 agents13 (or13 elements13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 nine13 disentanglements13 and13 36613 days13 Similarly13 Man13 has13 four13 limbs13 [ive13 organs13 (wu13 zang13 五藏)13 nine13 ori[ices13 and13 36613 articulations13 Heaven13 has13 wind13 and13 rain13 cold13 and13 heat13 and13 Man13 has13 taking13 and13 giving13 joy13 and13 angerThrough13 the13 correspondence13 of13 the13 gallbladder13 to13 clouds13 the13 lung13 to13 qi13 the13 liver13 to13 wind13 the13 kidneys13 to13 rain13 the13 spleen13 to13 thunder13 Man13 is13 in13 intimate13 association13 (can13 參)13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 and13 the13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 So13 the13 ear13 and13 eye13 are13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 blood13 and13 qi13 are13 wind13 and13 rain13 hellip13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)

Every13 human13 being13 is13 in13 charge13 of13 keeping13 or13 recovering13 this13 natural13 order13 in13 himself13 if13 he13 does13 not13 it13 brings13 him13 disorder13 diseases13 calamities13 on13 himself13 and13 in13 the13 world13

The13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 being13 has13 to13 be13 implemented13 It13 is13 like13 a13 potential13 development13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 a13 human13 to13 develop13 oneself13 to13 become13 spiritlike

Concentrate13 your13 qi13 (氣)13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 (ru13 shen13 如神)13 (Guanzi13 ch13 Neiye)

This13 potentiality13 is13 present13 from13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 the13 human13 body13 at13 conception13 and13 during13 gestation13 In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 the13 spiritwind13 -shy‐13 or13 the13 lightning13 -shy‐13 starts13 life13 in13 spring13 (the13 process13 of13 transformation13 which13 will13 lead13 to13 maturation13 ripeness13 and13 crops)13 a13 spiritual13 presence13 inhabits13 the13 qi13 which13 starts13 the13 formation13 of13 an13 embryo13 In13 a13 human13 being13 this13 presence13 is13 especially13 strong13 meaning13 that13 what13 is13 given13 by13 Heaven13 prevails13 and13 enables13 the13 human13 heartmind13 to13 build13 knowledge13 discernment13 and13 awarenessWhen13 a13 child13 is13 born13 laquoall13 the13 spirits13 are13 completeraquo13 he13 or13 she13 has13 all13 that13 is13 needed13 to13 build13 a13 vital13 spirit13 to13 have13 a13 heartmind13 working13 with13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit

What13 is13 called13 original13 spirits13 (yuan13 shen13 元神)13 is13 mainly13 understood13 as13 the13 power13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 processes13 of13 life13 emanating13 from13 the13 impenetrable13 mystery13 of13 Heaven13 source13 of13 life13 In13 each13 human13 it13 is13 part13 of13 their13 original13 endowment13 In13 a13 Daoist13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 human13 being13 perfectly13 merged13 with13 those13 of13 Heaven13 moving13 without13 impediment13 through13 the13 inNinite13 spaces13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 companions13 to13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 In13 a13 more13 common13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirit13 which13 gives13 the13 human13 heartmind13 its13 clear-shy‐sightedness13 and13 intelligence13 and13 which13 makes13 it13 possible13 for13 the13 heart13 to13 recognize13 more13 and13 more13 clearly13 the13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 its13 own13 nature13 This13 understanding13 provides13 a13 proper13 basis13 for13 mental13 activity13 and13 for13 how13 it13 expresses13 itself13 in13 thought13 and13 purpose13 It13 enables13 us13 to13 accomplish13 our13 destiny13 (ming13 命)13 Calmness13 encourages13 the13 relationship13 of13 the13 spirits13 to13 our13 origin13 giving13 strength13 and13 vigour13 to13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 Emotions13 agitated13 hurrying13 or13 exhaustion13 diminish13 it13 In13 a13 more13 speciNic13 or13 medical13 context13 the13 original13 spirit13 is13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 brain13 which13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 mirrors13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heartmind

Thus13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 possibility13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 each13 human13 being13 to13 build13 their13 own13 heartmind13 and13 through13 it13 their13 own13 awareness13 and13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 reason13 in13 such13 a13 way13 that13 they13 behave13 according13 to13 the13 order13 and13 patterns13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 It13 is13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 operating13 through13 the13 human13 heartmindIn13 Daoism13 it13 leads13 up13 to13 the13 union13 with13 the13 Dao13

13 10

Therefore13 what13 is13 called13 spirit13 allows13 the13 responsibility13 of13 a13 human13 for13 his13 own13 life13 and13 behaviorTo13 embody13 the13 spirit13 is13 to13 open13 the13 heart13 to13 nature13 to13 natural13 order13 to13 Heaven13 to13 enlighten13 the13 intelligence13 knowledge13 and13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 fulNill13 onersquos13 destiny13 and13 also13 at13 the13 same13 time13 to13 nourish13 onersquos13 life13 and13 that13 of13 the13 others

As13 the13 Huainan13 zi13 said13

Its13 movements13 are13 hidden13 from13 sight13 (wu13 xing13 無13 形)13 and13 its13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變13 化)13 are13 godlike13 (ru13 shen13 若13 神)13 it13 does13 not13 leave13 any13 traces13 behind13 in13 its13 progress13 it13 is13 ever13 in13 the13 lead13 though13 always13 coming13 behind13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)13

More13 than13 attracting13 external13 spirits13 into13 his13 body13 it13 is13 the13 process13 of13 internalization13 the13 building13 13 of13 an13 inner13 life13 which13 is13 real13 it13 creates13 the13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 all13 lifes13 the13 foundation13 of13 all13 reality13

The13 spirit13 no13 one13 knows13 its13 limits13 with13 a13 natural13 clarity13 it13 knows13 all13 that13 exists13 Safeguard13 it13 within13 and13 donrsquot13 let13 it13 slip13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 (external)13 beings13 disturb13 the13 sense13 organs13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 sense13 organs13 disturb13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心13 )13 13 this13 is13 called13 to13 grasp13 the13 core13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 Neiye)

313 Clear13 and13 unclear13 spirit

But13 this13 potentiality13 of13 becoming13 like13 a13 spirit13 and13 building13 oneself13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 is13 not13 easily13 done13 The13 human13 heart13 is13 weak13 and13 proned13 to13 indulge13 in13 desires13 and13 passions13 This13 means13 that13 a13 human13 will13 achieve13 this13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 this13 building13 of13 themselves13 as13 a13 spirit13 in13 various13 degrees13 of13 imperfectionperfection13

The13 Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 independently13 exists13 (在)13 Its13 going13 and13 coming13 no13 one13 is13 able13 to13 contemplateLose13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 confused13 (luan13 亂)13 obtain13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 well13 regulated13 (zhi13 治)13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 NeiyeTransl13 W13 Allyn13 Rickett)

Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 or13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 is13 used13 to13 speak13 of13 how13 a13 human13 being13 personiNies13 the13 spirit13 by13 the13 quality13 and13 ruling13 of13 their13 heartmind13 This13 fulNilment13 is13 often13 far13 away13 from13 the13 endowment13 of13 their13 own13 original13 nature13 from13 what13 they13 were13 destined13 to13 become13 by13 HeavenThe13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 called13 spirit13 or13 vital13 spirit13 whatever13 the13 quality13 actually13 achieved

The13 human13 able13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 is13 in13 harmony13 and13 joy13 The13 movement13 and13 interchange13 of13 their13 qi13 are13 regular13 ensuring13 a13 perfect13 mental13 balance13 and13 perfect13 health

Water13 that13 is13 still13 gives13 back13 a13 clear13 image13 of13 beard13 and13 eyebrows13 reposing13 in13 the13 water13 level13 it13 offers13 a13 measure13 to13 the13 great13 carpenter13 And13 if13 water13 in13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 possesses13 such13 clarity13 (ming13 明)13 how13 much13 more13 must13 pure13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 The13 sagersquos13 mind13 (heart13 xin13 心)13 in13 stillness13 is13 the13 mirror13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 the13 glass13 of13 the13 ten13 thousang13 things13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1313 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

13 11

The13 fulNilment13 as13 spirit13 allows13 the13 human13 mind13 to13 be13 one13 with13 the13 universe13 and13 to13 have13 an13 intimate13 knowledge13 (not13 only13 an13 intellectual13 one)13 of13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 It13 also13 allows13 one13 to13 perceive13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 oneself13 and13 to13 see13 them13 as13 what13 has13 to13 be13 undertaken13 as13 the13 laquowill13 of13 Heavenraquo

But13 if13 it13 is13 not13 the13 case13 the13 texts13 speak13 of13 blind13 dull13 and13 poor13 spirits13 of13 how13 to13 exhaust13 his13 spirits13 by13 relying13 on13 accumulated13 knowledge613 and13 onersquos13 own13 willUsing13 onersquos13 mind13 badly13 poorly13 inadequately13 wears13 out13 vitality13 it13 starts13 with13 delusion13 misconception13 due13 to13 what13 we13 believe13 what13 we13 are13 sure13 we13 know13 what13 we13 want13 and13 desireThus13 the13 importance13 of13 cultivating13 onersquos13 heart13 cleaning13 the13 mirror13 emptying13 the13 heart

To13 appease13 the13 passions13 and13 diminish13 the13 desires13 to13 calm13 agitation13 and13 stop13 bustle13 is13 always13 at13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 spiritual13 path13 a13 prerequisite13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit13 It13 is13 also13 necessary13 to13 have13 not13 only13 a13 healthly13 mind13 but13 a13 mind13 free13 of13 any13 prejudice13 likes13 and13 dislikes13 in13 order13 to13 see13 things13 and13 beings13 as13 they13 are13 And13 consequently13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 movements13 of13 life13 with13 their13 patterns13 the13 natural13 order13 as13 it13 is13 and13 not13 the13 vision13 or13 reasoning13 we13 indulge13 in13 because13 of13 our13 desires13 emotions13 ambitions13 passions

Calming13 down13 is13 more13 than13 just13 absence13 of13 agitation13 It13 is13 to13 reach13 the13 state13 of13 equilibrium13 from13 where13 activity13 and13 rest13 Nind13 their13 balance13 and13 appropriate13 time13 and13 strength

The13 sage13 rests13 with13 rest13 comes13 peaceful13 ease13 with13 peaceful13 ease13 comes13 limpidity13 and13 where13 there13 is13 ease13 and13 limpidity13 care13 and13 worry13 cannot13 get13 at13 him13 noxious13 airs13 (evil13 pathogenic13 qi13 xie13 qi13 邪氣)13 cannot13 assault13 him13 Therefore13 his13 Virtue13 is13 complete13 and13 his13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 unimpaired13 []13 Pure13 spirit13 (vial13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 reaches13 in13 the13 four13 directions13 [lows13 now13 this13 way13 now13 that13 -shy13 there13 is13 no13 place13 it13 does13 not13 extend13 to13 Above13 it13 brushes13 Heaven13 below13 it13 coils13 on13 the13 earth13 It13 transforms13 and13 nurses13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 but13 no13 one13 can13 make13 out13 its13 form13 Its13 name13 is13 called13 One-shywith-shyHeaven13 The13 way13 to13 purity13 and13 whiteness13 is13 to13 guard13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 this13 alone13 guard13 it13 and13 never13 lose13 it13 and13 you13 will13 become13 one13 with13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 one13 with13 its13 pure13 essence13 (jing精)13 which13 communicates13 and13 mingles13 with13 the13 Heavenly13 Order13 (Zhuangzi13 ch1513 Transl13 B13 Watson)

By13 cultivating13 onersquos13 own13 spirit13 one13 is13 united13 with13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 the13 life13 force13 the13 pure13 vitality13 and13 follows13 its13 way13 to13 proceed13 with13 less13 and13 less13 effort

Not13 to13 accomplish13 onersquos13 spirit13 is13 to13 oppose13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 to13 separate13 oneself13 from13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 the13 universe13

A13 man13 is13 quiescent13 when13 bornThis13 is13 his13 Heaven-shyendowed13 nature13 He13 moves13 when13 aroused13 This13 is13 the13 stirring13 of13 that13 nature13 The13 human13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 responds13 when13 things13 come13 on13 to13 senseThis13 is13 the13 movement13 of13 the13 intellect13 (zhi13 知)13 When13 the13 intellect13 comes13 into13 contact13 with13 things13 feelings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 are13 produced13 When13 these13 fellings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 have13 taken13 shape13 and13 the13 intellect13 has13 been13 enticed13 from13 the13 outside13 one13 is13 unable13 to13 return13 to13 himself13 and13 the13 Heavenly13 principles13 (tian13 li13 天理)13 in13 him13 are13 destroyed13 []Thus13 when13 a13 man13 harbors13 a13 calculating13 heart13 in13 his13 breast13 the13 quality13 of13 his13 person13 is13 contaminated13 and13 his13 spirituality13 (shen13 神)13 is13 not13 kept13 whole13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)

13 12

613 There13 is13 a13 difference13 between13 Confucians13 and13 Daoists13 concerning13 the13 value13 agtributed13 to13 knowledge

As13 soon13 as13 one13 makes13 oneself13 able13 to13 see13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 of13 cosmic13 life13 what13 one13 perceives13 Nills13 onersquos13 heartmind13 and13 inNluences13 onersquos13 thought13 intention13 and13 action13 It13 is13 what13 guides13 his13 life13 what13 has13 to13 be13 done13 The13 Confucian13 attitude13 favors13 study13 learning13 willpower13 and13 a13 moral13 law13 whereas13 the13 Daoist13 perspective13 aims13 at13 reaching13 a13 natural13 behavior13 spontaneously13 What13 is13 common13 to13 both13 is13 the13 distinction13 between13 the13 person13 who13 get13 closer13 to13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 and13 the13 person13 who13 is13 to13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions

413 The13 Spirit13 and13 the13 HeartMind

The13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 the13 treasure13 of13 the13 heart13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)As13 we13 have13 already13 seen13 the13 relationship13 between13 the13 spirit13 and13 the13 heartmind13 is13 so13 strong13 and13 so13 close13 that13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 depends13 upon13 the13 presence13 or13 internalization13 or13 fulNilment13 of13 the13 spiritBesides13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 occurs13 through13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 and13 of13 course13 its13 working13 at13 the13 light13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 with13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 If13 the13 heartmind13 cannot13 put13 itself13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life13 it13 is13 ineffective13 for13 the13 spirit13 Human13 intelligence13 alone13 is13 not13 able13 to13 acceed13 to13 the13 true13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 their13 underlying13 patternsThe13 heartmind13 encompasses13 all13 that13 is13 emotional13 psychological13 intellectual13 mental13 spiritual13 and13 also13 what13 is13 physically13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 circulation13 the13 beating13 which13 indicates13 life13 these13 various13 aspects13 act13 and13 react13 continuously13 one13 with13 the13 others13 So13 the13 heartmind13 can13 easily13 go13 astray13 and13 leaves13 the13 way13 of13 life

By13 nature13 (xing13 性)13 a13 human13 possesses13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 a13 heart13 that13 allows13 knowledge13 (xin13 zhi13 心知13 )13 Grief13 as13 well13 as13 joy13 elation13 or13 anger13 do13 not13 exist13 permanently13 within13 They13 are13 reactions13 to13 the13 stimulation13 of13 objects13 It13 is13 then13 that13 the13 Art13 of13 the13 Heart13 (xin13 shu13 心術13 )13 intervenes13 (xing13 行)13 (Liji13 Yueji)

Knowledge13 is13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 as13 is13 the13 control13 or13 lack13 of13 control13 on13 the13 emotions13 The13 quality13 of13 the13 awareness13 depends13 on13 the13 cleverness13 the13 emotions13 but13 also13 on13 the13 very13 bodily13 and13 physical13 situation13 And13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 commands13 all13 what13 happen13 in13 the13 body13 all13 movements13 of13 qi

The13 Confucian13 thinker13 Xun13 zi13 devotes13 a13 chapter13 to13 this13 question13 Here13 are13 some13 sentences13

How13 can13 a13 human13 know13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 Way13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 And13 how13 is13 the13 heartmind13 able13 of13 such13 a13 knowledge13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 emptyness13 (xu13 虛)13 his13 unifying13 power13 (yi13 壹)13 and13 his13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

When13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 guided13 by13 the13 principles13 (of13 the13 natural13 order13 li13 理)13 and13 nourished13 with13 purity13 when13 no13 external13 object13 unbalances13 it13 then13 it13 is13 enough13 for13 it13 to13 determine13 right13 and13 wrong13 to13 decide13 on13 any13 uncertainty13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 the13 sovereign13 (jun13 君)13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 master13 (zhu13 主)13 of13 the13 spiritlike13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 13 (Xun13 zi13 ch21)

13 13

513 The13 spirit13 leaving13 the13 body13 at13 death

Traditionally13 at13 death13 the13 spirit13 joins13 Heaven13 to13 become13 the13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 who13 will13 be13 honored13 in13 the13 ceremonies13 of13 the13 ancestral13 worship13 at13 least13 for13 some13 generations13 The13 body13 returns13 to13 the13 Earth

The13 vital13 spirits13 will13 re-shyenter13 the13 gate13 and13 the13 body13 frame13 revert13 to13 its13 roots13 how13 can13 lsquoIrsquo13 continue13 to13 exist13 13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)The13 question13 of13 the13 survival13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 after13 death13 is13 too13 complex13 to13 be13 addressed13 here13 We13 can13 just13 notice13 that13 the13 Huainanzi13 states13 that13 the13 laquoIraquo13 who13 is13 presently13 living13 disappears13 at13 death13 the13 laquoIraquo13 exists13 only13 thanks13 to13 the13 merging13 of13 body13 and13 spirit13 But13 it13 does13 not13 imply13 that13 death13 is13 the13 end13 of13 everything13 There13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 what13 was13 my13 body13 continuing13 the13 transformation13 of13 the13 substance13 in13 the13 Earth13 And13 there13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 my13 vital13 spirit13 but13 not13 as13 the13 laquoIraquo13 or13 the13 laquoegoraquo13 The13 one13 who13 wants13 to13 survive13 as13 a13 self13 is13 in13 delusion13 and13 weakens13 his13 own13 spirit13 through13 this13 desire13

In13 the13 perspective13 of13 the13 Huainanzi13 a13 text13 mostly13 of13 Daoist13 vision13 the13 one13 who13 is13 able13 to13 forget13 his13 own13 self13 enables13 his13 vital13 spirit13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao

They13 dwell13 in13 a13 space13 that13 cannot13 contain13 settle13 in13 a13 place13 that13 is13 nowhere13 they13 move13 in13 the13 formless13 are13 still13 in13 the13 bodyless13 They13 are13 present13 as13 if13 vanished13 and13 live13 as13 if13 dead13 They13 enter13 and13 leave13 where13 there13 is13 no13 opening13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 as13 servants13 They13 are13 engulfed13 by13 the13 unfathomable13 and13 enter13 into13 what13 has13 no13 opening13 in13 order13 to13 be13 moulded13 into13 different13 formsendings13 and13 beginnings13 are13 like13 a13 circle13 no-shyone13 can13 grasp13 their13 succession13 This13 is13 how13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 able13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 713 Monkey13 press)

Merged13 with13 the13 Dao13 the13 vital13 spirit13 of13 a13 human13 is13 one13 with13 the13 axis13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 the13 source13 of13 all13 that13 happens13 Therefore13 this13 vital13 spirit13 can13 be13 said13 to13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits713 as13 servants13 since13 they13 are13 the13 agents13 behind13 the13 life-shy‐giving13 and13 life-shy‐maintening13 transformations

613 The13 various13 status13 of13 spirit13 (shen)13 in13 a13 human13 body

From13 what13 has13 been13 said13 we13 can13 see13 that13 the13 term13 shen13 spirit13 may13 be13 used13 at13 several13 levels13 -shy‐ What13 is13 at13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 each13 life13 allowing13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 transformations13 making13 life13 according13 to13 the13 natural13 order-shy‐ the13 potentiality13 of13 the13 human13 heart13 with13 its13 functioning13 as13 my13 mind13 my13 awareness13 intelligence13 consciousness13 hellip-shy‐ the13 actual13 fulNilment13 of13 this13 heart13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 falling13 prey13 to13 desires13 and13 passions13 and13 becoming13 more13 and13 more13 unable13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 order13 of13 life13 and13 its13 underlying13 patterns13 and13 consequently13 to13 guide13 the13 conduct13 of13 life-shy‐ what13 will13 join13 Heaven13 after13 death13 as13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 or13 as13 a13 companion13 of13 the13 Way13

13 14

713 Ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 13 the13 spirits13 of13 Earth13 and13 those13 of13 Heaven

-shy‐ IV13 SPIRIT(S)13 IN13 MEDICINE

In13 this13 part13 we13 will13 just13 give13 a13 rapid13 survey13 of13 the13 concept13 of13 spirit13 shen13 神13 in13 the13 main13 classical13 medical13 texts813 without13 going13 into13 a13 detailed13 presentation13 and13 without13 speaking13 of13 the13 pathologies13 both13 of13 the13 body13 and13 of13 the13 mind13 which13 are13 related13 to13 the13 spirit

We13 mainly13 try13 to13 show13 how13 this13 concept13 of13 spirit13 in13 the13 medical13 theory13 is13 rooted13 in13 the13 conceptions13 of13 the13 scholars13 of13 the13 VthIInd13 centuries13 BC

1 External13 power13

Even13 if13 the13 medical13 texts13 are13 generally13 concerned13 with13 the13 human13 spirit13 acting13 inside13 a13 body13 they13 may13 also13 use13 the13 concept13 when13 speaking13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 universe13 Some13 of13 the13 best13 examples13 are13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch513 one13 of13 the13 key13 texts13 in13 the13 establishment13 of13 the13 medical13 theory13 Some13 example13

Speaking13 of13 the13 order13 perceived13 in13 nature13 13

Since13 clear13 yang13 rises13 to13 Heaven13 and13 turbid13 yin13 returns13 to13 Earth13 HeavenEarth13 feel13 the13 effects13 of13 movement13 and13 rest13 and13 the13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 forms13 the13 net13 of13 laws13 and13 principles13 Thus13 through13 a13 process13 of13 generating13 growth13 gathering13 and13 burying13 everything13 reaches13 its13 term13 and13 starts13 again13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

When13 speaking13 of13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 life13 manifestations13 of13 what13 is13 beyond13 the13 analysis13 and13 undertanding13 by13 the13 laws13 of13 yin13 yang13 and13 Five13 elements13 precisely13 in13 order13 to13 introduce13 the13 great13 presentation13 of13 the13 correlations13 based13 on13 the13 Five13 elements13 which13 expresses13 the13 cosmic13 order13

In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 the13 deep13 mystery13 In13 Man13 it13 is13 the13 Way13 On13 Earth13 it13 is13 transformationTransformation13 produces13 the13 [ive13 tastes13 The13 Way13 produces13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 deep13 mystery13 produces13 the13 spirits13 The13 spirits13 13 In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 wind13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 wood13 (element)13 of13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 it13 is13 muscular13 movement13 of13 the13 zang13 organ13 it13 is13 the13 liver13 13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

The13 spirits13 which13 are13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 cosmic13 life13 are13 also13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 each13 human13 being13 starting13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 forming13 his13 life13 body13 and13 mind

When13 two13 spirits13 (liang13 shen13 兩神)13 embrace13 their13 union13 gives13 form13 to13 a13 body13 Always13 that13 which13 comes13 [irst13 (xian先)13 in13 the13 personal13 life13 (expressed13 through13 a13 body13 shen13 sheng13 身生)13 is13 called13 the13 essences13 (vitality13 jing13 精)13 (Lingshu13 ch30)

The13 two13 spirits13 are13 a13 pair13 which13 means13 that13 they13 are13 different13 even13 opposite13 but13 in13 the13 same13 time13 complementary13 13 Here13 they13 are13 the13 yin13 yang13 couple13 formed13 by13 the13 male13 (father)13 and13 the13 female13 (mother)13 each13 been13 seen13 as13 participating13 to13 the13 natural13 production13 of13 life13

13 15

813 As13 for13 instance13 the13 Huangdi13 Neijing13 the13 Inner13 Classic13 of13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

213 The13 character13 shen13 神

On13 Western13 Zhou13 dynasty13 bronzes13 (1046-shy‐77013 BC)13 the13 character13 appears13 like13 13 1033649 103365013 and13 with13 the13 meaning13 of13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 all13 the13 spirits13 who13 are13 around13 the13 High13 sovereign13 (shang13 di13 上帝)13 13 Even13 in13 its13 archaic13 forms13 it13 is13 made13 with13 two13 parts13 13 示13 and13 申13

On13 the13 left13 the13 radical13 the13 character13 shi13 示13 This13 very13 old13 character13 appears13 on13 the13 jiaguwen13 (prior13 to13 the13 XIth13 century13 BC)13 as13 for13 instance13 103460610346071034608103460913 and13 with13 the13 meaning13 of13 the13 place13 where13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 manifest13 themselves13 during13 the13 sacriNice13 (worship13 of13 the13 ancestor)13 and13 by13 extension13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 But13 as13 early13 as13 the13 Eastern13 Zhou13 dynasty13 (77013 -shy‐13 221)13 the13 character13 takes13 the13 meaning13 of13 manifestation13 especially13 from13 Heaven13 or13 in13 heaven13 such13 as13 omen13 portent13 presage13 warning13 (especially13 from13 above)13 later13 it13 simply13 means13 to13 show13 to13 manifest13 to13 demonstrate13

On13 the13 right13 the13 phonetic13 part13 the13 character13 shen13 申13 which13 also13 seems13 to13 play13 a13 role13 concerning13 the13 meaning13 since13 it13 had13 been13 used13 on13 some13 Western13 Zhou13 bronzes13 with13 the13 meaning13 of13 the13 complete13 character13 神13 ie13 laquospirits13 of13 the13 ancestorsraquoThe13 character13 shen13 申13 itself13 has13 been13 used13 from13 very13 ancient13 times13 to13 indicate13 dates13 and13 a13 period13 of13 time13 it13 is13 the13 ninth13 of13 the13 Twelve13 earthy13 branches13 It13 also13 conveys13 the13 ideas13 of13 13 expansion13 to13 extend13 to13 stretch13 and13 of13 showing13 to13 notify13 to13 report13 (to13 a13 superior)

Considering13 the13 archaic13 forms13 of13 the13 character13 shen13 申13 one13 may13 see13 a13 man13 kneeling13 and13

praying13 as13 in13 13 13 or13 13 13 13 while13 others13 see13 an13 extension13 as13 in 103363810324181033640103364210324171033643

The13 ninth13 of13 the13 Twelve13 earthly13 branches13 indicates13 a13 period13 of13 time13 when13 the13 maximum13 of13 extension13 has13 been13 reached13 for13 example13 around13 the13 end13 of13 the13 afternoon13 (9th13 hour13 30013 to13 50013 pm)13 or13 the13 end13 of13 the13 summer13 Also13 the13 period13 of13 time13 when13 the13 vegetation13 has13 fully13 unfurled13 and13 grown13 has13 extended13 to13 the13 maximum

Scholars13 have13 been13 glad13 centuries13 later13 to13 interpret13 a13 posteriori13 the13 character13 as13 the13 interaction13 of13 the13 yin13 and13 the13 yang13 and13 to13 relate13 it13 to13 the13 action13 of13 the13 spirits13 who13 draw13 up13 the13 vegetation13 and13 pull13 out13 in13 life13 all13 the13 creatures13 (see13 the13 text13 of13 the13 Shuowen13 jiezi13 quoted13 above)

3 Role13 of13 the13 spirits

In13 very13 ancient13 times13 as13 before13 the13 Xth13 century13 BC13 spirits13 were13 responsible13 for13 more13 or13 less13 everything13 good13 or13 bad13 occurring13 on13 earth13 and13 in13 human13 society13 Good13 things13 were13 viewed13 as13 rewards13 and13 bad13 ones13 as13 punishments13 When13 the13 harmonious13 relationship13 between13 the13 quick13 and13 the13 dead13 was13 lost13 when13 the13 descendants13 had13 displeased13 theirs13 ancestors13 then13 these13 latter13 could13 send13 calamities13 such13 as13 drought13 or13 epidemic13 diseases13 Rituals13 were13 performed13 to13 praise13 and13 propitiate13 them13 or13 to13 attract13 favors13 and13 blessings

Divination13 occupied13 a13 salient13 place13 in13 this13 ancient13 society13 and13 was13 also13 seen13 as13 a13 communication13 between13 the13 humans13 and13 the13 spirits13 They13 manifested13 themselves13 through13 the13 crackings13 of13 the13 turtle13 shell13 and13 their13 interpretation13 answered13 to13 the13 question13 asked13 by13 the13 prince13 and13 allowed13 him13 to13 take13 the13 right13 decision13 with13 the13 support13 of13 his13 ancestors13 of13 the13 spirits

13 4

4 The13 evolution13 during13 the13 Zhou13 dynasty

The13 relationship13 between13 the13 humans13 and13 the13 spirits13 evolved13 dramatically13 with13 the13 increasing13 awareness13 of13 human13 responsibilityIn13 the13 questions13 asked13 in13 divination13 it13 is13 noticeable13 that13 those13 concerning13 illnesses13 for13 instance13 diminish13 It13 is13 certainly13 due13 to13 progress13 made13 in13 medicine13 in13 the13 knowledge13 of13 causes13 and13 treatments13 of13 diseases13 But13 there13 is13 also13 a13 clear13 change13 of13 attitude13 13 the13 diseases13 are13 no13 more13 merely13 the13 punishment13 sent13 by13 deities13 to13 a13 greater13 extent13 they13 had13 become13 the13 result13 of13 human13 misbehavior2

Similarly13 if13 a13 prince13 wants13 to13 increase13 his13 territory13 it13 is13 not13 a13 good13 move13 to13 pray13 to13 a13 spirit13 and13 offer13 him13 sacriNice13 asking13 him13 beneNit13 for13 oneself13 while13 not13 paying13 attention13 to13 the13 actual13 state13 of13 the13 people313 Better13 to13 take13 care13 of13 his13 kingdom13 and13 his13 people13 and13 assure13 them13 peace13 and13 prosperity13 Thus13 the13 kingdom13 of13 this13 prince13 may13 get13 larger13 and13 his13 power13 bigger13 thanks13 to13 a13 natural13 movement13 since13 his13 people13 will13 be13 loyal13 to13 him13 and13 the13 foreigners13 attracted13 by13 a13 rich13 country13 But13 a13 prince13 who13 is13 unable13 to13 bring13 harmony13 on13 his13 own13 territory13 cannot13 ask13 for13 more13 it13 will13 be13 a13 contradiction13 in13 the13 natural13 order13 that13 no13 spirit13 could13 favor13 The13 prince13 is13 unable13 to13 do13 so13 because13 he13 is13 not13 himself13 in13 harmony13 being13 full13 of13 selNish13 desire13 and13 ambition13 by13 this13 attitude13 he13 estranges13 the13 spirits

There13 is13 nothing13 wrong13 in13 honoring13 the13 spirits13 in13 worshipping13 the13 ancestors13 but13 this13 has13 to13 be13 done13 out13 of13 respect13 and13 not13 to13 beg13 for13 a13 reward13 It13 is13 most13 probably13 the13 attitude13 adopted13 by13 Confucius13 (551-shy‐479)13 as13 expressed13 in13 the13 Lunyu13 or13 Confuciusrsquo13 Analects13

Fan13 Chi13 inquired13 about13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 Master13 replied13 lsquoTo13 devote13 yourself13 to13 what13 is13 appropriate13 for13 the13 people13 and13 to13 show13 respect13 for13 the13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 while13 keeping13 them13 at13 a13 distance13 can13 be13 called13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)rsquo13 (Lunyu13 VI2213 Transl13 Ames13 amp13 Rosemont)13 13

To13 keep13 the13 spirits13 at13 a13 distance13 means13 13 not13 to13 treat13 them13 casually13 with13 a13 lack13 of13 reserve13 and13 also13 most13 probably13 not13 to13 approach13 them13 with13 sacriNices13 to13 please13 them13 in13 order13 to13 obtain13 favors13 as13 the13 courtiers13 do13 to13 gain13 the13 favor13 of13 a13 human13 prince13 Respect13 and13 distance13 are13 the13 two13 master13 words

513 The13 intrinsic13 relationship13 between13 spirits13 and13 Heaven

As13 we13 saw13 the13 Shang13 dynasty13 (circa13 180013 -shy‐13 105013 BC)13 believed13 in13 a13 kind13 a13 supreme13 deity13 the13 Emperor13 from13 above13 (shang13 di13 上帝)13 who13 sent13 spirits13 phoenixes13 or13 wind13 as13 his13 messengers13 to13 the13 world13 below13 to13 incite13 life13 When13 this13 dynasty13 was13 overcome13 by13 the13 Zhou13 dynasty13 the13 supreme13 power13 above13 shifted13 to13 HeavenTian13 天13 Heaven13 implies13 the13 notion13 of13 nature13 natural13 power13 and13 natural13 order13 the13 order13 which13 is13 behind13 and13 beyond13 all13 manifestions13 of13 life13 in13 all13 the13 creatures13 or13 productions13 of13 the13 universe

13 5

213 See13 for13 instance13 Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 first13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhao

313 See13 Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 32nd13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhuang

In13 brief13 the13 main13 features13 of13 Heaven13 (as13 found13 in13 the13 classical13 texts)13 are13 -shy‐13 The13 laquoAugust13 Heavenraquo13 (huang13 tian13 皇天)13 the13 power13 taking13 the13 place13 of13 the13 High13 Sovereign13 watching13 the13 behavior13 of13 everyone13 on13 Earth13 sending13 punishment13 and13 blessing13 hellip-shy‐13 The13 atmospheric13 and13 natural13 power13 regulating13 the13 seasons13 sending13 the13 different13 qi13 (氣)13 on13 Earth13 to13 produce13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 and13 stimulate13 the13 transformations13 which13 give13 and13 maintain13 life-shy‐ The13 power13 which13 governs13 and13 regulates13 all13 natural13 activities13 Nature13 itself13 natural13 order13 everywhere13 in13 the13 universe-shy‐ The13 common13 origin13 of13 all13 beings13 the13 power13 which13 is13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 life13 in13 any13 being13 and13 endows13 each13 being13 with13 his13 true13 original13 nature-shy‐ Thus13 the13 power13 determining13 individual13 destiny13 which13 is13 to13 know13 and13 fulNill13 onersquos13 true13 nature-shy‐13 The13 presence13 in13 the13 human13 heart13 of13 a13 kind13 of13 laquomoral13 lawraquo13 the13 ability13 to13 discern13 the13 natural13 order13 and13 to13 submit13 to13 it13 to13 fulNill13 his13 destiny13 ie13 to13 behave13 according13 to13 what13 he13 is13 destined13 by13 Heaven13 or13 Nature13 Or13 the13 presence13 within13 oneself13 of13 the13 spontaneous13 movement13 of13 life

Heaven13 sends13 its13 inNlux13 on13 Earth13 as13 three13 pairs13 of13 qi13 in13 a13 way13 which13 is13 not13 without13 reminding13 the13 way13 the13 Emperor13 from13 above13 sends13 his13 spirits13 on13 the13 Four13 territories13 of13 the13 Earth13

Heaven13 has13 Six13 Qi13 (tian13 you13 liu13 qi13 天有六氣)13 which13 descending13 generate13 the13 Five13 Tastes13 (jiang13 sheng13 wu13 wei13 13 降生五味)13 issue13 as13 the13 Five13 Colours13 (wu13 se13 五色)13 are13 evidenced13 by13 the13 Five13 Sounds13 (wu13 sheng13 五聲)13 and13 in13 excess13 generate13 the13 Six13 13 Diseases13 (yin13 sheng13 liu13 ji13 淫生六疾)13 The13 Six13 Qi13 are13 shade13 and13 sunshine13 (yin13 yang13 陰陽)13 wind13 and13 rain13 (feng13 yu13 風雨)13 dark13 and13 light13 (hui13 ming13 晦明)13 They13 divide13 (fen13 分)13 to13 make13 the13 Four13 Seasons13 in13 sequence13 make13 the13 Five13 Rhythms13 (wu13 jie13 五節)13 and13 in13 excess13 bring13 about13 calamity13 (Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 Nirst13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhao13 Transl13 A13 Graham)

The13 power13 to13 start13 the13 process13 of13 life13 which13 will13 bring13 all13 beings13 to13 appearance13 and13 completion13 along13 with13 the13 regularity13 of13 which13 the13 Four13 seasons13 are13 the13 paragon13 and13 emblem13 are13 what13 belongs13 to13 Heaven13 Consequently13 these13 qualities13 belong13 also13 to13 the13 spirits13 who13 are13 the13 agents13 of13 Heaven13 its13 messengers

The13 spirits13 are13 thus13 seen13 as13 what13 allows13 a13 life13 to13 take13 form13 and13 to13 integrate13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 (li13 理)13 which13 guide13 its13 natural13 developmentThe13 result13 is13 a13 universe13 where13 all13 the13 beings13 things13 phenomena13 coexist13 in13 harmony13 and13 beauty13 An13 idea13 which13 is13 found13 in13 different13 thinkers13 even13 if13 the13 consequences13 and13 lessons13 are13 understood13 in13 often13 divergent13 manners13 Let13 us13 give13 two13 examples13 from13 two13 differents13 authors

Zhuang13 zi13 (circa13 370-shy‐30013 BC)13 a13 thinker13 who13 is13 associated13 with13 the13 early13 Daoism13 and13 mysticism13 looks13 at13 it13 as13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 Dao13 (道)13 and13 the13 way13 to13 integrate13 it

Heaven13 and13 earth13 have13 their13 great13 beauties13 but13 do13 not13 speak13 of13 them13 the13 four13 seasons13 have13 their13 clear-shymarked13 regularity13 but13 do13 not13 discuss13 it13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 have13 their13 principles13 of13 growth13 (li13 理)13 but13 do13 not13 expound13 them13 The13 sage13 seeks13 out13 the13 beauties13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 and13 masters13 the13 principles13 of13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 Thus13 it13 is13 that13 the13 Perfect13 Man13 does13 not13 act13 the13 Great13 Sage13 does13 not13 move13 -shy13 they13 have13 perceived13 [the13 Way13 of]13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 we13 may13 say13 This13 way13 whose13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 is13 of13 the13 greatest13 purity13 (zhi13 jing13 至精)13 13 joins13 with13 others13 in13 a13 hundred13 transformations13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch2213 Transl13 B13 Watson)

13 6

The13 laquospiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)raquo13 is13 how13 both13 the13 splendor13 of13 nature13 and13 the13 order13 the13 principles13 underlying13 this13 great13 beauty13 appear13 through13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 is13 called13 laquospiritsraquo13 To13 understand13 these13 patterns13 is13 to13 know13 all13 that13 is13 possible13 to13 know13 with13 a13 human13 intelligence13 and13 to13 recognize13 the13 laquointelligenceraquo13 the13 natural13 cleverness13 and13 spontaneous13 order13 which13 is13 behind13 the13 manifestation13 of13 life13 to13 acknowledge13 the13 spirits13 as13 the13 agents13 allowing13 the13 processWe13 will13 come13 back13 to13 this13 laquospiritual13 brighnessraquo13 when13 it13 is13 a13 reality13 within13 a13 humanZhuang13 zi13 uses13 human13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 go13 beyond13 the13 intellectual13 the13 thought13 the13 will13 and13 become13 an13 entirely13 laquonaturalraquo13 being13 entirely13 acting13 through13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 his13 original13 nature13 from13 the13 Way13 of13 Heaven13 (tian13 dao13 天道)13 Such13 a13 man13 is13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 13 helping13 the13 emergence13 of13 beings13 and13 inspiring13 the13 transformations13 maintaining13 their13 lives

One13 of13 the13 most13 prominent13 Confucian13 thinkers13 Xun13 zi13 (circa13 298-shy‐23513 BC)13 spoke13 of13 the13 spirits13 in13 a13 very13 similar13 manner13 but13 with13 something13 different13 in13 mind13

Heaven13 has13 its13 seasons13 earth13 has13 its13 riches13 man13 has13 his13 government13 (zhi13 治)13 Hence13 man13 may13 form13 a13 triad13 with13 the13 other13 two13 (can13 參)13 But13 if13 he13 sets13 aside13 that13 which13 allows13 him13 to13 form13 a13 triad13 with13 the13 other13 two13 and13 longs13 for13 what13 they13 have13 then13 he13 is13 deluded13 The13 ranks13 of13 stars13 move13 in13 progression13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 shine13 in13 turn13 the13 four13 seasons13 succed13 each13 other13 in13 good13 order13 the13 yin13 and13 yang13 go13 through13 their13 great13 transformations13 (da13 hua13 大化)13 and13 the13 wind13 and13 rain13 pass13 over13 the13 whole13 land13 All13 things13 obtain13 what13 is13 congenial13 to13 them13 (qi13 he13 其和)13 and13 come13 to13 life13 receive13 what13 is13 nourishing13 to13 them13 and13 grow13 to13 completion13 One13 does13 not13 see13 the13 process13 taking13 place13 but13 sees13 only13 the13 results13 Thus13 it13 is13 called13 godlike13 (spirit13 shen13 神)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch1713 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 Xun13 zi13 text13 shows13 both13 the13 greatness13 and13 the13 weakness13 of13 humankind13 Great13 as13 co-shy‐producer13 of13 life13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 of13 the13 universe13 weak13 as13 the13 trouble-shy‐maker13 who13 destroys13 beauty13 and13 harmony13 and13 destroys13 his13 ability13 to13 perceive13 them13 simultaneously13 What13 enables13 a13 human13 being13 to13 participate13 fully13 and13 accurately13 in13 the13 life13 of13 the13 universe13 is13 his13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 recognize13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 (li13 理)13 of13 life13 its13 natural13 order13 intrinsic13 organization13 principles13 and13 to13 behave13 accordingly13 To13 recognize13 these13 patterns13 is13 to13 reason13 to13 have13 reason13 sagacity13 and13 wisdom13 as13 well13 as13 sanity13 of13 mind13 a13 good13 functionning13 of13 mental13 faculties13 of13 wits

These13 underlying13 patterns13 are13 what13 we13 can13 know13 of13 the13 spirits13 how13 the13 human13 mind13 observes13 recognizes13 and13 represents13 an13 order13 behind13 all13 manifestations13 of13 life13 It13 is13 well13 expressed13 in13 the13 Xici13 or13 Great13 Commentary13 to13 the13 Book13 of13 Change13 (Yijing13 dazhuan)13

Knowing13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 way13 (dao13 道)13 of13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變化)13 is13 how13 one13 knows13 the13 Spirits13 (Xici13 I13 9)

But13 the13 spirits13 in13 themselves13 are13 beyond13 our13 capacity13 of13 analyzing13 and13 explaining13 which13 are13 for13 instance13 the13 yin13 yang13 the13 Five13 elements13 hellip13

What13 cannot13 be13 probed13 by13 yin13 yang13 is13 called13 lsquospiritsrsquo13 (shen13 神)13 (Xici13 I13 5)

Such13 knowledge13 which13 includes13 the13 stopping13 of13 the13 mental13 knowledge13 where13 it13 has13 to13 stop13 is13 the13 true13 working13 of13 the13 human13 heart

Now13 we13 will13 examine13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirits13 within13 the13 human13 body

13 7

III13 THE13 SPIRITS13 AS13 PRESENT13 IN13 A13 HUMAN13 BODY13 -shy13 THE13 VITAL13 SPIRIT

While13 in13 very13 ancient13 times13 the13 spirits13 were13 those13 of13 Heaven13 or13 those13 of13 the13 deceased13 ancestors13 the13 conception13 gradually13 changed13 over13 time13 and13 laquospiritraquo13 (shen13 神)13 started13 to13 be13 used13 for13 either13 simply13 a13 quality13 of13 the13 human13 mind13 (as13 shrewdness13 subtle13 intelligence)13 or13 a13 reality13 inside13 the13 human13 body

There13 are13 several13 possible13 meanings13 to13 the13 presence13 of13 spirits13 inside13 the13 body13 of13 a13 living13 human13 It13 may13 be13 the13 possession13 of13 a13 person13 by13 a13 ghost13 the13 vengeful13 soul13 of13 a13 dead13 person13 Or13 possession13 by13 a13 deity13 or13 a13 sacred13 trance13 often13 induced13 voluntarily13 with13 the13 help13 of13 drugs13 (as13 mushrooms)413 It13 may13 be13 what13 is13 found13 in13 shamanism13 the13 embodiment13 of13 spirits13 by13 the13 shaman13 as13 the13 bridge13 between13 the13 world13 of13 the13 spirits13 and13 the13 world13 of13 mere13 humans13 an13 embodiment13 that13 allows13 the13 shaman13 to13 beneNit13 from13 more13 power13 In13 several13 Daoist13 narrations13 of13 what13 can13 be13 an13 actual13 personal13 experience13 spirits13 come13 inside13 the13 follower13 of13 the13 Dao13 attesting13 by13 their13 presence13 his13 communion13 with13 the13 Dao13 Later13 the13 Daoist13 priests13 also13 would13 attract13 spirits13 to13 perform13 rituals13 requiring13 great13 power13 They13 would13 have13 had13 rolls13 or13 lists13 of13 the13 spirits13 they13 were13 able13 to13 put13 at13 their13 service13 in13 some13 way13 as13 part13 of13 the13 transmission13 from13 their13 master13 and13 lineage13 Also13 in13 the13 Daoist13 practice13 the13 adept13 visualizes13 a13 great13 number13 of13 spirits13 dwelling13 in13 each13 place13 of13 his13 body13 as13 in13 the13 organs13 in13 the13 throat13 in13 the13 brain13 and13 so13 on

We13 will13 leave13 aside13 all13 these13 aspects13 to13 consider13 only13 the13 main13 reNlections13 found13 in13 the13 scholarly13 textsSeveral13 considerations13 appear13

1 Spirit13 and13 body

Spirit13 and13 human13 body13 have13 a13 speciNic13 relationship13 which13 is13 partly13 like13 the13 one13 we13 are13 familiar13 with13 13 they13 are13 not13 the13 same13 thing13 not13 at13 the13 same13 level13 (which13 might13 be13 different13 from13 not13 being13 of13 the13 same13 laquonatureraquo)13 and13 partly13 different13 -shy‐13 even13 conNlicting13 -shy‐13 owing13 to13 the13 fact13 that13 in13 a13 human13 being13 one13 cannot13 function13 without13 the13 other13 the13 perfection13 of13 one13 is13 the13 perfection13 of13 the13 other13

In13 the13 Daoist13 approach13 of13 Zhuang13 zi13

He13 who13 holds13 fast13 to13 the13 Way13 (dao13 道)13 is13 complete13 (quan13 全)13 in13 Virtue13 (de13 德)513 being13 complete13 in13 Virtue13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 body13 (xing13 形)13 being13 complete13 in13 body13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 to13 be13 complete13 in13 spirit13 is13 the13 Way13 of13 the13 sage13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1213 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

Or13 in13 a13 syncretic13 book13 composed13 around13 the13 middle13 of13 the13 third13 century13 BC13

Nature13 (Heaven13 tian天)13 produced13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yang13 principles13 cold13 and13 heat13 wet13 and13 dry13 the13 transformations13 (hua13 化)13 of13 the13 four13 seasons13 and13 the13 metamorphoses13 (bian 變13 )13 of13 the13 myriad13 things13 Each13 of13 these13 can13 produce13 bene[it13 or13 it13 can13 cause13 harm13 The13 sage13 scrutinizes13 what13 is13

13 8

413 See13 Chuci

513 Here13 virtue13 is13 more13 a13 vital13 power13 than13 a13 moral13 achievement

appropriate13 to13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yan13 and13 discriminates13 what13 is13 bene[icial13 in13 the13 myriad13 things13 in13 order13 to13 enhance13 life13 Thus13 the13 vital13 essence13 and13 the13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 being13 secure13 within13 the13 bodily13 frame13 (xing13 形)13 the13 personrsquos13 life13 span13 is13 extended13 (Luumlshi13 chunqiu13 III13 213 Transl13 J13 Knobloch13 amp13 J13 Riegel)

The13 life13 of13 an13 human13 being13 is13 the13 coming13 together13 of13 the13 substance13 of13 a13 body13 and13 spirit13 As13 long13 as13 they13 remain13 together13 this13 being13 is13 alive13 their13 separation13 is13 his13 death13 as13 the13 separation13 may13 occur13 due13 to13 the13 weakness13 or13 unbalance13 of13 either13 the13 body13 form13 or13 the13 spirit13 both13 have13 to13 be13 taking13 care13 of13 in13 order13 to13 preserve13 enough13 harmony13 in13 their13 relationship

That13 is13 obvious13 in13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 relations13 13 these13 two13 kinds13 of13 laquosoulsraquo13 spiritual13 (Hun)13 and13 corporeal13 (Po)13 are13 the13 double13 animation13 from13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 in13 a13 human13 Life13 is13 their13 embrace13 and13 death13 their13 separation

The13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 what13 is13 received13 from13 Heaven13 and13 the13 physical13 body13 is13 that13 which13 is13 provided13 by13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Between13 Hun13 and13 Po13 or13 between13 spirit13 and13 body13 there13 is13 the13 same13 relationship13 as13 between13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 13 hierarchy13 and13 interdependency13 One13 cannot13 exist13 without13 the13 other13 it13 is13 their13 interaction13 and13 co-shy‐penetration13 which13 maintains13 life13 Nevertheless13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Heaven13 13 Hun13 soul13 spirit13 is13 more13 subtle13 has13 the13 capacity13 of13 knowledge13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 consequently13 must13 be13 in13 control13 of13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Earth13 13 Po13 body

213 The13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit(s)

Are13 these13 spirits13 inside13 a13 human13 body13 laquoembodied13 spiritsraquo13 spirits13 existing13 outside13 this13 human13 body13 and13 being13 attracted13 welcome13 hosted13 in13 it13 13 Or13 are13 they13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 this13 human13 and13 appear13 only13 in13 his13 body13 thanks13 to13 this13 body13 and13 its13 speciNic13 human13 quality13

Most13 probably13 the13 question13 was13 not13 asked13 in13 those13 terms13 and13 the13 answer13 not13 so13 clear-shy‐cut13 Nevertheless13 some13 ideas13 can13 emerge13

The13 spirits13 can13 dwell13 in13 a13 human13 body13 because13 of13 the13 quality13 of13 its13 vitality13 as13 expressed13 in13 its13 very13 substance

Coarse13 qi13 made13 small13 creatures13 pure13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 made13 humans13 Therefore13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 belong13 to13 Heaven13 and13 the13 bodily13 frame13 belongs13 to13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Is13 Heaven13 sending13 spirits13 into13 a13 human13 body13 13 Or13 is13 it13 natural13 to13 human13 life13 to13 possess13 spirit13 13 There13 is13 no13 real13 difference13 between13 these13 two13 phrases13 The13 speciNic13 quality13 which13 enables13 a13 human13 to13 be13 partner13 of13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 in13 the13 universe13 has13 to13 be13 both13 in13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 and13 in13 the13 ability13 of13 the13 mind13 These13 two13 correspond13 and13 they13 need13 to13 exist13 together13 The13 same13 subtlety13 is13 found13 in13 both13 and13 called13 13 subtle13 reNined13 pure13 seminal13 vital13 essential13 (jing13 精)13 If13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 is13 not13 kept13 pure13 enough13 if13 its13 laquoessencesraquo13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 then13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 spirit13 cannot13 be13 subtle13 and13 clear13 And13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 cannot13 remain13 in13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 how13 could13 it13 command13 adequately13 how13 the13 body13 operates13 and13 how13 life13 is13 nourished13 properly13

13 9

It13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 human13 body13 is13 the13 utmost13 perfect13 form13 among13 all13 that13 exists13 and13 why13 this13 body13 may13 be13 seen13 as13 a13 replica13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 the13 cosmic13 order

Thus13 the13 roundness13 of13 the13 head13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Heaven13 the13 square13 made13 by13 the13 feet13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Earth13 Heaven13 has13 four13 seasons13 [ive13 agents13 (or13 elements13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 nine13 disentanglements13 and13 36613 days13 Similarly13 Man13 has13 four13 limbs13 [ive13 organs13 (wu13 zang13 五藏)13 nine13 ori[ices13 and13 36613 articulations13 Heaven13 has13 wind13 and13 rain13 cold13 and13 heat13 and13 Man13 has13 taking13 and13 giving13 joy13 and13 angerThrough13 the13 correspondence13 of13 the13 gallbladder13 to13 clouds13 the13 lung13 to13 qi13 the13 liver13 to13 wind13 the13 kidneys13 to13 rain13 the13 spleen13 to13 thunder13 Man13 is13 in13 intimate13 association13 (can13 參)13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 and13 the13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 So13 the13 ear13 and13 eye13 are13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 blood13 and13 qi13 are13 wind13 and13 rain13 hellip13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)

Every13 human13 being13 is13 in13 charge13 of13 keeping13 or13 recovering13 this13 natural13 order13 in13 himself13 if13 he13 does13 not13 it13 brings13 him13 disorder13 diseases13 calamities13 on13 himself13 and13 in13 the13 world13

The13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 being13 has13 to13 be13 implemented13 It13 is13 like13 a13 potential13 development13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 a13 human13 to13 develop13 oneself13 to13 become13 spiritlike

Concentrate13 your13 qi13 (氣)13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 (ru13 shen13 如神)13 (Guanzi13 ch13 Neiye)

This13 potentiality13 is13 present13 from13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 the13 human13 body13 at13 conception13 and13 during13 gestation13 In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 the13 spiritwind13 -shy‐13 or13 the13 lightning13 -shy‐13 starts13 life13 in13 spring13 (the13 process13 of13 transformation13 which13 will13 lead13 to13 maturation13 ripeness13 and13 crops)13 a13 spiritual13 presence13 inhabits13 the13 qi13 which13 starts13 the13 formation13 of13 an13 embryo13 In13 a13 human13 being13 this13 presence13 is13 especially13 strong13 meaning13 that13 what13 is13 given13 by13 Heaven13 prevails13 and13 enables13 the13 human13 heartmind13 to13 build13 knowledge13 discernment13 and13 awarenessWhen13 a13 child13 is13 born13 laquoall13 the13 spirits13 are13 completeraquo13 he13 or13 she13 has13 all13 that13 is13 needed13 to13 build13 a13 vital13 spirit13 to13 have13 a13 heartmind13 working13 with13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit

What13 is13 called13 original13 spirits13 (yuan13 shen13 元神)13 is13 mainly13 understood13 as13 the13 power13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 processes13 of13 life13 emanating13 from13 the13 impenetrable13 mystery13 of13 Heaven13 source13 of13 life13 In13 each13 human13 it13 is13 part13 of13 their13 original13 endowment13 In13 a13 Daoist13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 human13 being13 perfectly13 merged13 with13 those13 of13 Heaven13 moving13 without13 impediment13 through13 the13 inNinite13 spaces13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 companions13 to13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 In13 a13 more13 common13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirit13 which13 gives13 the13 human13 heartmind13 its13 clear-shy‐sightedness13 and13 intelligence13 and13 which13 makes13 it13 possible13 for13 the13 heart13 to13 recognize13 more13 and13 more13 clearly13 the13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 its13 own13 nature13 This13 understanding13 provides13 a13 proper13 basis13 for13 mental13 activity13 and13 for13 how13 it13 expresses13 itself13 in13 thought13 and13 purpose13 It13 enables13 us13 to13 accomplish13 our13 destiny13 (ming13 命)13 Calmness13 encourages13 the13 relationship13 of13 the13 spirits13 to13 our13 origin13 giving13 strength13 and13 vigour13 to13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 Emotions13 agitated13 hurrying13 or13 exhaustion13 diminish13 it13 In13 a13 more13 speciNic13 or13 medical13 context13 the13 original13 spirit13 is13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 brain13 which13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 mirrors13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heartmind

Thus13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 possibility13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 each13 human13 being13 to13 build13 their13 own13 heartmind13 and13 through13 it13 their13 own13 awareness13 and13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 reason13 in13 such13 a13 way13 that13 they13 behave13 according13 to13 the13 order13 and13 patterns13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 It13 is13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 operating13 through13 the13 human13 heartmindIn13 Daoism13 it13 leads13 up13 to13 the13 union13 with13 the13 Dao13

13 10

Therefore13 what13 is13 called13 spirit13 allows13 the13 responsibility13 of13 a13 human13 for13 his13 own13 life13 and13 behaviorTo13 embody13 the13 spirit13 is13 to13 open13 the13 heart13 to13 nature13 to13 natural13 order13 to13 Heaven13 to13 enlighten13 the13 intelligence13 knowledge13 and13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 fulNill13 onersquos13 destiny13 and13 also13 at13 the13 same13 time13 to13 nourish13 onersquos13 life13 and13 that13 of13 the13 others

As13 the13 Huainan13 zi13 said13

Its13 movements13 are13 hidden13 from13 sight13 (wu13 xing13 無13 形)13 and13 its13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變13 化)13 are13 godlike13 (ru13 shen13 若13 神)13 it13 does13 not13 leave13 any13 traces13 behind13 in13 its13 progress13 it13 is13 ever13 in13 the13 lead13 though13 always13 coming13 behind13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)13

More13 than13 attracting13 external13 spirits13 into13 his13 body13 it13 is13 the13 process13 of13 internalization13 the13 building13 13 of13 an13 inner13 life13 which13 is13 real13 it13 creates13 the13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 all13 lifes13 the13 foundation13 of13 all13 reality13

The13 spirit13 no13 one13 knows13 its13 limits13 with13 a13 natural13 clarity13 it13 knows13 all13 that13 exists13 Safeguard13 it13 within13 and13 donrsquot13 let13 it13 slip13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 (external)13 beings13 disturb13 the13 sense13 organs13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 sense13 organs13 disturb13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心13 )13 13 this13 is13 called13 to13 grasp13 the13 core13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 Neiye)

313 Clear13 and13 unclear13 spirit

But13 this13 potentiality13 of13 becoming13 like13 a13 spirit13 and13 building13 oneself13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 is13 not13 easily13 done13 The13 human13 heart13 is13 weak13 and13 proned13 to13 indulge13 in13 desires13 and13 passions13 This13 means13 that13 a13 human13 will13 achieve13 this13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 this13 building13 of13 themselves13 as13 a13 spirit13 in13 various13 degrees13 of13 imperfectionperfection13

The13 Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 independently13 exists13 (在)13 Its13 going13 and13 coming13 no13 one13 is13 able13 to13 contemplateLose13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 confused13 (luan13 亂)13 obtain13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 well13 regulated13 (zhi13 治)13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 NeiyeTransl13 W13 Allyn13 Rickett)

Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 or13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 is13 used13 to13 speak13 of13 how13 a13 human13 being13 personiNies13 the13 spirit13 by13 the13 quality13 and13 ruling13 of13 their13 heartmind13 This13 fulNilment13 is13 often13 far13 away13 from13 the13 endowment13 of13 their13 own13 original13 nature13 from13 what13 they13 were13 destined13 to13 become13 by13 HeavenThe13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 called13 spirit13 or13 vital13 spirit13 whatever13 the13 quality13 actually13 achieved

The13 human13 able13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 is13 in13 harmony13 and13 joy13 The13 movement13 and13 interchange13 of13 their13 qi13 are13 regular13 ensuring13 a13 perfect13 mental13 balance13 and13 perfect13 health

Water13 that13 is13 still13 gives13 back13 a13 clear13 image13 of13 beard13 and13 eyebrows13 reposing13 in13 the13 water13 level13 it13 offers13 a13 measure13 to13 the13 great13 carpenter13 And13 if13 water13 in13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 possesses13 such13 clarity13 (ming13 明)13 how13 much13 more13 must13 pure13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 The13 sagersquos13 mind13 (heart13 xin13 心)13 in13 stillness13 is13 the13 mirror13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 the13 glass13 of13 the13 ten13 thousang13 things13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1313 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

13 11

The13 fulNilment13 as13 spirit13 allows13 the13 human13 mind13 to13 be13 one13 with13 the13 universe13 and13 to13 have13 an13 intimate13 knowledge13 (not13 only13 an13 intellectual13 one)13 of13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 It13 also13 allows13 one13 to13 perceive13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 oneself13 and13 to13 see13 them13 as13 what13 has13 to13 be13 undertaken13 as13 the13 laquowill13 of13 Heavenraquo

But13 if13 it13 is13 not13 the13 case13 the13 texts13 speak13 of13 blind13 dull13 and13 poor13 spirits13 of13 how13 to13 exhaust13 his13 spirits13 by13 relying13 on13 accumulated13 knowledge613 and13 onersquos13 own13 willUsing13 onersquos13 mind13 badly13 poorly13 inadequately13 wears13 out13 vitality13 it13 starts13 with13 delusion13 misconception13 due13 to13 what13 we13 believe13 what13 we13 are13 sure13 we13 know13 what13 we13 want13 and13 desireThus13 the13 importance13 of13 cultivating13 onersquos13 heart13 cleaning13 the13 mirror13 emptying13 the13 heart

To13 appease13 the13 passions13 and13 diminish13 the13 desires13 to13 calm13 agitation13 and13 stop13 bustle13 is13 always13 at13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 spiritual13 path13 a13 prerequisite13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit13 It13 is13 also13 necessary13 to13 have13 not13 only13 a13 healthly13 mind13 but13 a13 mind13 free13 of13 any13 prejudice13 likes13 and13 dislikes13 in13 order13 to13 see13 things13 and13 beings13 as13 they13 are13 And13 consequently13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 movements13 of13 life13 with13 their13 patterns13 the13 natural13 order13 as13 it13 is13 and13 not13 the13 vision13 or13 reasoning13 we13 indulge13 in13 because13 of13 our13 desires13 emotions13 ambitions13 passions

Calming13 down13 is13 more13 than13 just13 absence13 of13 agitation13 It13 is13 to13 reach13 the13 state13 of13 equilibrium13 from13 where13 activity13 and13 rest13 Nind13 their13 balance13 and13 appropriate13 time13 and13 strength

The13 sage13 rests13 with13 rest13 comes13 peaceful13 ease13 with13 peaceful13 ease13 comes13 limpidity13 and13 where13 there13 is13 ease13 and13 limpidity13 care13 and13 worry13 cannot13 get13 at13 him13 noxious13 airs13 (evil13 pathogenic13 qi13 xie13 qi13 邪氣)13 cannot13 assault13 him13 Therefore13 his13 Virtue13 is13 complete13 and13 his13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 unimpaired13 []13 Pure13 spirit13 (vial13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 reaches13 in13 the13 four13 directions13 [lows13 now13 this13 way13 now13 that13 -shy13 there13 is13 no13 place13 it13 does13 not13 extend13 to13 Above13 it13 brushes13 Heaven13 below13 it13 coils13 on13 the13 earth13 It13 transforms13 and13 nurses13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 but13 no13 one13 can13 make13 out13 its13 form13 Its13 name13 is13 called13 One-shywith-shyHeaven13 The13 way13 to13 purity13 and13 whiteness13 is13 to13 guard13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 this13 alone13 guard13 it13 and13 never13 lose13 it13 and13 you13 will13 become13 one13 with13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 one13 with13 its13 pure13 essence13 (jing精)13 which13 communicates13 and13 mingles13 with13 the13 Heavenly13 Order13 (Zhuangzi13 ch1513 Transl13 B13 Watson)

By13 cultivating13 onersquos13 own13 spirit13 one13 is13 united13 with13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 the13 life13 force13 the13 pure13 vitality13 and13 follows13 its13 way13 to13 proceed13 with13 less13 and13 less13 effort

Not13 to13 accomplish13 onersquos13 spirit13 is13 to13 oppose13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 to13 separate13 oneself13 from13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 the13 universe13

A13 man13 is13 quiescent13 when13 bornThis13 is13 his13 Heaven-shyendowed13 nature13 He13 moves13 when13 aroused13 This13 is13 the13 stirring13 of13 that13 nature13 The13 human13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 responds13 when13 things13 come13 on13 to13 senseThis13 is13 the13 movement13 of13 the13 intellect13 (zhi13 知)13 When13 the13 intellect13 comes13 into13 contact13 with13 things13 feelings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 are13 produced13 When13 these13 fellings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 have13 taken13 shape13 and13 the13 intellect13 has13 been13 enticed13 from13 the13 outside13 one13 is13 unable13 to13 return13 to13 himself13 and13 the13 Heavenly13 principles13 (tian13 li13 天理)13 in13 him13 are13 destroyed13 []Thus13 when13 a13 man13 harbors13 a13 calculating13 heart13 in13 his13 breast13 the13 quality13 of13 his13 person13 is13 contaminated13 and13 his13 spirituality13 (shen13 神)13 is13 not13 kept13 whole13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)

13 12

613 There13 is13 a13 difference13 between13 Confucians13 and13 Daoists13 concerning13 the13 value13 agtributed13 to13 knowledge

As13 soon13 as13 one13 makes13 oneself13 able13 to13 see13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 of13 cosmic13 life13 what13 one13 perceives13 Nills13 onersquos13 heartmind13 and13 inNluences13 onersquos13 thought13 intention13 and13 action13 It13 is13 what13 guides13 his13 life13 what13 has13 to13 be13 done13 The13 Confucian13 attitude13 favors13 study13 learning13 willpower13 and13 a13 moral13 law13 whereas13 the13 Daoist13 perspective13 aims13 at13 reaching13 a13 natural13 behavior13 spontaneously13 What13 is13 common13 to13 both13 is13 the13 distinction13 between13 the13 person13 who13 get13 closer13 to13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 and13 the13 person13 who13 is13 to13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions

413 The13 Spirit13 and13 the13 HeartMind

The13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 the13 treasure13 of13 the13 heart13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)As13 we13 have13 already13 seen13 the13 relationship13 between13 the13 spirit13 and13 the13 heartmind13 is13 so13 strong13 and13 so13 close13 that13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 depends13 upon13 the13 presence13 or13 internalization13 or13 fulNilment13 of13 the13 spiritBesides13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 occurs13 through13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 and13 of13 course13 its13 working13 at13 the13 light13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 with13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 If13 the13 heartmind13 cannot13 put13 itself13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life13 it13 is13 ineffective13 for13 the13 spirit13 Human13 intelligence13 alone13 is13 not13 able13 to13 acceed13 to13 the13 true13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 their13 underlying13 patternsThe13 heartmind13 encompasses13 all13 that13 is13 emotional13 psychological13 intellectual13 mental13 spiritual13 and13 also13 what13 is13 physically13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 circulation13 the13 beating13 which13 indicates13 life13 these13 various13 aspects13 act13 and13 react13 continuously13 one13 with13 the13 others13 So13 the13 heartmind13 can13 easily13 go13 astray13 and13 leaves13 the13 way13 of13 life

By13 nature13 (xing13 性)13 a13 human13 possesses13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 a13 heart13 that13 allows13 knowledge13 (xin13 zhi13 心知13 )13 Grief13 as13 well13 as13 joy13 elation13 or13 anger13 do13 not13 exist13 permanently13 within13 They13 are13 reactions13 to13 the13 stimulation13 of13 objects13 It13 is13 then13 that13 the13 Art13 of13 the13 Heart13 (xin13 shu13 心術13 )13 intervenes13 (xing13 行)13 (Liji13 Yueji)

Knowledge13 is13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 as13 is13 the13 control13 or13 lack13 of13 control13 on13 the13 emotions13 The13 quality13 of13 the13 awareness13 depends13 on13 the13 cleverness13 the13 emotions13 but13 also13 on13 the13 very13 bodily13 and13 physical13 situation13 And13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 commands13 all13 what13 happen13 in13 the13 body13 all13 movements13 of13 qi

The13 Confucian13 thinker13 Xun13 zi13 devotes13 a13 chapter13 to13 this13 question13 Here13 are13 some13 sentences13

How13 can13 a13 human13 know13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 Way13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 And13 how13 is13 the13 heartmind13 able13 of13 such13 a13 knowledge13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 emptyness13 (xu13 虛)13 his13 unifying13 power13 (yi13 壹)13 and13 his13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

When13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 guided13 by13 the13 principles13 (of13 the13 natural13 order13 li13 理)13 and13 nourished13 with13 purity13 when13 no13 external13 object13 unbalances13 it13 then13 it13 is13 enough13 for13 it13 to13 determine13 right13 and13 wrong13 to13 decide13 on13 any13 uncertainty13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 the13 sovereign13 (jun13 君)13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 master13 (zhu13 主)13 of13 the13 spiritlike13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 13 (Xun13 zi13 ch21)

13 13

513 The13 spirit13 leaving13 the13 body13 at13 death

Traditionally13 at13 death13 the13 spirit13 joins13 Heaven13 to13 become13 the13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 who13 will13 be13 honored13 in13 the13 ceremonies13 of13 the13 ancestral13 worship13 at13 least13 for13 some13 generations13 The13 body13 returns13 to13 the13 Earth

The13 vital13 spirits13 will13 re-shyenter13 the13 gate13 and13 the13 body13 frame13 revert13 to13 its13 roots13 how13 can13 lsquoIrsquo13 continue13 to13 exist13 13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)The13 question13 of13 the13 survival13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 after13 death13 is13 too13 complex13 to13 be13 addressed13 here13 We13 can13 just13 notice13 that13 the13 Huainanzi13 states13 that13 the13 laquoIraquo13 who13 is13 presently13 living13 disappears13 at13 death13 the13 laquoIraquo13 exists13 only13 thanks13 to13 the13 merging13 of13 body13 and13 spirit13 But13 it13 does13 not13 imply13 that13 death13 is13 the13 end13 of13 everything13 There13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 what13 was13 my13 body13 continuing13 the13 transformation13 of13 the13 substance13 in13 the13 Earth13 And13 there13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 my13 vital13 spirit13 but13 not13 as13 the13 laquoIraquo13 or13 the13 laquoegoraquo13 The13 one13 who13 wants13 to13 survive13 as13 a13 self13 is13 in13 delusion13 and13 weakens13 his13 own13 spirit13 through13 this13 desire13

In13 the13 perspective13 of13 the13 Huainanzi13 a13 text13 mostly13 of13 Daoist13 vision13 the13 one13 who13 is13 able13 to13 forget13 his13 own13 self13 enables13 his13 vital13 spirit13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao

They13 dwell13 in13 a13 space13 that13 cannot13 contain13 settle13 in13 a13 place13 that13 is13 nowhere13 they13 move13 in13 the13 formless13 are13 still13 in13 the13 bodyless13 They13 are13 present13 as13 if13 vanished13 and13 live13 as13 if13 dead13 They13 enter13 and13 leave13 where13 there13 is13 no13 opening13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 as13 servants13 They13 are13 engulfed13 by13 the13 unfathomable13 and13 enter13 into13 what13 has13 no13 opening13 in13 order13 to13 be13 moulded13 into13 different13 formsendings13 and13 beginnings13 are13 like13 a13 circle13 no-shyone13 can13 grasp13 their13 succession13 This13 is13 how13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 able13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 713 Monkey13 press)

Merged13 with13 the13 Dao13 the13 vital13 spirit13 of13 a13 human13 is13 one13 with13 the13 axis13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 the13 source13 of13 all13 that13 happens13 Therefore13 this13 vital13 spirit13 can13 be13 said13 to13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits713 as13 servants13 since13 they13 are13 the13 agents13 behind13 the13 life-shy‐giving13 and13 life-shy‐maintening13 transformations

613 The13 various13 status13 of13 spirit13 (shen)13 in13 a13 human13 body

From13 what13 has13 been13 said13 we13 can13 see13 that13 the13 term13 shen13 spirit13 may13 be13 used13 at13 several13 levels13 -shy‐ What13 is13 at13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 each13 life13 allowing13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 transformations13 making13 life13 according13 to13 the13 natural13 order-shy‐ the13 potentiality13 of13 the13 human13 heart13 with13 its13 functioning13 as13 my13 mind13 my13 awareness13 intelligence13 consciousness13 hellip-shy‐ the13 actual13 fulNilment13 of13 this13 heart13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 falling13 prey13 to13 desires13 and13 passions13 and13 becoming13 more13 and13 more13 unable13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 order13 of13 life13 and13 its13 underlying13 patterns13 and13 consequently13 to13 guide13 the13 conduct13 of13 life-shy‐ what13 will13 join13 Heaven13 after13 death13 as13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 or13 as13 a13 companion13 of13 the13 Way13

13 14

713 Ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 13 the13 spirits13 of13 Earth13 and13 those13 of13 Heaven

-shy‐ IV13 SPIRIT(S)13 IN13 MEDICINE

In13 this13 part13 we13 will13 just13 give13 a13 rapid13 survey13 of13 the13 concept13 of13 spirit13 shen13 神13 in13 the13 main13 classical13 medical13 texts813 without13 going13 into13 a13 detailed13 presentation13 and13 without13 speaking13 of13 the13 pathologies13 both13 of13 the13 body13 and13 of13 the13 mind13 which13 are13 related13 to13 the13 spirit

We13 mainly13 try13 to13 show13 how13 this13 concept13 of13 spirit13 in13 the13 medical13 theory13 is13 rooted13 in13 the13 conceptions13 of13 the13 scholars13 of13 the13 VthIInd13 centuries13 BC

1 External13 power13

Even13 if13 the13 medical13 texts13 are13 generally13 concerned13 with13 the13 human13 spirit13 acting13 inside13 a13 body13 they13 may13 also13 use13 the13 concept13 when13 speaking13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 universe13 Some13 of13 the13 best13 examples13 are13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch513 one13 of13 the13 key13 texts13 in13 the13 establishment13 of13 the13 medical13 theory13 Some13 example13

Speaking13 of13 the13 order13 perceived13 in13 nature13 13

Since13 clear13 yang13 rises13 to13 Heaven13 and13 turbid13 yin13 returns13 to13 Earth13 HeavenEarth13 feel13 the13 effects13 of13 movement13 and13 rest13 and13 the13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 forms13 the13 net13 of13 laws13 and13 principles13 Thus13 through13 a13 process13 of13 generating13 growth13 gathering13 and13 burying13 everything13 reaches13 its13 term13 and13 starts13 again13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

When13 speaking13 of13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 life13 manifestations13 of13 what13 is13 beyond13 the13 analysis13 and13 undertanding13 by13 the13 laws13 of13 yin13 yang13 and13 Five13 elements13 precisely13 in13 order13 to13 introduce13 the13 great13 presentation13 of13 the13 correlations13 based13 on13 the13 Five13 elements13 which13 expresses13 the13 cosmic13 order13

In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 the13 deep13 mystery13 In13 Man13 it13 is13 the13 Way13 On13 Earth13 it13 is13 transformationTransformation13 produces13 the13 [ive13 tastes13 The13 Way13 produces13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 deep13 mystery13 produces13 the13 spirits13 The13 spirits13 13 In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 wind13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 wood13 (element)13 of13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 it13 is13 muscular13 movement13 of13 the13 zang13 organ13 it13 is13 the13 liver13 13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

The13 spirits13 which13 are13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 cosmic13 life13 are13 also13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 each13 human13 being13 starting13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 forming13 his13 life13 body13 and13 mind

When13 two13 spirits13 (liang13 shen13 兩神)13 embrace13 their13 union13 gives13 form13 to13 a13 body13 Always13 that13 which13 comes13 [irst13 (xian先)13 in13 the13 personal13 life13 (expressed13 through13 a13 body13 shen13 sheng13 身生)13 is13 called13 the13 essences13 (vitality13 jing13 精)13 (Lingshu13 ch30)

The13 two13 spirits13 are13 a13 pair13 which13 means13 that13 they13 are13 different13 even13 opposite13 but13 in13 the13 same13 time13 complementary13 13 Here13 they13 are13 the13 yin13 yang13 couple13 formed13 by13 the13 male13 (father)13 and13 the13 female13 (mother)13 each13 been13 seen13 as13 participating13 to13 the13 natural13 production13 of13 life13

13 15

813 As13 for13 instance13 the13 Huangdi13 Neijing13 the13 Inner13 Classic13 of13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

4 The13 evolution13 during13 the13 Zhou13 dynasty

The13 relationship13 between13 the13 humans13 and13 the13 spirits13 evolved13 dramatically13 with13 the13 increasing13 awareness13 of13 human13 responsibilityIn13 the13 questions13 asked13 in13 divination13 it13 is13 noticeable13 that13 those13 concerning13 illnesses13 for13 instance13 diminish13 It13 is13 certainly13 due13 to13 progress13 made13 in13 medicine13 in13 the13 knowledge13 of13 causes13 and13 treatments13 of13 diseases13 But13 there13 is13 also13 a13 clear13 change13 of13 attitude13 13 the13 diseases13 are13 no13 more13 merely13 the13 punishment13 sent13 by13 deities13 to13 a13 greater13 extent13 they13 had13 become13 the13 result13 of13 human13 misbehavior2

Similarly13 if13 a13 prince13 wants13 to13 increase13 his13 territory13 it13 is13 not13 a13 good13 move13 to13 pray13 to13 a13 spirit13 and13 offer13 him13 sacriNice13 asking13 him13 beneNit13 for13 oneself13 while13 not13 paying13 attention13 to13 the13 actual13 state13 of13 the13 people313 Better13 to13 take13 care13 of13 his13 kingdom13 and13 his13 people13 and13 assure13 them13 peace13 and13 prosperity13 Thus13 the13 kingdom13 of13 this13 prince13 may13 get13 larger13 and13 his13 power13 bigger13 thanks13 to13 a13 natural13 movement13 since13 his13 people13 will13 be13 loyal13 to13 him13 and13 the13 foreigners13 attracted13 by13 a13 rich13 country13 But13 a13 prince13 who13 is13 unable13 to13 bring13 harmony13 on13 his13 own13 territory13 cannot13 ask13 for13 more13 it13 will13 be13 a13 contradiction13 in13 the13 natural13 order13 that13 no13 spirit13 could13 favor13 The13 prince13 is13 unable13 to13 do13 so13 because13 he13 is13 not13 himself13 in13 harmony13 being13 full13 of13 selNish13 desire13 and13 ambition13 by13 this13 attitude13 he13 estranges13 the13 spirits

There13 is13 nothing13 wrong13 in13 honoring13 the13 spirits13 in13 worshipping13 the13 ancestors13 but13 this13 has13 to13 be13 done13 out13 of13 respect13 and13 not13 to13 beg13 for13 a13 reward13 It13 is13 most13 probably13 the13 attitude13 adopted13 by13 Confucius13 (551-shy‐479)13 as13 expressed13 in13 the13 Lunyu13 or13 Confuciusrsquo13 Analects13

Fan13 Chi13 inquired13 about13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 Master13 replied13 lsquoTo13 devote13 yourself13 to13 what13 is13 appropriate13 for13 the13 people13 and13 to13 show13 respect13 for13 the13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 while13 keeping13 them13 at13 a13 distance13 can13 be13 called13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)rsquo13 (Lunyu13 VI2213 Transl13 Ames13 amp13 Rosemont)13 13

To13 keep13 the13 spirits13 at13 a13 distance13 means13 13 not13 to13 treat13 them13 casually13 with13 a13 lack13 of13 reserve13 and13 also13 most13 probably13 not13 to13 approach13 them13 with13 sacriNices13 to13 please13 them13 in13 order13 to13 obtain13 favors13 as13 the13 courtiers13 do13 to13 gain13 the13 favor13 of13 a13 human13 prince13 Respect13 and13 distance13 are13 the13 two13 master13 words

513 The13 intrinsic13 relationship13 between13 spirits13 and13 Heaven

As13 we13 saw13 the13 Shang13 dynasty13 (circa13 180013 -shy‐13 105013 BC)13 believed13 in13 a13 kind13 a13 supreme13 deity13 the13 Emperor13 from13 above13 (shang13 di13 上帝)13 who13 sent13 spirits13 phoenixes13 or13 wind13 as13 his13 messengers13 to13 the13 world13 below13 to13 incite13 life13 When13 this13 dynasty13 was13 overcome13 by13 the13 Zhou13 dynasty13 the13 supreme13 power13 above13 shifted13 to13 HeavenTian13 天13 Heaven13 implies13 the13 notion13 of13 nature13 natural13 power13 and13 natural13 order13 the13 order13 which13 is13 behind13 and13 beyond13 all13 manifestions13 of13 life13 in13 all13 the13 creatures13 or13 productions13 of13 the13 universe

13 5

213 See13 for13 instance13 Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 first13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhao

313 See13 Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 32nd13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhuang

In13 brief13 the13 main13 features13 of13 Heaven13 (as13 found13 in13 the13 classical13 texts)13 are13 -shy‐13 The13 laquoAugust13 Heavenraquo13 (huang13 tian13 皇天)13 the13 power13 taking13 the13 place13 of13 the13 High13 Sovereign13 watching13 the13 behavior13 of13 everyone13 on13 Earth13 sending13 punishment13 and13 blessing13 hellip-shy‐13 The13 atmospheric13 and13 natural13 power13 regulating13 the13 seasons13 sending13 the13 different13 qi13 (氣)13 on13 Earth13 to13 produce13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 and13 stimulate13 the13 transformations13 which13 give13 and13 maintain13 life-shy‐ The13 power13 which13 governs13 and13 regulates13 all13 natural13 activities13 Nature13 itself13 natural13 order13 everywhere13 in13 the13 universe-shy‐ The13 common13 origin13 of13 all13 beings13 the13 power13 which13 is13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 life13 in13 any13 being13 and13 endows13 each13 being13 with13 his13 true13 original13 nature-shy‐ Thus13 the13 power13 determining13 individual13 destiny13 which13 is13 to13 know13 and13 fulNill13 onersquos13 true13 nature-shy‐13 The13 presence13 in13 the13 human13 heart13 of13 a13 kind13 of13 laquomoral13 lawraquo13 the13 ability13 to13 discern13 the13 natural13 order13 and13 to13 submit13 to13 it13 to13 fulNill13 his13 destiny13 ie13 to13 behave13 according13 to13 what13 he13 is13 destined13 by13 Heaven13 or13 Nature13 Or13 the13 presence13 within13 oneself13 of13 the13 spontaneous13 movement13 of13 life

Heaven13 sends13 its13 inNlux13 on13 Earth13 as13 three13 pairs13 of13 qi13 in13 a13 way13 which13 is13 not13 without13 reminding13 the13 way13 the13 Emperor13 from13 above13 sends13 his13 spirits13 on13 the13 Four13 territories13 of13 the13 Earth13

Heaven13 has13 Six13 Qi13 (tian13 you13 liu13 qi13 天有六氣)13 which13 descending13 generate13 the13 Five13 Tastes13 (jiang13 sheng13 wu13 wei13 13 降生五味)13 issue13 as13 the13 Five13 Colours13 (wu13 se13 五色)13 are13 evidenced13 by13 the13 Five13 Sounds13 (wu13 sheng13 五聲)13 and13 in13 excess13 generate13 the13 Six13 13 Diseases13 (yin13 sheng13 liu13 ji13 淫生六疾)13 The13 Six13 Qi13 are13 shade13 and13 sunshine13 (yin13 yang13 陰陽)13 wind13 and13 rain13 (feng13 yu13 風雨)13 dark13 and13 light13 (hui13 ming13 晦明)13 They13 divide13 (fen13 分)13 to13 make13 the13 Four13 Seasons13 in13 sequence13 make13 the13 Five13 Rhythms13 (wu13 jie13 五節)13 and13 in13 excess13 bring13 about13 calamity13 (Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 Nirst13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhao13 Transl13 A13 Graham)

The13 power13 to13 start13 the13 process13 of13 life13 which13 will13 bring13 all13 beings13 to13 appearance13 and13 completion13 along13 with13 the13 regularity13 of13 which13 the13 Four13 seasons13 are13 the13 paragon13 and13 emblem13 are13 what13 belongs13 to13 Heaven13 Consequently13 these13 qualities13 belong13 also13 to13 the13 spirits13 who13 are13 the13 agents13 of13 Heaven13 its13 messengers

The13 spirits13 are13 thus13 seen13 as13 what13 allows13 a13 life13 to13 take13 form13 and13 to13 integrate13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 (li13 理)13 which13 guide13 its13 natural13 developmentThe13 result13 is13 a13 universe13 where13 all13 the13 beings13 things13 phenomena13 coexist13 in13 harmony13 and13 beauty13 An13 idea13 which13 is13 found13 in13 different13 thinkers13 even13 if13 the13 consequences13 and13 lessons13 are13 understood13 in13 often13 divergent13 manners13 Let13 us13 give13 two13 examples13 from13 two13 differents13 authors

Zhuang13 zi13 (circa13 370-shy‐30013 BC)13 a13 thinker13 who13 is13 associated13 with13 the13 early13 Daoism13 and13 mysticism13 looks13 at13 it13 as13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 Dao13 (道)13 and13 the13 way13 to13 integrate13 it

Heaven13 and13 earth13 have13 their13 great13 beauties13 but13 do13 not13 speak13 of13 them13 the13 four13 seasons13 have13 their13 clear-shymarked13 regularity13 but13 do13 not13 discuss13 it13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 have13 their13 principles13 of13 growth13 (li13 理)13 but13 do13 not13 expound13 them13 The13 sage13 seeks13 out13 the13 beauties13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 and13 masters13 the13 principles13 of13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 Thus13 it13 is13 that13 the13 Perfect13 Man13 does13 not13 act13 the13 Great13 Sage13 does13 not13 move13 -shy13 they13 have13 perceived13 [the13 Way13 of]13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 we13 may13 say13 This13 way13 whose13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 is13 of13 the13 greatest13 purity13 (zhi13 jing13 至精)13 13 joins13 with13 others13 in13 a13 hundred13 transformations13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch2213 Transl13 B13 Watson)

13 6

The13 laquospiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)raquo13 is13 how13 both13 the13 splendor13 of13 nature13 and13 the13 order13 the13 principles13 underlying13 this13 great13 beauty13 appear13 through13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 is13 called13 laquospiritsraquo13 To13 understand13 these13 patterns13 is13 to13 know13 all13 that13 is13 possible13 to13 know13 with13 a13 human13 intelligence13 and13 to13 recognize13 the13 laquointelligenceraquo13 the13 natural13 cleverness13 and13 spontaneous13 order13 which13 is13 behind13 the13 manifestation13 of13 life13 to13 acknowledge13 the13 spirits13 as13 the13 agents13 allowing13 the13 processWe13 will13 come13 back13 to13 this13 laquospiritual13 brighnessraquo13 when13 it13 is13 a13 reality13 within13 a13 humanZhuang13 zi13 uses13 human13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 go13 beyond13 the13 intellectual13 the13 thought13 the13 will13 and13 become13 an13 entirely13 laquonaturalraquo13 being13 entirely13 acting13 through13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 his13 original13 nature13 from13 the13 Way13 of13 Heaven13 (tian13 dao13 天道)13 Such13 a13 man13 is13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 13 helping13 the13 emergence13 of13 beings13 and13 inspiring13 the13 transformations13 maintaining13 their13 lives

One13 of13 the13 most13 prominent13 Confucian13 thinkers13 Xun13 zi13 (circa13 298-shy‐23513 BC)13 spoke13 of13 the13 spirits13 in13 a13 very13 similar13 manner13 but13 with13 something13 different13 in13 mind13

Heaven13 has13 its13 seasons13 earth13 has13 its13 riches13 man13 has13 his13 government13 (zhi13 治)13 Hence13 man13 may13 form13 a13 triad13 with13 the13 other13 two13 (can13 參)13 But13 if13 he13 sets13 aside13 that13 which13 allows13 him13 to13 form13 a13 triad13 with13 the13 other13 two13 and13 longs13 for13 what13 they13 have13 then13 he13 is13 deluded13 The13 ranks13 of13 stars13 move13 in13 progression13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 shine13 in13 turn13 the13 four13 seasons13 succed13 each13 other13 in13 good13 order13 the13 yin13 and13 yang13 go13 through13 their13 great13 transformations13 (da13 hua13 大化)13 and13 the13 wind13 and13 rain13 pass13 over13 the13 whole13 land13 All13 things13 obtain13 what13 is13 congenial13 to13 them13 (qi13 he13 其和)13 and13 come13 to13 life13 receive13 what13 is13 nourishing13 to13 them13 and13 grow13 to13 completion13 One13 does13 not13 see13 the13 process13 taking13 place13 but13 sees13 only13 the13 results13 Thus13 it13 is13 called13 godlike13 (spirit13 shen13 神)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch1713 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 Xun13 zi13 text13 shows13 both13 the13 greatness13 and13 the13 weakness13 of13 humankind13 Great13 as13 co-shy‐producer13 of13 life13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 of13 the13 universe13 weak13 as13 the13 trouble-shy‐maker13 who13 destroys13 beauty13 and13 harmony13 and13 destroys13 his13 ability13 to13 perceive13 them13 simultaneously13 What13 enables13 a13 human13 being13 to13 participate13 fully13 and13 accurately13 in13 the13 life13 of13 the13 universe13 is13 his13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 recognize13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 (li13 理)13 of13 life13 its13 natural13 order13 intrinsic13 organization13 principles13 and13 to13 behave13 accordingly13 To13 recognize13 these13 patterns13 is13 to13 reason13 to13 have13 reason13 sagacity13 and13 wisdom13 as13 well13 as13 sanity13 of13 mind13 a13 good13 functionning13 of13 mental13 faculties13 of13 wits

These13 underlying13 patterns13 are13 what13 we13 can13 know13 of13 the13 spirits13 how13 the13 human13 mind13 observes13 recognizes13 and13 represents13 an13 order13 behind13 all13 manifestations13 of13 life13 It13 is13 well13 expressed13 in13 the13 Xici13 or13 Great13 Commentary13 to13 the13 Book13 of13 Change13 (Yijing13 dazhuan)13

Knowing13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 way13 (dao13 道)13 of13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變化)13 is13 how13 one13 knows13 the13 Spirits13 (Xici13 I13 9)

But13 the13 spirits13 in13 themselves13 are13 beyond13 our13 capacity13 of13 analyzing13 and13 explaining13 which13 are13 for13 instance13 the13 yin13 yang13 the13 Five13 elements13 hellip13

What13 cannot13 be13 probed13 by13 yin13 yang13 is13 called13 lsquospiritsrsquo13 (shen13 神)13 (Xici13 I13 5)

Such13 knowledge13 which13 includes13 the13 stopping13 of13 the13 mental13 knowledge13 where13 it13 has13 to13 stop13 is13 the13 true13 working13 of13 the13 human13 heart

Now13 we13 will13 examine13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirits13 within13 the13 human13 body

13 7

III13 THE13 SPIRITS13 AS13 PRESENT13 IN13 A13 HUMAN13 BODY13 -shy13 THE13 VITAL13 SPIRIT

While13 in13 very13 ancient13 times13 the13 spirits13 were13 those13 of13 Heaven13 or13 those13 of13 the13 deceased13 ancestors13 the13 conception13 gradually13 changed13 over13 time13 and13 laquospiritraquo13 (shen13 神)13 started13 to13 be13 used13 for13 either13 simply13 a13 quality13 of13 the13 human13 mind13 (as13 shrewdness13 subtle13 intelligence)13 or13 a13 reality13 inside13 the13 human13 body

There13 are13 several13 possible13 meanings13 to13 the13 presence13 of13 spirits13 inside13 the13 body13 of13 a13 living13 human13 It13 may13 be13 the13 possession13 of13 a13 person13 by13 a13 ghost13 the13 vengeful13 soul13 of13 a13 dead13 person13 Or13 possession13 by13 a13 deity13 or13 a13 sacred13 trance13 often13 induced13 voluntarily13 with13 the13 help13 of13 drugs13 (as13 mushrooms)413 It13 may13 be13 what13 is13 found13 in13 shamanism13 the13 embodiment13 of13 spirits13 by13 the13 shaman13 as13 the13 bridge13 between13 the13 world13 of13 the13 spirits13 and13 the13 world13 of13 mere13 humans13 an13 embodiment13 that13 allows13 the13 shaman13 to13 beneNit13 from13 more13 power13 In13 several13 Daoist13 narrations13 of13 what13 can13 be13 an13 actual13 personal13 experience13 spirits13 come13 inside13 the13 follower13 of13 the13 Dao13 attesting13 by13 their13 presence13 his13 communion13 with13 the13 Dao13 Later13 the13 Daoist13 priests13 also13 would13 attract13 spirits13 to13 perform13 rituals13 requiring13 great13 power13 They13 would13 have13 had13 rolls13 or13 lists13 of13 the13 spirits13 they13 were13 able13 to13 put13 at13 their13 service13 in13 some13 way13 as13 part13 of13 the13 transmission13 from13 their13 master13 and13 lineage13 Also13 in13 the13 Daoist13 practice13 the13 adept13 visualizes13 a13 great13 number13 of13 spirits13 dwelling13 in13 each13 place13 of13 his13 body13 as13 in13 the13 organs13 in13 the13 throat13 in13 the13 brain13 and13 so13 on

We13 will13 leave13 aside13 all13 these13 aspects13 to13 consider13 only13 the13 main13 reNlections13 found13 in13 the13 scholarly13 textsSeveral13 considerations13 appear13

1 Spirit13 and13 body

Spirit13 and13 human13 body13 have13 a13 speciNic13 relationship13 which13 is13 partly13 like13 the13 one13 we13 are13 familiar13 with13 13 they13 are13 not13 the13 same13 thing13 not13 at13 the13 same13 level13 (which13 might13 be13 different13 from13 not13 being13 of13 the13 same13 laquonatureraquo)13 and13 partly13 different13 -shy‐13 even13 conNlicting13 -shy‐13 owing13 to13 the13 fact13 that13 in13 a13 human13 being13 one13 cannot13 function13 without13 the13 other13 the13 perfection13 of13 one13 is13 the13 perfection13 of13 the13 other13

In13 the13 Daoist13 approach13 of13 Zhuang13 zi13

He13 who13 holds13 fast13 to13 the13 Way13 (dao13 道)13 is13 complete13 (quan13 全)13 in13 Virtue13 (de13 德)513 being13 complete13 in13 Virtue13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 body13 (xing13 形)13 being13 complete13 in13 body13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 to13 be13 complete13 in13 spirit13 is13 the13 Way13 of13 the13 sage13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1213 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

Or13 in13 a13 syncretic13 book13 composed13 around13 the13 middle13 of13 the13 third13 century13 BC13

Nature13 (Heaven13 tian天)13 produced13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yang13 principles13 cold13 and13 heat13 wet13 and13 dry13 the13 transformations13 (hua13 化)13 of13 the13 four13 seasons13 and13 the13 metamorphoses13 (bian 變13 )13 of13 the13 myriad13 things13 Each13 of13 these13 can13 produce13 bene[it13 or13 it13 can13 cause13 harm13 The13 sage13 scrutinizes13 what13 is13

13 8

413 See13 Chuci

513 Here13 virtue13 is13 more13 a13 vital13 power13 than13 a13 moral13 achievement

appropriate13 to13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yan13 and13 discriminates13 what13 is13 bene[icial13 in13 the13 myriad13 things13 in13 order13 to13 enhance13 life13 Thus13 the13 vital13 essence13 and13 the13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 being13 secure13 within13 the13 bodily13 frame13 (xing13 形)13 the13 personrsquos13 life13 span13 is13 extended13 (Luumlshi13 chunqiu13 III13 213 Transl13 J13 Knobloch13 amp13 J13 Riegel)

The13 life13 of13 an13 human13 being13 is13 the13 coming13 together13 of13 the13 substance13 of13 a13 body13 and13 spirit13 As13 long13 as13 they13 remain13 together13 this13 being13 is13 alive13 their13 separation13 is13 his13 death13 as13 the13 separation13 may13 occur13 due13 to13 the13 weakness13 or13 unbalance13 of13 either13 the13 body13 form13 or13 the13 spirit13 both13 have13 to13 be13 taking13 care13 of13 in13 order13 to13 preserve13 enough13 harmony13 in13 their13 relationship

That13 is13 obvious13 in13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 relations13 13 these13 two13 kinds13 of13 laquosoulsraquo13 spiritual13 (Hun)13 and13 corporeal13 (Po)13 are13 the13 double13 animation13 from13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 in13 a13 human13 Life13 is13 their13 embrace13 and13 death13 their13 separation

The13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 what13 is13 received13 from13 Heaven13 and13 the13 physical13 body13 is13 that13 which13 is13 provided13 by13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Between13 Hun13 and13 Po13 or13 between13 spirit13 and13 body13 there13 is13 the13 same13 relationship13 as13 between13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 13 hierarchy13 and13 interdependency13 One13 cannot13 exist13 without13 the13 other13 it13 is13 their13 interaction13 and13 co-shy‐penetration13 which13 maintains13 life13 Nevertheless13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Heaven13 13 Hun13 soul13 spirit13 is13 more13 subtle13 has13 the13 capacity13 of13 knowledge13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 consequently13 must13 be13 in13 control13 of13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Earth13 13 Po13 body

213 The13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit(s)

Are13 these13 spirits13 inside13 a13 human13 body13 laquoembodied13 spiritsraquo13 spirits13 existing13 outside13 this13 human13 body13 and13 being13 attracted13 welcome13 hosted13 in13 it13 13 Or13 are13 they13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 this13 human13 and13 appear13 only13 in13 his13 body13 thanks13 to13 this13 body13 and13 its13 speciNic13 human13 quality13

Most13 probably13 the13 question13 was13 not13 asked13 in13 those13 terms13 and13 the13 answer13 not13 so13 clear-shy‐cut13 Nevertheless13 some13 ideas13 can13 emerge13

The13 spirits13 can13 dwell13 in13 a13 human13 body13 because13 of13 the13 quality13 of13 its13 vitality13 as13 expressed13 in13 its13 very13 substance

Coarse13 qi13 made13 small13 creatures13 pure13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 made13 humans13 Therefore13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 belong13 to13 Heaven13 and13 the13 bodily13 frame13 belongs13 to13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Is13 Heaven13 sending13 spirits13 into13 a13 human13 body13 13 Or13 is13 it13 natural13 to13 human13 life13 to13 possess13 spirit13 13 There13 is13 no13 real13 difference13 between13 these13 two13 phrases13 The13 speciNic13 quality13 which13 enables13 a13 human13 to13 be13 partner13 of13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 in13 the13 universe13 has13 to13 be13 both13 in13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 and13 in13 the13 ability13 of13 the13 mind13 These13 two13 correspond13 and13 they13 need13 to13 exist13 together13 The13 same13 subtlety13 is13 found13 in13 both13 and13 called13 13 subtle13 reNined13 pure13 seminal13 vital13 essential13 (jing13 精)13 If13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 is13 not13 kept13 pure13 enough13 if13 its13 laquoessencesraquo13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 then13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 spirit13 cannot13 be13 subtle13 and13 clear13 And13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 cannot13 remain13 in13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 how13 could13 it13 command13 adequately13 how13 the13 body13 operates13 and13 how13 life13 is13 nourished13 properly13

13 9

It13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 human13 body13 is13 the13 utmost13 perfect13 form13 among13 all13 that13 exists13 and13 why13 this13 body13 may13 be13 seen13 as13 a13 replica13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 the13 cosmic13 order

Thus13 the13 roundness13 of13 the13 head13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Heaven13 the13 square13 made13 by13 the13 feet13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Earth13 Heaven13 has13 four13 seasons13 [ive13 agents13 (or13 elements13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 nine13 disentanglements13 and13 36613 days13 Similarly13 Man13 has13 four13 limbs13 [ive13 organs13 (wu13 zang13 五藏)13 nine13 ori[ices13 and13 36613 articulations13 Heaven13 has13 wind13 and13 rain13 cold13 and13 heat13 and13 Man13 has13 taking13 and13 giving13 joy13 and13 angerThrough13 the13 correspondence13 of13 the13 gallbladder13 to13 clouds13 the13 lung13 to13 qi13 the13 liver13 to13 wind13 the13 kidneys13 to13 rain13 the13 spleen13 to13 thunder13 Man13 is13 in13 intimate13 association13 (can13 參)13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 and13 the13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 So13 the13 ear13 and13 eye13 are13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 blood13 and13 qi13 are13 wind13 and13 rain13 hellip13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)

Every13 human13 being13 is13 in13 charge13 of13 keeping13 or13 recovering13 this13 natural13 order13 in13 himself13 if13 he13 does13 not13 it13 brings13 him13 disorder13 diseases13 calamities13 on13 himself13 and13 in13 the13 world13

The13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 being13 has13 to13 be13 implemented13 It13 is13 like13 a13 potential13 development13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 a13 human13 to13 develop13 oneself13 to13 become13 spiritlike

Concentrate13 your13 qi13 (氣)13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 (ru13 shen13 如神)13 (Guanzi13 ch13 Neiye)

This13 potentiality13 is13 present13 from13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 the13 human13 body13 at13 conception13 and13 during13 gestation13 In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 the13 spiritwind13 -shy‐13 or13 the13 lightning13 -shy‐13 starts13 life13 in13 spring13 (the13 process13 of13 transformation13 which13 will13 lead13 to13 maturation13 ripeness13 and13 crops)13 a13 spiritual13 presence13 inhabits13 the13 qi13 which13 starts13 the13 formation13 of13 an13 embryo13 In13 a13 human13 being13 this13 presence13 is13 especially13 strong13 meaning13 that13 what13 is13 given13 by13 Heaven13 prevails13 and13 enables13 the13 human13 heartmind13 to13 build13 knowledge13 discernment13 and13 awarenessWhen13 a13 child13 is13 born13 laquoall13 the13 spirits13 are13 completeraquo13 he13 or13 she13 has13 all13 that13 is13 needed13 to13 build13 a13 vital13 spirit13 to13 have13 a13 heartmind13 working13 with13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit

What13 is13 called13 original13 spirits13 (yuan13 shen13 元神)13 is13 mainly13 understood13 as13 the13 power13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 processes13 of13 life13 emanating13 from13 the13 impenetrable13 mystery13 of13 Heaven13 source13 of13 life13 In13 each13 human13 it13 is13 part13 of13 their13 original13 endowment13 In13 a13 Daoist13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 human13 being13 perfectly13 merged13 with13 those13 of13 Heaven13 moving13 without13 impediment13 through13 the13 inNinite13 spaces13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 companions13 to13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 In13 a13 more13 common13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirit13 which13 gives13 the13 human13 heartmind13 its13 clear-shy‐sightedness13 and13 intelligence13 and13 which13 makes13 it13 possible13 for13 the13 heart13 to13 recognize13 more13 and13 more13 clearly13 the13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 its13 own13 nature13 This13 understanding13 provides13 a13 proper13 basis13 for13 mental13 activity13 and13 for13 how13 it13 expresses13 itself13 in13 thought13 and13 purpose13 It13 enables13 us13 to13 accomplish13 our13 destiny13 (ming13 命)13 Calmness13 encourages13 the13 relationship13 of13 the13 spirits13 to13 our13 origin13 giving13 strength13 and13 vigour13 to13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 Emotions13 agitated13 hurrying13 or13 exhaustion13 diminish13 it13 In13 a13 more13 speciNic13 or13 medical13 context13 the13 original13 spirit13 is13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 brain13 which13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 mirrors13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heartmind

Thus13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 possibility13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 each13 human13 being13 to13 build13 their13 own13 heartmind13 and13 through13 it13 their13 own13 awareness13 and13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 reason13 in13 such13 a13 way13 that13 they13 behave13 according13 to13 the13 order13 and13 patterns13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 It13 is13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 operating13 through13 the13 human13 heartmindIn13 Daoism13 it13 leads13 up13 to13 the13 union13 with13 the13 Dao13

13 10

Therefore13 what13 is13 called13 spirit13 allows13 the13 responsibility13 of13 a13 human13 for13 his13 own13 life13 and13 behaviorTo13 embody13 the13 spirit13 is13 to13 open13 the13 heart13 to13 nature13 to13 natural13 order13 to13 Heaven13 to13 enlighten13 the13 intelligence13 knowledge13 and13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 fulNill13 onersquos13 destiny13 and13 also13 at13 the13 same13 time13 to13 nourish13 onersquos13 life13 and13 that13 of13 the13 others

As13 the13 Huainan13 zi13 said13

Its13 movements13 are13 hidden13 from13 sight13 (wu13 xing13 無13 形)13 and13 its13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變13 化)13 are13 godlike13 (ru13 shen13 若13 神)13 it13 does13 not13 leave13 any13 traces13 behind13 in13 its13 progress13 it13 is13 ever13 in13 the13 lead13 though13 always13 coming13 behind13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)13

More13 than13 attracting13 external13 spirits13 into13 his13 body13 it13 is13 the13 process13 of13 internalization13 the13 building13 13 of13 an13 inner13 life13 which13 is13 real13 it13 creates13 the13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 all13 lifes13 the13 foundation13 of13 all13 reality13

The13 spirit13 no13 one13 knows13 its13 limits13 with13 a13 natural13 clarity13 it13 knows13 all13 that13 exists13 Safeguard13 it13 within13 and13 donrsquot13 let13 it13 slip13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 (external)13 beings13 disturb13 the13 sense13 organs13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 sense13 organs13 disturb13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心13 )13 13 this13 is13 called13 to13 grasp13 the13 core13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 Neiye)

313 Clear13 and13 unclear13 spirit

But13 this13 potentiality13 of13 becoming13 like13 a13 spirit13 and13 building13 oneself13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 is13 not13 easily13 done13 The13 human13 heart13 is13 weak13 and13 proned13 to13 indulge13 in13 desires13 and13 passions13 This13 means13 that13 a13 human13 will13 achieve13 this13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 this13 building13 of13 themselves13 as13 a13 spirit13 in13 various13 degrees13 of13 imperfectionperfection13

The13 Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 independently13 exists13 (在)13 Its13 going13 and13 coming13 no13 one13 is13 able13 to13 contemplateLose13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 confused13 (luan13 亂)13 obtain13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 well13 regulated13 (zhi13 治)13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 NeiyeTransl13 W13 Allyn13 Rickett)

Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 or13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 is13 used13 to13 speak13 of13 how13 a13 human13 being13 personiNies13 the13 spirit13 by13 the13 quality13 and13 ruling13 of13 their13 heartmind13 This13 fulNilment13 is13 often13 far13 away13 from13 the13 endowment13 of13 their13 own13 original13 nature13 from13 what13 they13 were13 destined13 to13 become13 by13 HeavenThe13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 called13 spirit13 or13 vital13 spirit13 whatever13 the13 quality13 actually13 achieved

The13 human13 able13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 is13 in13 harmony13 and13 joy13 The13 movement13 and13 interchange13 of13 their13 qi13 are13 regular13 ensuring13 a13 perfect13 mental13 balance13 and13 perfect13 health

Water13 that13 is13 still13 gives13 back13 a13 clear13 image13 of13 beard13 and13 eyebrows13 reposing13 in13 the13 water13 level13 it13 offers13 a13 measure13 to13 the13 great13 carpenter13 And13 if13 water13 in13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 possesses13 such13 clarity13 (ming13 明)13 how13 much13 more13 must13 pure13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 The13 sagersquos13 mind13 (heart13 xin13 心)13 in13 stillness13 is13 the13 mirror13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 the13 glass13 of13 the13 ten13 thousang13 things13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1313 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

13 11

The13 fulNilment13 as13 spirit13 allows13 the13 human13 mind13 to13 be13 one13 with13 the13 universe13 and13 to13 have13 an13 intimate13 knowledge13 (not13 only13 an13 intellectual13 one)13 of13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 It13 also13 allows13 one13 to13 perceive13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 oneself13 and13 to13 see13 them13 as13 what13 has13 to13 be13 undertaken13 as13 the13 laquowill13 of13 Heavenraquo

But13 if13 it13 is13 not13 the13 case13 the13 texts13 speak13 of13 blind13 dull13 and13 poor13 spirits13 of13 how13 to13 exhaust13 his13 spirits13 by13 relying13 on13 accumulated13 knowledge613 and13 onersquos13 own13 willUsing13 onersquos13 mind13 badly13 poorly13 inadequately13 wears13 out13 vitality13 it13 starts13 with13 delusion13 misconception13 due13 to13 what13 we13 believe13 what13 we13 are13 sure13 we13 know13 what13 we13 want13 and13 desireThus13 the13 importance13 of13 cultivating13 onersquos13 heart13 cleaning13 the13 mirror13 emptying13 the13 heart

To13 appease13 the13 passions13 and13 diminish13 the13 desires13 to13 calm13 agitation13 and13 stop13 bustle13 is13 always13 at13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 spiritual13 path13 a13 prerequisite13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit13 It13 is13 also13 necessary13 to13 have13 not13 only13 a13 healthly13 mind13 but13 a13 mind13 free13 of13 any13 prejudice13 likes13 and13 dislikes13 in13 order13 to13 see13 things13 and13 beings13 as13 they13 are13 And13 consequently13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 movements13 of13 life13 with13 their13 patterns13 the13 natural13 order13 as13 it13 is13 and13 not13 the13 vision13 or13 reasoning13 we13 indulge13 in13 because13 of13 our13 desires13 emotions13 ambitions13 passions

Calming13 down13 is13 more13 than13 just13 absence13 of13 agitation13 It13 is13 to13 reach13 the13 state13 of13 equilibrium13 from13 where13 activity13 and13 rest13 Nind13 their13 balance13 and13 appropriate13 time13 and13 strength

The13 sage13 rests13 with13 rest13 comes13 peaceful13 ease13 with13 peaceful13 ease13 comes13 limpidity13 and13 where13 there13 is13 ease13 and13 limpidity13 care13 and13 worry13 cannot13 get13 at13 him13 noxious13 airs13 (evil13 pathogenic13 qi13 xie13 qi13 邪氣)13 cannot13 assault13 him13 Therefore13 his13 Virtue13 is13 complete13 and13 his13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 unimpaired13 []13 Pure13 spirit13 (vial13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 reaches13 in13 the13 four13 directions13 [lows13 now13 this13 way13 now13 that13 -shy13 there13 is13 no13 place13 it13 does13 not13 extend13 to13 Above13 it13 brushes13 Heaven13 below13 it13 coils13 on13 the13 earth13 It13 transforms13 and13 nurses13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 but13 no13 one13 can13 make13 out13 its13 form13 Its13 name13 is13 called13 One-shywith-shyHeaven13 The13 way13 to13 purity13 and13 whiteness13 is13 to13 guard13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 this13 alone13 guard13 it13 and13 never13 lose13 it13 and13 you13 will13 become13 one13 with13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 one13 with13 its13 pure13 essence13 (jing精)13 which13 communicates13 and13 mingles13 with13 the13 Heavenly13 Order13 (Zhuangzi13 ch1513 Transl13 B13 Watson)

By13 cultivating13 onersquos13 own13 spirit13 one13 is13 united13 with13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 the13 life13 force13 the13 pure13 vitality13 and13 follows13 its13 way13 to13 proceed13 with13 less13 and13 less13 effort

Not13 to13 accomplish13 onersquos13 spirit13 is13 to13 oppose13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 to13 separate13 oneself13 from13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 the13 universe13

A13 man13 is13 quiescent13 when13 bornThis13 is13 his13 Heaven-shyendowed13 nature13 He13 moves13 when13 aroused13 This13 is13 the13 stirring13 of13 that13 nature13 The13 human13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 responds13 when13 things13 come13 on13 to13 senseThis13 is13 the13 movement13 of13 the13 intellect13 (zhi13 知)13 When13 the13 intellect13 comes13 into13 contact13 with13 things13 feelings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 are13 produced13 When13 these13 fellings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 have13 taken13 shape13 and13 the13 intellect13 has13 been13 enticed13 from13 the13 outside13 one13 is13 unable13 to13 return13 to13 himself13 and13 the13 Heavenly13 principles13 (tian13 li13 天理)13 in13 him13 are13 destroyed13 []Thus13 when13 a13 man13 harbors13 a13 calculating13 heart13 in13 his13 breast13 the13 quality13 of13 his13 person13 is13 contaminated13 and13 his13 spirituality13 (shen13 神)13 is13 not13 kept13 whole13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)

13 12

613 There13 is13 a13 difference13 between13 Confucians13 and13 Daoists13 concerning13 the13 value13 agtributed13 to13 knowledge

As13 soon13 as13 one13 makes13 oneself13 able13 to13 see13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 of13 cosmic13 life13 what13 one13 perceives13 Nills13 onersquos13 heartmind13 and13 inNluences13 onersquos13 thought13 intention13 and13 action13 It13 is13 what13 guides13 his13 life13 what13 has13 to13 be13 done13 The13 Confucian13 attitude13 favors13 study13 learning13 willpower13 and13 a13 moral13 law13 whereas13 the13 Daoist13 perspective13 aims13 at13 reaching13 a13 natural13 behavior13 spontaneously13 What13 is13 common13 to13 both13 is13 the13 distinction13 between13 the13 person13 who13 get13 closer13 to13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 and13 the13 person13 who13 is13 to13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions

413 The13 Spirit13 and13 the13 HeartMind

The13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 the13 treasure13 of13 the13 heart13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)As13 we13 have13 already13 seen13 the13 relationship13 between13 the13 spirit13 and13 the13 heartmind13 is13 so13 strong13 and13 so13 close13 that13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 depends13 upon13 the13 presence13 or13 internalization13 or13 fulNilment13 of13 the13 spiritBesides13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 occurs13 through13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 and13 of13 course13 its13 working13 at13 the13 light13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 with13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 If13 the13 heartmind13 cannot13 put13 itself13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life13 it13 is13 ineffective13 for13 the13 spirit13 Human13 intelligence13 alone13 is13 not13 able13 to13 acceed13 to13 the13 true13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 their13 underlying13 patternsThe13 heartmind13 encompasses13 all13 that13 is13 emotional13 psychological13 intellectual13 mental13 spiritual13 and13 also13 what13 is13 physically13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 circulation13 the13 beating13 which13 indicates13 life13 these13 various13 aspects13 act13 and13 react13 continuously13 one13 with13 the13 others13 So13 the13 heartmind13 can13 easily13 go13 astray13 and13 leaves13 the13 way13 of13 life

By13 nature13 (xing13 性)13 a13 human13 possesses13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 a13 heart13 that13 allows13 knowledge13 (xin13 zhi13 心知13 )13 Grief13 as13 well13 as13 joy13 elation13 or13 anger13 do13 not13 exist13 permanently13 within13 They13 are13 reactions13 to13 the13 stimulation13 of13 objects13 It13 is13 then13 that13 the13 Art13 of13 the13 Heart13 (xin13 shu13 心術13 )13 intervenes13 (xing13 行)13 (Liji13 Yueji)

Knowledge13 is13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 as13 is13 the13 control13 or13 lack13 of13 control13 on13 the13 emotions13 The13 quality13 of13 the13 awareness13 depends13 on13 the13 cleverness13 the13 emotions13 but13 also13 on13 the13 very13 bodily13 and13 physical13 situation13 And13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 commands13 all13 what13 happen13 in13 the13 body13 all13 movements13 of13 qi

The13 Confucian13 thinker13 Xun13 zi13 devotes13 a13 chapter13 to13 this13 question13 Here13 are13 some13 sentences13

How13 can13 a13 human13 know13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 Way13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 And13 how13 is13 the13 heartmind13 able13 of13 such13 a13 knowledge13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 emptyness13 (xu13 虛)13 his13 unifying13 power13 (yi13 壹)13 and13 his13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

When13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 guided13 by13 the13 principles13 (of13 the13 natural13 order13 li13 理)13 and13 nourished13 with13 purity13 when13 no13 external13 object13 unbalances13 it13 then13 it13 is13 enough13 for13 it13 to13 determine13 right13 and13 wrong13 to13 decide13 on13 any13 uncertainty13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 the13 sovereign13 (jun13 君)13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 master13 (zhu13 主)13 of13 the13 spiritlike13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 13 (Xun13 zi13 ch21)

13 13

513 The13 spirit13 leaving13 the13 body13 at13 death

Traditionally13 at13 death13 the13 spirit13 joins13 Heaven13 to13 become13 the13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 who13 will13 be13 honored13 in13 the13 ceremonies13 of13 the13 ancestral13 worship13 at13 least13 for13 some13 generations13 The13 body13 returns13 to13 the13 Earth

The13 vital13 spirits13 will13 re-shyenter13 the13 gate13 and13 the13 body13 frame13 revert13 to13 its13 roots13 how13 can13 lsquoIrsquo13 continue13 to13 exist13 13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)The13 question13 of13 the13 survival13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 after13 death13 is13 too13 complex13 to13 be13 addressed13 here13 We13 can13 just13 notice13 that13 the13 Huainanzi13 states13 that13 the13 laquoIraquo13 who13 is13 presently13 living13 disappears13 at13 death13 the13 laquoIraquo13 exists13 only13 thanks13 to13 the13 merging13 of13 body13 and13 spirit13 But13 it13 does13 not13 imply13 that13 death13 is13 the13 end13 of13 everything13 There13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 what13 was13 my13 body13 continuing13 the13 transformation13 of13 the13 substance13 in13 the13 Earth13 And13 there13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 my13 vital13 spirit13 but13 not13 as13 the13 laquoIraquo13 or13 the13 laquoegoraquo13 The13 one13 who13 wants13 to13 survive13 as13 a13 self13 is13 in13 delusion13 and13 weakens13 his13 own13 spirit13 through13 this13 desire13

In13 the13 perspective13 of13 the13 Huainanzi13 a13 text13 mostly13 of13 Daoist13 vision13 the13 one13 who13 is13 able13 to13 forget13 his13 own13 self13 enables13 his13 vital13 spirit13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao

They13 dwell13 in13 a13 space13 that13 cannot13 contain13 settle13 in13 a13 place13 that13 is13 nowhere13 they13 move13 in13 the13 formless13 are13 still13 in13 the13 bodyless13 They13 are13 present13 as13 if13 vanished13 and13 live13 as13 if13 dead13 They13 enter13 and13 leave13 where13 there13 is13 no13 opening13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 as13 servants13 They13 are13 engulfed13 by13 the13 unfathomable13 and13 enter13 into13 what13 has13 no13 opening13 in13 order13 to13 be13 moulded13 into13 different13 formsendings13 and13 beginnings13 are13 like13 a13 circle13 no-shyone13 can13 grasp13 their13 succession13 This13 is13 how13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 able13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 713 Monkey13 press)

Merged13 with13 the13 Dao13 the13 vital13 spirit13 of13 a13 human13 is13 one13 with13 the13 axis13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 the13 source13 of13 all13 that13 happens13 Therefore13 this13 vital13 spirit13 can13 be13 said13 to13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits713 as13 servants13 since13 they13 are13 the13 agents13 behind13 the13 life-shy‐giving13 and13 life-shy‐maintening13 transformations

613 The13 various13 status13 of13 spirit13 (shen)13 in13 a13 human13 body

From13 what13 has13 been13 said13 we13 can13 see13 that13 the13 term13 shen13 spirit13 may13 be13 used13 at13 several13 levels13 -shy‐ What13 is13 at13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 each13 life13 allowing13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 transformations13 making13 life13 according13 to13 the13 natural13 order-shy‐ the13 potentiality13 of13 the13 human13 heart13 with13 its13 functioning13 as13 my13 mind13 my13 awareness13 intelligence13 consciousness13 hellip-shy‐ the13 actual13 fulNilment13 of13 this13 heart13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 falling13 prey13 to13 desires13 and13 passions13 and13 becoming13 more13 and13 more13 unable13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 order13 of13 life13 and13 its13 underlying13 patterns13 and13 consequently13 to13 guide13 the13 conduct13 of13 life-shy‐ what13 will13 join13 Heaven13 after13 death13 as13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 or13 as13 a13 companion13 of13 the13 Way13

13 14

713 Ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 13 the13 spirits13 of13 Earth13 and13 those13 of13 Heaven

-shy‐ IV13 SPIRIT(S)13 IN13 MEDICINE

In13 this13 part13 we13 will13 just13 give13 a13 rapid13 survey13 of13 the13 concept13 of13 spirit13 shen13 神13 in13 the13 main13 classical13 medical13 texts813 without13 going13 into13 a13 detailed13 presentation13 and13 without13 speaking13 of13 the13 pathologies13 both13 of13 the13 body13 and13 of13 the13 mind13 which13 are13 related13 to13 the13 spirit

We13 mainly13 try13 to13 show13 how13 this13 concept13 of13 spirit13 in13 the13 medical13 theory13 is13 rooted13 in13 the13 conceptions13 of13 the13 scholars13 of13 the13 VthIInd13 centuries13 BC

1 External13 power13

Even13 if13 the13 medical13 texts13 are13 generally13 concerned13 with13 the13 human13 spirit13 acting13 inside13 a13 body13 they13 may13 also13 use13 the13 concept13 when13 speaking13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 universe13 Some13 of13 the13 best13 examples13 are13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch513 one13 of13 the13 key13 texts13 in13 the13 establishment13 of13 the13 medical13 theory13 Some13 example13

Speaking13 of13 the13 order13 perceived13 in13 nature13 13

Since13 clear13 yang13 rises13 to13 Heaven13 and13 turbid13 yin13 returns13 to13 Earth13 HeavenEarth13 feel13 the13 effects13 of13 movement13 and13 rest13 and13 the13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 forms13 the13 net13 of13 laws13 and13 principles13 Thus13 through13 a13 process13 of13 generating13 growth13 gathering13 and13 burying13 everything13 reaches13 its13 term13 and13 starts13 again13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

When13 speaking13 of13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 life13 manifestations13 of13 what13 is13 beyond13 the13 analysis13 and13 undertanding13 by13 the13 laws13 of13 yin13 yang13 and13 Five13 elements13 precisely13 in13 order13 to13 introduce13 the13 great13 presentation13 of13 the13 correlations13 based13 on13 the13 Five13 elements13 which13 expresses13 the13 cosmic13 order13

In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 the13 deep13 mystery13 In13 Man13 it13 is13 the13 Way13 On13 Earth13 it13 is13 transformationTransformation13 produces13 the13 [ive13 tastes13 The13 Way13 produces13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 deep13 mystery13 produces13 the13 spirits13 The13 spirits13 13 In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 wind13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 wood13 (element)13 of13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 it13 is13 muscular13 movement13 of13 the13 zang13 organ13 it13 is13 the13 liver13 13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

The13 spirits13 which13 are13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 cosmic13 life13 are13 also13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 each13 human13 being13 starting13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 forming13 his13 life13 body13 and13 mind

When13 two13 spirits13 (liang13 shen13 兩神)13 embrace13 their13 union13 gives13 form13 to13 a13 body13 Always13 that13 which13 comes13 [irst13 (xian先)13 in13 the13 personal13 life13 (expressed13 through13 a13 body13 shen13 sheng13 身生)13 is13 called13 the13 essences13 (vitality13 jing13 精)13 (Lingshu13 ch30)

The13 two13 spirits13 are13 a13 pair13 which13 means13 that13 they13 are13 different13 even13 opposite13 but13 in13 the13 same13 time13 complementary13 13 Here13 they13 are13 the13 yin13 yang13 couple13 formed13 by13 the13 male13 (father)13 and13 the13 female13 (mother)13 each13 been13 seen13 as13 participating13 to13 the13 natural13 production13 of13 life13

13 15

813 As13 for13 instance13 the13 Huangdi13 Neijing13 the13 Inner13 Classic13 of13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

In13 brief13 the13 main13 features13 of13 Heaven13 (as13 found13 in13 the13 classical13 texts)13 are13 -shy‐13 The13 laquoAugust13 Heavenraquo13 (huang13 tian13 皇天)13 the13 power13 taking13 the13 place13 of13 the13 High13 Sovereign13 watching13 the13 behavior13 of13 everyone13 on13 Earth13 sending13 punishment13 and13 blessing13 hellip-shy‐13 The13 atmospheric13 and13 natural13 power13 regulating13 the13 seasons13 sending13 the13 different13 qi13 (氣)13 on13 Earth13 to13 produce13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 and13 stimulate13 the13 transformations13 which13 give13 and13 maintain13 life-shy‐ The13 power13 which13 governs13 and13 regulates13 all13 natural13 activities13 Nature13 itself13 natural13 order13 everywhere13 in13 the13 universe-shy‐ The13 common13 origin13 of13 all13 beings13 the13 power13 which13 is13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 life13 in13 any13 being13 and13 endows13 each13 being13 with13 his13 true13 original13 nature-shy‐ Thus13 the13 power13 determining13 individual13 destiny13 which13 is13 to13 know13 and13 fulNill13 onersquos13 true13 nature-shy‐13 The13 presence13 in13 the13 human13 heart13 of13 a13 kind13 of13 laquomoral13 lawraquo13 the13 ability13 to13 discern13 the13 natural13 order13 and13 to13 submit13 to13 it13 to13 fulNill13 his13 destiny13 ie13 to13 behave13 according13 to13 what13 he13 is13 destined13 by13 Heaven13 or13 Nature13 Or13 the13 presence13 within13 oneself13 of13 the13 spontaneous13 movement13 of13 life

Heaven13 sends13 its13 inNlux13 on13 Earth13 as13 three13 pairs13 of13 qi13 in13 a13 way13 which13 is13 not13 without13 reminding13 the13 way13 the13 Emperor13 from13 above13 sends13 his13 spirits13 on13 the13 Four13 territories13 of13 the13 Earth13

Heaven13 has13 Six13 Qi13 (tian13 you13 liu13 qi13 天有六氣)13 which13 descending13 generate13 the13 Five13 Tastes13 (jiang13 sheng13 wu13 wei13 13 降生五味)13 issue13 as13 the13 Five13 Colours13 (wu13 se13 五色)13 are13 evidenced13 by13 the13 Five13 Sounds13 (wu13 sheng13 五聲)13 and13 in13 excess13 generate13 the13 Six13 13 Diseases13 (yin13 sheng13 liu13 ji13 淫生六疾)13 The13 Six13 Qi13 are13 shade13 and13 sunshine13 (yin13 yang13 陰陽)13 wind13 and13 rain13 (feng13 yu13 風雨)13 dark13 and13 light13 (hui13 ming13 晦明)13 They13 divide13 (fen13 分)13 to13 make13 the13 Four13 Seasons13 in13 sequence13 make13 the13 Five13 Rhythms13 (wu13 jie13 五節)13 and13 in13 excess13 bring13 about13 calamity13 (Chunqiu13 zuozhuan13 Nirst13 year13 of13 duke13 Zhao13 Transl13 A13 Graham)

The13 power13 to13 start13 the13 process13 of13 life13 which13 will13 bring13 all13 beings13 to13 appearance13 and13 completion13 along13 with13 the13 regularity13 of13 which13 the13 Four13 seasons13 are13 the13 paragon13 and13 emblem13 are13 what13 belongs13 to13 Heaven13 Consequently13 these13 qualities13 belong13 also13 to13 the13 spirits13 who13 are13 the13 agents13 of13 Heaven13 its13 messengers

The13 spirits13 are13 thus13 seen13 as13 what13 allows13 a13 life13 to13 take13 form13 and13 to13 integrate13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 (li13 理)13 which13 guide13 its13 natural13 developmentThe13 result13 is13 a13 universe13 where13 all13 the13 beings13 things13 phenomena13 coexist13 in13 harmony13 and13 beauty13 An13 idea13 which13 is13 found13 in13 different13 thinkers13 even13 if13 the13 consequences13 and13 lessons13 are13 understood13 in13 often13 divergent13 manners13 Let13 us13 give13 two13 examples13 from13 two13 differents13 authors

Zhuang13 zi13 (circa13 370-shy‐30013 BC)13 a13 thinker13 who13 is13 associated13 with13 the13 early13 Daoism13 and13 mysticism13 looks13 at13 it13 as13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 Dao13 (道)13 and13 the13 way13 to13 integrate13 it

Heaven13 and13 earth13 have13 their13 great13 beauties13 but13 do13 not13 speak13 of13 them13 the13 four13 seasons13 have13 their13 clear-shymarked13 regularity13 but13 do13 not13 discuss13 it13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 have13 their13 principles13 of13 growth13 (li13 理)13 but13 do13 not13 expound13 them13 The13 sage13 seeks13 out13 the13 beauties13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 and13 masters13 the13 principles13 of13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 Thus13 it13 is13 that13 the13 Perfect13 Man13 does13 not13 act13 the13 Great13 Sage13 does13 not13 move13 -shy13 they13 have13 perceived13 [the13 Way13 of]13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 we13 may13 say13 This13 way13 whose13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 is13 of13 the13 greatest13 purity13 (zhi13 jing13 至精)13 13 joins13 with13 others13 in13 a13 hundred13 transformations13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch2213 Transl13 B13 Watson)

13 6

The13 laquospiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)raquo13 is13 how13 both13 the13 splendor13 of13 nature13 and13 the13 order13 the13 principles13 underlying13 this13 great13 beauty13 appear13 through13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 is13 called13 laquospiritsraquo13 To13 understand13 these13 patterns13 is13 to13 know13 all13 that13 is13 possible13 to13 know13 with13 a13 human13 intelligence13 and13 to13 recognize13 the13 laquointelligenceraquo13 the13 natural13 cleverness13 and13 spontaneous13 order13 which13 is13 behind13 the13 manifestation13 of13 life13 to13 acknowledge13 the13 spirits13 as13 the13 agents13 allowing13 the13 processWe13 will13 come13 back13 to13 this13 laquospiritual13 brighnessraquo13 when13 it13 is13 a13 reality13 within13 a13 humanZhuang13 zi13 uses13 human13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 go13 beyond13 the13 intellectual13 the13 thought13 the13 will13 and13 become13 an13 entirely13 laquonaturalraquo13 being13 entirely13 acting13 through13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 his13 original13 nature13 from13 the13 Way13 of13 Heaven13 (tian13 dao13 天道)13 Such13 a13 man13 is13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 13 helping13 the13 emergence13 of13 beings13 and13 inspiring13 the13 transformations13 maintaining13 their13 lives

One13 of13 the13 most13 prominent13 Confucian13 thinkers13 Xun13 zi13 (circa13 298-shy‐23513 BC)13 spoke13 of13 the13 spirits13 in13 a13 very13 similar13 manner13 but13 with13 something13 different13 in13 mind13

Heaven13 has13 its13 seasons13 earth13 has13 its13 riches13 man13 has13 his13 government13 (zhi13 治)13 Hence13 man13 may13 form13 a13 triad13 with13 the13 other13 two13 (can13 參)13 But13 if13 he13 sets13 aside13 that13 which13 allows13 him13 to13 form13 a13 triad13 with13 the13 other13 two13 and13 longs13 for13 what13 they13 have13 then13 he13 is13 deluded13 The13 ranks13 of13 stars13 move13 in13 progression13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 shine13 in13 turn13 the13 four13 seasons13 succed13 each13 other13 in13 good13 order13 the13 yin13 and13 yang13 go13 through13 their13 great13 transformations13 (da13 hua13 大化)13 and13 the13 wind13 and13 rain13 pass13 over13 the13 whole13 land13 All13 things13 obtain13 what13 is13 congenial13 to13 them13 (qi13 he13 其和)13 and13 come13 to13 life13 receive13 what13 is13 nourishing13 to13 them13 and13 grow13 to13 completion13 One13 does13 not13 see13 the13 process13 taking13 place13 but13 sees13 only13 the13 results13 Thus13 it13 is13 called13 godlike13 (spirit13 shen13 神)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch1713 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 Xun13 zi13 text13 shows13 both13 the13 greatness13 and13 the13 weakness13 of13 humankind13 Great13 as13 co-shy‐producer13 of13 life13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 of13 the13 universe13 weak13 as13 the13 trouble-shy‐maker13 who13 destroys13 beauty13 and13 harmony13 and13 destroys13 his13 ability13 to13 perceive13 them13 simultaneously13 What13 enables13 a13 human13 being13 to13 participate13 fully13 and13 accurately13 in13 the13 life13 of13 the13 universe13 is13 his13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 recognize13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 (li13 理)13 of13 life13 its13 natural13 order13 intrinsic13 organization13 principles13 and13 to13 behave13 accordingly13 To13 recognize13 these13 patterns13 is13 to13 reason13 to13 have13 reason13 sagacity13 and13 wisdom13 as13 well13 as13 sanity13 of13 mind13 a13 good13 functionning13 of13 mental13 faculties13 of13 wits

These13 underlying13 patterns13 are13 what13 we13 can13 know13 of13 the13 spirits13 how13 the13 human13 mind13 observes13 recognizes13 and13 represents13 an13 order13 behind13 all13 manifestations13 of13 life13 It13 is13 well13 expressed13 in13 the13 Xici13 or13 Great13 Commentary13 to13 the13 Book13 of13 Change13 (Yijing13 dazhuan)13

Knowing13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 way13 (dao13 道)13 of13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變化)13 is13 how13 one13 knows13 the13 Spirits13 (Xici13 I13 9)

But13 the13 spirits13 in13 themselves13 are13 beyond13 our13 capacity13 of13 analyzing13 and13 explaining13 which13 are13 for13 instance13 the13 yin13 yang13 the13 Five13 elements13 hellip13

What13 cannot13 be13 probed13 by13 yin13 yang13 is13 called13 lsquospiritsrsquo13 (shen13 神)13 (Xici13 I13 5)

Such13 knowledge13 which13 includes13 the13 stopping13 of13 the13 mental13 knowledge13 where13 it13 has13 to13 stop13 is13 the13 true13 working13 of13 the13 human13 heart

Now13 we13 will13 examine13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirits13 within13 the13 human13 body

13 7

III13 THE13 SPIRITS13 AS13 PRESENT13 IN13 A13 HUMAN13 BODY13 -shy13 THE13 VITAL13 SPIRIT

While13 in13 very13 ancient13 times13 the13 spirits13 were13 those13 of13 Heaven13 or13 those13 of13 the13 deceased13 ancestors13 the13 conception13 gradually13 changed13 over13 time13 and13 laquospiritraquo13 (shen13 神)13 started13 to13 be13 used13 for13 either13 simply13 a13 quality13 of13 the13 human13 mind13 (as13 shrewdness13 subtle13 intelligence)13 or13 a13 reality13 inside13 the13 human13 body

There13 are13 several13 possible13 meanings13 to13 the13 presence13 of13 spirits13 inside13 the13 body13 of13 a13 living13 human13 It13 may13 be13 the13 possession13 of13 a13 person13 by13 a13 ghost13 the13 vengeful13 soul13 of13 a13 dead13 person13 Or13 possession13 by13 a13 deity13 or13 a13 sacred13 trance13 often13 induced13 voluntarily13 with13 the13 help13 of13 drugs13 (as13 mushrooms)413 It13 may13 be13 what13 is13 found13 in13 shamanism13 the13 embodiment13 of13 spirits13 by13 the13 shaman13 as13 the13 bridge13 between13 the13 world13 of13 the13 spirits13 and13 the13 world13 of13 mere13 humans13 an13 embodiment13 that13 allows13 the13 shaman13 to13 beneNit13 from13 more13 power13 In13 several13 Daoist13 narrations13 of13 what13 can13 be13 an13 actual13 personal13 experience13 spirits13 come13 inside13 the13 follower13 of13 the13 Dao13 attesting13 by13 their13 presence13 his13 communion13 with13 the13 Dao13 Later13 the13 Daoist13 priests13 also13 would13 attract13 spirits13 to13 perform13 rituals13 requiring13 great13 power13 They13 would13 have13 had13 rolls13 or13 lists13 of13 the13 spirits13 they13 were13 able13 to13 put13 at13 their13 service13 in13 some13 way13 as13 part13 of13 the13 transmission13 from13 their13 master13 and13 lineage13 Also13 in13 the13 Daoist13 practice13 the13 adept13 visualizes13 a13 great13 number13 of13 spirits13 dwelling13 in13 each13 place13 of13 his13 body13 as13 in13 the13 organs13 in13 the13 throat13 in13 the13 brain13 and13 so13 on

We13 will13 leave13 aside13 all13 these13 aspects13 to13 consider13 only13 the13 main13 reNlections13 found13 in13 the13 scholarly13 textsSeveral13 considerations13 appear13

1 Spirit13 and13 body

Spirit13 and13 human13 body13 have13 a13 speciNic13 relationship13 which13 is13 partly13 like13 the13 one13 we13 are13 familiar13 with13 13 they13 are13 not13 the13 same13 thing13 not13 at13 the13 same13 level13 (which13 might13 be13 different13 from13 not13 being13 of13 the13 same13 laquonatureraquo)13 and13 partly13 different13 -shy‐13 even13 conNlicting13 -shy‐13 owing13 to13 the13 fact13 that13 in13 a13 human13 being13 one13 cannot13 function13 without13 the13 other13 the13 perfection13 of13 one13 is13 the13 perfection13 of13 the13 other13

In13 the13 Daoist13 approach13 of13 Zhuang13 zi13

He13 who13 holds13 fast13 to13 the13 Way13 (dao13 道)13 is13 complete13 (quan13 全)13 in13 Virtue13 (de13 德)513 being13 complete13 in13 Virtue13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 body13 (xing13 形)13 being13 complete13 in13 body13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 to13 be13 complete13 in13 spirit13 is13 the13 Way13 of13 the13 sage13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1213 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

Or13 in13 a13 syncretic13 book13 composed13 around13 the13 middle13 of13 the13 third13 century13 BC13

Nature13 (Heaven13 tian天)13 produced13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yang13 principles13 cold13 and13 heat13 wet13 and13 dry13 the13 transformations13 (hua13 化)13 of13 the13 four13 seasons13 and13 the13 metamorphoses13 (bian 變13 )13 of13 the13 myriad13 things13 Each13 of13 these13 can13 produce13 bene[it13 or13 it13 can13 cause13 harm13 The13 sage13 scrutinizes13 what13 is13

13 8

413 See13 Chuci

513 Here13 virtue13 is13 more13 a13 vital13 power13 than13 a13 moral13 achievement

appropriate13 to13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yan13 and13 discriminates13 what13 is13 bene[icial13 in13 the13 myriad13 things13 in13 order13 to13 enhance13 life13 Thus13 the13 vital13 essence13 and13 the13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 being13 secure13 within13 the13 bodily13 frame13 (xing13 形)13 the13 personrsquos13 life13 span13 is13 extended13 (Luumlshi13 chunqiu13 III13 213 Transl13 J13 Knobloch13 amp13 J13 Riegel)

The13 life13 of13 an13 human13 being13 is13 the13 coming13 together13 of13 the13 substance13 of13 a13 body13 and13 spirit13 As13 long13 as13 they13 remain13 together13 this13 being13 is13 alive13 their13 separation13 is13 his13 death13 as13 the13 separation13 may13 occur13 due13 to13 the13 weakness13 or13 unbalance13 of13 either13 the13 body13 form13 or13 the13 spirit13 both13 have13 to13 be13 taking13 care13 of13 in13 order13 to13 preserve13 enough13 harmony13 in13 their13 relationship

That13 is13 obvious13 in13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 relations13 13 these13 two13 kinds13 of13 laquosoulsraquo13 spiritual13 (Hun)13 and13 corporeal13 (Po)13 are13 the13 double13 animation13 from13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 in13 a13 human13 Life13 is13 their13 embrace13 and13 death13 their13 separation

The13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 what13 is13 received13 from13 Heaven13 and13 the13 physical13 body13 is13 that13 which13 is13 provided13 by13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Between13 Hun13 and13 Po13 or13 between13 spirit13 and13 body13 there13 is13 the13 same13 relationship13 as13 between13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 13 hierarchy13 and13 interdependency13 One13 cannot13 exist13 without13 the13 other13 it13 is13 their13 interaction13 and13 co-shy‐penetration13 which13 maintains13 life13 Nevertheless13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Heaven13 13 Hun13 soul13 spirit13 is13 more13 subtle13 has13 the13 capacity13 of13 knowledge13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 consequently13 must13 be13 in13 control13 of13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Earth13 13 Po13 body

213 The13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit(s)

Are13 these13 spirits13 inside13 a13 human13 body13 laquoembodied13 spiritsraquo13 spirits13 existing13 outside13 this13 human13 body13 and13 being13 attracted13 welcome13 hosted13 in13 it13 13 Or13 are13 they13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 this13 human13 and13 appear13 only13 in13 his13 body13 thanks13 to13 this13 body13 and13 its13 speciNic13 human13 quality13

Most13 probably13 the13 question13 was13 not13 asked13 in13 those13 terms13 and13 the13 answer13 not13 so13 clear-shy‐cut13 Nevertheless13 some13 ideas13 can13 emerge13

The13 spirits13 can13 dwell13 in13 a13 human13 body13 because13 of13 the13 quality13 of13 its13 vitality13 as13 expressed13 in13 its13 very13 substance

Coarse13 qi13 made13 small13 creatures13 pure13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 made13 humans13 Therefore13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 belong13 to13 Heaven13 and13 the13 bodily13 frame13 belongs13 to13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Is13 Heaven13 sending13 spirits13 into13 a13 human13 body13 13 Or13 is13 it13 natural13 to13 human13 life13 to13 possess13 spirit13 13 There13 is13 no13 real13 difference13 between13 these13 two13 phrases13 The13 speciNic13 quality13 which13 enables13 a13 human13 to13 be13 partner13 of13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 in13 the13 universe13 has13 to13 be13 both13 in13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 and13 in13 the13 ability13 of13 the13 mind13 These13 two13 correspond13 and13 they13 need13 to13 exist13 together13 The13 same13 subtlety13 is13 found13 in13 both13 and13 called13 13 subtle13 reNined13 pure13 seminal13 vital13 essential13 (jing13 精)13 If13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 is13 not13 kept13 pure13 enough13 if13 its13 laquoessencesraquo13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 then13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 spirit13 cannot13 be13 subtle13 and13 clear13 And13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 cannot13 remain13 in13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 how13 could13 it13 command13 adequately13 how13 the13 body13 operates13 and13 how13 life13 is13 nourished13 properly13

13 9

It13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 human13 body13 is13 the13 utmost13 perfect13 form13 among13 all13 that13 exists13 and13 why13 this13 body13 may13 be13 seen13 as13 a13 replica13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 the13 cosmic13 order

Thus13 the13 roundness13 of13 the13 head13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Heaven13 the13 square13 made13 by13 the13 feet13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Earth13 Heaven13 has13 four13 seasons13 [ive13 agents13 (or13 elements13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 nine13 disentanglements13 and13 36613 days13 Similarly13 Man13 has13 four13 limbs13 [ive13 organs13 (wu13 zang13 五藏)13 nine13 ori[ices13 and13 36613 articulations13 Heaven13 has13 wind13 and13 rain13 cold13 and13 heat13 and13 Man13 has13 taking13 and13 giving13 joy13 and13 angerThrough13 the13 correspondence13 of13 the13 gallbladder13 to13 clouds13 the13 lung13 to13 qi13 the13 liver13 to13 wind13 the13 kidneys13 to13 rain13 the13 spleen13 to13 thunder13 Man13 is13 in13 intimate13 association13 (can13 參)13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 and13 the13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 So13 the13 ear13 and13 eye13 are13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 blood13 and13 qi13 are13 wind13 and13 rain13 hellip13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)

Every13 human13 being13 is13 in13 charge13 of13 keeping13 or13 recovering13 this13 natural13 order13 in13 himself13 if13 he13 does13 not13 it13 brings13 him13 disorder13 diseases13 calamities13 on13 himself13 and13 in13 the13 world13

The13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 being13 has13 to13 be13 implemented13 It13 is13 like13 a13 potential13 development13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 a13 human13 to13 develop13 oneself13 to13 become13 spiritlike

Concentrate13 your13 qi13 (氣)13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 (ru13 shen13 如神)13 (Guanzi13 ch13 Neiye)

This13 potentiality13 is13 present13 from13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 the13 human13 body13 at13 conception13 and13 during13 gestation13 In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 the13 spiritwind13 -shy‐13 or13 the13 lightning13 -shy‐13 starts13 life13 in13 spring13 (the13 process13 of13 transformation13 which13 will13 lead13 to13 maturation13 ripeness13 and13 crops)13 a13 spiritual13 presence13 inhabits13 the13 qi13 which13 starts13 the13 formation13 of13 an13 embryo13 In13 a13 human13 being13 this13 presence13 is13 especially13 strong13 meaning13 that13 what13 is13 given13 by13 Heaven13 prevails13 and13 enables13 the13 human13 heartmind13 to13 build13 knowledge13 discernment13 and13 awarenessWhen13 a13 child13 is13 born13 laquoall13 the13 spirits13 are13 completeraquo13 he13 or13 she13 has13 all13 that13 is13 needed13 to13 build13 a13 vital13 spirit13 to13 have13 a13 heartmind13 working13 with13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit

What13 is13 called13 original13 spirits13 (yuan13 shen13 元神)13 is13 mainly13 understood13 as13 the13 power13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 processes13 of13 life13 emanating13 from13 the13 impenetrable13 mystery13 of13 Heaven13 source13 of13 life13 In13 each13 human13 it13 is13 part13 of13 their13 original13 endowment13 In13 a13 Daoist13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 human13 being13 perfectly13 merged13 with13 those13 of13 Heaven13 moving13 without13 impediment13 through13 the13 inNinite13 spaces13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 companions13 to13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 In13 a13 more13 common13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirit13 which13 gives13 the13 human13 heartmind13 its13 clear-shy‐sightedness13 and13 intelligence13 and13 which13 makes13 it13 possible13 for13 the13 heart13 to13 recognize13 more13 and13 more13 clearly13 the13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 its13 own13 nature13 This13 understanding13 provides13 a13 proper13 basis13 for13 mental13 activity13 and13 for13 how13 it13 expresses13 itself13 in13 thought13 and13 purpose13 It13 enables13 us13 to13 accomplish13 our13 destiny13 (ming13 命)13 Calmness13 encourages13 the13 relationship13 of13 the13 spirits13 to13 our13 origin13 giving13 strength13 and13 vigour13 to13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 Emotions13 agitated13 hurrying13 or13 exhaustion13 diminish13 it13 In13 a13 more13 speciNic13 or13 medical13 context13 the13 original13 spirit13 is13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 brain13 which13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 mirrors13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heartmind

Thus13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 possibility13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 each13 human13 being13 to13 build13 their13 own13 heartmind13 and13 through13 it13 their13 own13 awareness13 and13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 reason13 in13 such13 a13 way13 that13 they13 behave13 according13 to13 the13 order13 and13 patterns13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 It13 is13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 operating13 through13 the13 human13 heartmindIn13 Daoism13 it13 leads13 up13 to13 the13 union13 with13 the13 Dao13

13 10

Therefore13 what13 is13 called13 spirit13 allows13 the13 responsibility13 of13 a13 human13 for13 his13 own13 life13 and13 behaviorTo13 embody13 the13 spirit13 is13 to13 open13 the13 heart13 to13 nature13 to13 natural13 order13 to13 Heaven13 to13 enlighten13 the13 intelligence13 knowledge13 and13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 fulNill13 onersquos13 destiny13 and13 also13 at13 the13 same13 time13 to13 nourish13 onersquos13 life13 and13 that13 of13 the13 others

As13 the13 Huainan13 zi13 said13

Its13 movements13 are13 hidden13 from13 sight13 (wu13 xing13 無13 形)13 and13 its13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變13 化)13 are13 godlike13 (ru13 shen13 若13 神)13 it13 does13 not13 leave13 any13 traces13 behind13 in13 its13 progress13 it13 is13 ever13 in13 the13 lead13 though13 always13 coming13 behind13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)13

More13 than13 attracting13 external13 spirits13 into13 his13 body13 it13 is13 the13 process13 of13 internalization13 the13 building13 13 of13 an13 inner13 life13 which13 is13 real13 it13 creates13 the13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 all13 lifes13 the13 foundation13 of13 all13 reality13

The13 spirit13 no13 one13 knows13 its13 limits13 with13 a13 natural13 clarity13 it13 knows13 all13 that13 exists13 Safeguard13 it13 within13 and13 donrsquot13 let13 it13 slip13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 (external)13 beings13 disturb13 the13 sense13 organs13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 sense13 organs13 disturb13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心13 )13 13 this13 is13 called13 to13 grasp13 the13 core13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 Neiye)

313 Clear13 and13 unclear13 spirit

But13 this13 potentiality13 of13 becoming13 like13 a13 spirit13 and13 building13 oneself13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 is13 not13 easily13 done13 The13 human13 heart13 is13 weak13 and13 proned13 to13 indulge13 in13 desires13 and13 passions13 This13 means13 that13 a13 human13 will13 achieve13 this13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 this13 building13 of13 themselves13 as13 a13 spirit13 in13 various13 degrees13 of13 imperfectionperfection13

The13 Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 independently13 exists13 (在)13 Its13 going13 and13 coming13 no13 one13 is13 able13 to13 contemplateLose13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 confused13 (luan13 亂)13 obtain13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 well13 regulated13 (zhi13 治)13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 NeiyeTransl13 W13 Allyn13 Rickett)

Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 or13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 is13 used13 to13 speak13 of13 how13 a13 human13 being13 personiNies13 the13 spirit13 by13 the13 quality13 and13 ruling13 of13 their13 heartmind13 This13 fulNilment13 is13 often13 far13 away13 from13 the13 endowment13 of13 their13 own13 original13 nature13 from13 what13 they13 were13 destined13 to13 become13 by13 HeavenThe13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 called13 spirit13 or13 vital13 spirit13 whatever13 the13 quality13 actually13 achieved

The13 human13 able13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 is13 in13 harmony13 and13 joy13 The13 movement13 and13 interchange13 of13 their13 qi13 are13 regular13 ensuring13 a13 perfect13 mental13 balance13 and13 perfect13 health

Water13 that13 is13 still13 gives13 back13 a13 clear13 image13 of13 beard13 and13 eyebrows13 reposing13 in13 the13 water13 level13 it13 offers13 a13 measure13 to13 the13 great13 carpenter13 And13 if13 water13 in13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 possesses13 such13 clarity13 (ming13 明)13 how13 much13 more13 must13 pure13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 The13 sagersquos13 mind13 (heart13 xin13 心)13 in13 stillness13 is13 the13 mirror13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 the13 glass13 of13 the13 ten13 thousang13 things13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1313 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

13 11

The13 fulNilment13 as13 spirit13 allows13 the13 human13 mind13 to13 be13 one13 with13 the13 universe13 and13 to13 have13 an13 intimate13 knowledge13 (not13 only13 an13 intellectual13 one)13 of13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 It13 also13 allows13 one13 to13 perceive13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 oneself13 and13 to13 see13 them13 as13 what13 has13 to13 be13 undertaken13 as13 the13 laquowill13 of13 Heavenraquo

But13 if13 it13 is13 not13 the13 case13 the13 texts13 speak13 of13 blind13 dull13 and13 poor13 spirits13 of13 how13 to13 exhaust13 his13 spirits13 by13 relying13 on13 accumulated13 knowledge613 and13 onersquos13 own13 willUsing13 onersquos13 mind13 badly13 poorly13 inadequately13 wears13 out13 vitality13 it13 starts13 with13 delusion13 misconception13 due13 to13 what13 we13 believe13 what13 we13 are13 sure13 we13 know13 what13 we13 want13 and13 desireThus13 the13 importance13 of13 cultivating13 onersquos13 heart13 cleaning13 the13 mirror13 emptying13 the13 heart

To13 appease13 the13 passions13 and13 diminish13 the13 desires13 to13 calm13 agitation13 and13 stop13 bustle13 is13 always13 at13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 spiritual13 path13 a13 prerequisite13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit13 It13 is13 also13 necessary13 to13 have13 not13 only13 a13 healthly13 mind13 but13 a13 mind13 free13 of13 any13 prejudice13 likes13 and13 dislikes13 in13 order13 to13 see13 things13 and13 beings13 as13 they13 are13 And13 consequently13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 movements13 of13 life13 with13 their13 patterns13 the13 natural13 order13 as13 it13 is13 and13 not13 the13 vision13 or13 reasoning13 we13 indulge13 in13 because13 of13 our13 desires13 emotions13 ambitions13 passions

Calming13 down13 is13 more13 than13 just13 absence13 of13 agitation13 It13 is13 to13 reach13 the13 state13 of13 equilibrium13 from13 where13 activity13 and13 rest13 Nind13 their13 balance13 and13 appropriate13 time13 and13 strength

The13 sage13 rests13 with13 rest13 comes13 peaceful13 ease13 with13 peaceful13 ease13 comes13 limpidity13 and13 where13 there13 is13 ease13 and13 limpidity13 care13 and13 worry13 cannot13 get13 at13 him13 noxious13 airs13 (evil13 pathogenic13 qi13 xie13 qi13 邪氣)13 cannot13 assault13 him13 Therefore13 his13 Virtue13 is13 complete13 and13 his13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 unimpaired13 []13 Pure13 spirit13 (vial13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 reaches13 in13 the13 four13 directions13 [lows13 now13 this13 way13 now13 that13 -shy13 there13 is13 no13 place13 it13 does13 not13 extend13 to13 Above13 it13 brushes13 Heaven13 below13 it13 coils13 on13 the13 earth13 It13 transforms13 and13 nurses13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 but13 no13 one13 can13 make13 out13 its13 form13 Its13 name13 is13 called13 One-shywith-shyHeaven13 The13 way13 to13 purity13 and13 whiteness13 is13 to13 guard13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 this13 alone13 guard13 it13 and13 never13 lose13 it13 and13 you13 will13 become13 one13 with13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 one13 with13 its13 pure13 essence13 (jing精)13 which13 communicates13 and13 mingles13 with13 the13 Heavenly13 Order13 (Zhuangzi13 ch1513 Transl13 B13 Watson)

By13 cultivating13 onersquos13 own13 spirit13 one13 is13 united13 with13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 the13 life13 force13 the13 pure13 vitality13 and13 follows13 its13 way13 to13 proceed13 with13 less13 and13 less13 effort

Not13 to13 accomplish13 onersquos13 spirit13 is13 to13 oppose13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 to13 separate13 oneself13 from13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 the13 universe13

A13 man13 is13 quiescent13 when13 bornThis13 is13 his13 Heaven-shyendowed13 nature13 He13 moves13 when13 aroused13 This13 is13 the13 stirring13 of13 that13 nature13 The13 human13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 responds13 when13 things13 come13 on13 to13 senseThis13 is13 the13 movement13 of13 the13 intellect13 (zhi13 知)13 When13 the13 intellect13 comes13 into13 contact13 with13 things13 feelings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 are13 produced13 When13 these13 fellings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 have13 taken13 shape13 and13 the13 intellect13 has13 been13 enticed13 from13 the13 outside13 one13 is13 unable13 to13 return13 to13 himself13 and13 the13 Heavenly13 principles13 (tian13 li13 天理)13 in13 him13 are13 destroyed13 []Thus13 when13 a13 man13 harbors13 a13 calculating13 heart13 in13 his13 breast13 the13 quality13 of13 his13 person13 is13 contaminated13 and13 his13 spirituality13 (shen13 神)13 is13 not13 kept13 whole13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)

13 12

613 There13 is13 a13 difference13 between13 Confucians13 and13 Daoists13 concerning13 the13 value13 agtributed13 to13 knowledge

As13 soon13 as13 one13 makes13 oneself13 able13 to13 see13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 of13 cosmic13 life13 what13 one13 perceives13 Nills13 onersquos13 heartmind13 and13 inNluences13 onersquos13 thought13 intention13 and13 action13 It13 is13 what13 guides13 his13 life13 what13 has13 to13 be13 done13 The13 Confucian13 attitude13 favors13 study13 learning13 willpower13 and13 a13 moral13 law13 whereas13 the13 Daoist13 perspective13 aims13 at13 reaching13 a13 natural13 behavior13 spontaneously13 What13 is13 common13 to13 both13 is13 the13 distinction13 between13 the13 person13 who13 get13 closer13 to13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 and13 the13 person13 who13 is13 to13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions

413 The13 Spirit13 and13 the13 HeartMind

The13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 the13 treasure13 of13 the13 heart13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)As13 we13 have13 already13 seen13 the13 relationship13 between13 the13 spirit13 and13 the13 heartmind13 is13 so13 strong13 and13 so13 close13 that13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 depends13 upon13 the13 presence13 or13 internalization13 or13 fulNilment13 of13 the13 spiritBesides13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 occurs13 through13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 and13 of13 course13 its13 working13 at13 the13 light13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 with13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 If13 the13 heartmind13 cannot13 put13 itself13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life13 it13 is13 ineffective13 for13 the13 spirit13 Human13 intelligence13 alone13 is13 not13 able13 to13 acceed13 to13 the13 true13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 their13 underlying13 patternsThe13 heartmind13 encompasses13 all13 that13 is13 emotional13 psychological13 intellectual13 mental13 spiritual13 and13 also13 what13 is13 physically13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 circulation13 the13 beating13 which13 indicates13 life13 these13 various13 aspects13 act13 and13 react13 continuously13 one13 with13 the13 others13 So13 the13 heartmind13 can13 easily13 go13 astray13 and13 leaves13 the13 way13 of13 life

By13 nature13 (xing13 性)13 a13 human13 possesses13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 a13 heart13 that13 allows13 knowledge13 (xin13 zhi13 心知13 )13 Grief13 as13 well13 as13 joy13 elation13 or13 anger13 do13 not13 exist13 permanently13 within13 They13 are13 reactions13 to13 the13 stimulation13 of13 objects13 It13 is13 then13 that13 the13 Art13 of13 the13 Heart13 (xin13 shu13 心術13 )13 intervenes13 (xing13 行)13 (Liji13 Yueji)

Knowledge13 is13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 as13 is13 the13 control13 or13 lack13 of13 control13 on13 the13 emotions13 The13 quality13 of13 the13 awareness13 depends13 on13 the13 cleverness13 the13 emotions13 but13 also13 on13 the13 very13 bodily13 and13 physical13 situation13 And13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 commands13 all13 what13 happen13 in13 the13 body13 all13 movements13 of13 qi

The13 Confucian13 thinker13 Xun13 zi13 devotes13 a13 chapter13 to13 this13 question13 Here13 are13 some13 sentences13

How13 can13 a13 human13 know13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 Way13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 And13 how13 is13 the13 heartmind13 able13 of13 such13 a13 knowledge13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 emptyness13 (xu13 虛)13 his13 unifying13 power13 (yi13 壹)13 and13 his13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

When13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 guided13 by13 the13 principles13 (of13 the13 natural13 order13 li13 理)13 and13 nourished13 with13 purity13 when13 no13 external13 object13 unbalances13 it13 then13 it13 is13 enough13 for13 it13 to13 determine13 right13 and13 wrong13 to13 decide13 on13 any13 uncertainty13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 the13 sovereign13 (jun13 君)13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 master13 (zhu13 主)13 of13 the13 spiritlike13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 13 (Xun13 zi13 ch21)

13 13

513 The13 spirit13 leaving13 the13 body13 at13 death

Traditionally13 at13 death13 the13 spirit13 joins13 Heaven13 to13 become13 the13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 who13 will13 be13 honored13 in13 the13 ceremonies13 of13 the13 ancestral13 worship13 at13 least13 for13 some13 generations13 The13 body13 returns13 to13 the13 Earth

The13 vital13 spirits13 will13 re-shyenter13 the13 gate13 and13 the13 body13 frame13 revert13 to13 its13 roots13 how13 can13 lsquoIrsquo13 continue13 to13 exist13 13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)The13 question13 of13 the13 survival13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 after13 death13 is13 too13 complex13 to13 be13 addressed13 here13 We13 can13 just13 notice13 that13 the13 Huainanzi13 states13 that13 the13 laquoIraquo13 who13 is13 presently13 living13 disappears13 at13 death13 the13 laquoIraquo13 exists13 only13 thanks13 to13 the13 merging13 of13 body13 and13 spirit13 But13 it13 does13 not13 imply13 that13 death13 is13 the13 end13 of13 everything13 There13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 what13 was13 my13 body13 continuing13 the13 transformation13 of13 the13 substance13 in13 the13 Earth13 And13 there13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 my13 vital13 spirit13 but13 not13 as13 the13 laquoIraquo13 or13 the13 laquoegoraquo13 The13 one13 who13 wants13 to13 survive13 as13 a13 self13 is13 in13 delusion13 and13 weakens13 his13 own13 spirit13 through13 this13 desire13

In13 the13 perspective13 of13 the13 Huainanzi13 a13 text13 mostly13 of13 Daoist13 vision13 the13 one13 who13 is13 able13 to13 forget13 his13 own13 self13 enables13 his13 vital13 spirit13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao

They13 dwell13 in13 a13 space13 that13 cannot13 contain13 settle13 in13 a13 place13 that13 is13 nowhere13 they13 move13 in13 the13 formless13 are13 still13 in13 the13 bodyless13 They13 are13 present13 as13 if13 vanished13 and13 live13 as13 if13 dead13 They13 enter13 and13 leave13 where13 there13 is13 no13 opening13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 as13 servants13 They13 are13 engulfed13 by13 the13 unfathomable13 and13 enter13 into13 what13 has13 no13 opening13 in13 order13 to13 be13 moulded13 into13 different13 formsendings13 and13 beginnings13 are13 like13 a13 circle13 no-shyone13 can13 grasp13 their13 succession13 This13 is13 how13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 able13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 713 Monkey13 press)

Merged13 with13 the13 Dao13 the13 vital13 spirit13 of13 a13 human13 is13 one13 with13 the13 axis13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 the13 source13 of13 all13 that13 happens13 Therefore13 this13 vital13 spirit13 can13 be13 said13 to13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits713 as13 servants13 since13 they13 are13 the13 agents13 behind13 the13 life-shy‐giving13 and13 life-shy‐maintening13 transformations

613 The13 various13 status13 of13 spirit13 (shen)13 in13 a13 human13 body

From13 what13 has13 been13 said13 we13 can13 see13 that13 the13 term13 shen13 spirit13 may13 be13 used13 at13 several13 levels13 -shy‐ What13 is13 at13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 each13 life13 allowing13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 transformations13 making13 life13 according13 to13 the13 natural13 order-shy‐ the13 potentiality13 of13 the13 human13 heart13 with13 its13 functioning13 as13 my13 mind13 my13 awareness13 intelligence13 consciousness13 hellip-shy‐ the13 actual13 fulNilment13 of13 this13 heart13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 falling13 prey13 to13 desires13 and13 passions13 and13 becoming13 more13 and13 more13 unable13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 order13 of13 life13 and13 its13 underlying13 patterns13 and13 consequently13 to13 guide13 the13 conduct13 of13 life-shy‐ what13 will13 join13 Heaven13 after13 death13 as13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 or13 as13 a13 companion13 of13 the13 Way13

13 14

713 Ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 13 the13 spirits13 of13 Earth13 and13 those13 of13 Heaven

-shy‐ IV13 SPIRIT(S)13 IN13 MEDICINE

In13 this13 part13 we13 will13 just13 give13 a13 rapid13 survey13 of13 the13 concept13 of13 spirit13 shen13 神13 in13 the13 main13 classical13 medical13 texts813 without13 going13 into13 a13 detailed13 presentation13 and13 without13 speaking13 of13 the13 pathologies13 both13 of13 the13 body13 and13 of13 the13 mind13 which13 are13 related13 to13 the13 spirit

We13 mainly13 try13 to13 show13 how13 this13 concept13 of13 spirit13 in13 the13 medical13 theory13 is13 rooted13 in13 the13 conceptions13 of13 the13 scholars13 of13 the13 VthIInd13 centuries13 BC

1 External13 power13

Even13 if13 the13 medical13 texts13 are13 generally13 concerned13 with13 the13 human13 spirit13 acting13 inside13 a13 body13 they13 may13 also13 use13 the13 concept13 when13 speaking13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 universe13 Some13 of13 the13 best13 examples13 are13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch513 one13 of13 the13 key13 texts13 in13 the13 establishment13 of13 the13 medical13 theory13 Some13 example13

Speaking13 of13 the13 order13 perceived13 in13 nature13 13

Since13 clear13 yang13 rises13 to13 Heaven13 and13 turbid13 yin13 returns13 to13 Earth13 HeavenEarth13 feel13 the13 effects13 of13 movement13 and13 rest13 and13 the13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 forms13 the13 net13 of13 laws13 and13 principles13 Thus13 through13 a13 process13 of13 generating13 growth13 gathering13 and13 burying13 everything13 reaches13 its13 term13 and13 starts13 again13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

When13 speaking13 of13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 life13 manifestations13 of13 what13 is13 beyond13 the13 analysis13 and13 undertanding13 by13 the13 laws13 of13 yin13 yang13 and13 Five13 elements13 precisely13 in13 order13 to13 introduce13 the13 great13 presentation13 of13 the13 correlations13 based13 on13 the13 Five13 elements13 which13 expresses13 the13 cosmic13 order13

In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 the13 deep13 mystery13 In13 Man13 it13 is13 the13 Way13 On13 Earth13 it13 is13 transformationTransformation13 produces13 the13 [ive13 tastes13 The13 Way13 produces13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 deep13 mystery13 produces13 the13 spirits13 The13 spirits13 13 In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 wind13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 wood13 (element)13 of13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 it13 is13 muscular13 movement13 of13 the13 zang13 organ13 it13 is13 the13 liver13 13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

The13 spirits13 which13 are13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 cosmic13 life13 are13 also13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 each13 human13 being13 starting13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 forming13 his13 life13 body13 and13 mind

When13 two13 spirits13 (liang13 shen13 兩神)13 embrace13 their13 union13 gives13 form13 to13 a13 body13 Always13 that13 which13 comes13 [irst13 (xian先)13 in13 the13 personal13 life13 (expressed13 through13 a13 body13 shen13 sheng13 身生)13 is13 called13 the13 essences13 (vitality13 jing13 精)13 (Lingshu13 ch30)

The13 two13 spirits13 are13 a13 pair13 which13 means13 that13 they13 are13 different13 even13 opposite13 but13 in13 the13 same13 time13 complementary13 13 Here13 they13 are13 the13 yin13 yang13 couple13 formed13 by13 the13 male13 (father)13 and13 the13 female13 (mother)13 each13 been13 seen13 as13 participating13 to13 the13 natural13 production13 of13 life13

13 15

813 As13 for13 instance13 the13 Huangdi13 Neijing13 the13 Inner13 Classic13 of13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

The13 laquospiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)raquo13 is13 how13 both13 the13 splendor13 of13 nature13 and13 the13 order13 the13 principles13 underlying13 this13 great13 beauty13 appear13 through13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 is13 called13 laquospiritsraquo13 To13 understand13 these13 patterns13 is13 to13 know13 all13 that13 is13 possible13 to13 know13 with13 a13 human13 intelligence13 and13 to13 recognize13 the13 laquointelligenceraquo13 the13 natural13 cleverness13 and13 spontaneous13 order13 which13 is13 behind13 the13 manifestation13 of13 life13 to13 acknowledge13 the13 spirits13 as13 the13 agents13 allowing13 the13 processWe13 will13 come13 back13 to13 this13 laquospiritual13 brighnessraquo13 when13 it13 is13 a13 reality13 within13 a13 humanZhuang13 zi13 uses13 human13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 go13 beyond13 the13 intellectual13 the13 thought13 the13 will13 and13 become13 an13 entirely13 laquonaturalraquo13 being13 entirely13 acting13 through13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 his13 original13 nature13 from13 the13 Way13 of13 Heaven13 (tian13 dao13 天道)13 Such13 a13 man13 is13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 13 helping13 the13 emergence13 of13 beings13 and13 inspiring13 the13 transformations13 maintaining13 their13 lives

One13 of13 the13 most13 prominent13 Confucian13 thinkers13 Xun13 zi13 (circa13 298-shy‐23513 BC)13 spoke13 of13 the13 spirits13 in13 a13 very13 similar13 manner13 but13 with13 something13 different13 in13 mind13

Heaven13 has13 its13 seasons13 earth13 has13 its13 riches13 man13 has13 his13 government13 (zhi13 治)13 Hence13 man13 may13 form13 a13 triad13 with13 the13 other13 two13 (can13 參)13 But13 if13 he13 sets13 aside13 that13 which13 allows13 him13 to13 form13 a13 triad13 with13 the13 other13 two13 and13 longs13 for13 what13 they13 have13 then13 he13 is13 deluded13 The13 ranks13 of13 stars13 move13 in13 progression13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 shine13 in13 turn13 the13 four13 seasons13 succed13 each13 other13 in13 good13 order13 the13 yin13 and13 yang13 go13 through13 their13 great13 transformations13 (da13 hua13 大化)13 and13 the13 wind13 and13 rain13 pass13 over13 the13 whole13 land13 All13 things13 obtain13 what13 is13 congenial13 to13 them13 (qi13 he13 其和)13 and13 come13 to13 life13 receive13 what13 is13 nourishing13 to13 them13 and13 grow13 to13 completion13 One13 does13 not13 see13 the13 process13 taking13 place13 but13 sees13 only13 the13 results13 Thus13 it13 is13 called13 godlike13 (spirit13 shen13 神)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch1713 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 Xun13 zi13 text13 shows13 both13 the13 greatness13 and13 the13 weakness13 of13 humankind13 Great13 as13 co-shy‐producer13 of13 life13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 of13 the13 universe13 weak13 as13 the13 trouble-shy‐maker13 who13 destroys13 beauty13 and13 harmony13 and13 destroys13 his13 ability13 to13 perceive13 them13 simultaneously13 What13 enables13 a13 human13 being13 to13 participate13 fully13 and13 accurately13 in13 the13 life13 of13 the13 universe13 is13 his13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 recognize13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 (li13 理)13 of13 life13 its13 natural13 order13 intrinsic13 organization13 principles13 and13 to13 behave13 accordingly13 To13 recognize13 these13 patterns13 is13 to13 reason13 to13 have13 reason13 sagacity13 and13 wisdom13 as13 well13 as13 sanity13 of13 mind13 a13 good13 functionning13 of13 mental13 faculties13 of13 wits

These13 underlying13 patterns13 are13 what13 we13 can13 know13 of13 the13 spirits13 how13 the13 human13 mind13 observes13 recognizes13 and13 represents13 an13 order13 behind13 all13 manifestations13 of13 life13 It13 is13 well13 expressed13 in13 the13 Xici13 or13 Great13 Commentary13 to13 the13 Book13 of13 Change13 (Yijing13 dazhuan)13

Knowing13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 way13 (dao13 道)13 of13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變化)13 is13 how13 one13 knows13 the13 Spirits13 (Xici13 I13 9)

But13 the13 spirits13 in13 themselves13 are13 beyond13 our13 capacity13 of13 analyzing13 and13 explaining13 which13 are13 for13 instance13 the13 yin13 yang13 the13 Five13 elements13 hellip13

What13 cannot13 be13 probed13 by13 yin13 yang13 is13 called13 lsquospiritsrsquo13 (shen13 神)13 (Xici13 I13 5)

Such13 knowledge13 which13 includes13 the13 stopping13 of13 the13 mental13 knowledge13 where13 it13 has13 to13 stop13 is13 the13 true13 working13 of13 the13 human13 heart

Now13 we13 will13 examine13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirits13 within13 the13 human13 body

13 7

III13 THE13 SPIRITS13 AS13 PRESENT13 IN13 A13 HUMAN13 BODY13 -shy13 THE13 VITAL13 SPIRIT

While13 in13 very13 ancient13 times13 the13 spirits13 were13 those13 of13 Heaven13 or13 those13 of13 the13 deceased13 ancestors13 the13 conception13 gradually13 changed13 over13 time13 and13 laquospiritraquo13 (shen13 神)13 started13 to13 be13 used13 for13 either13 simply13 a13 quality13 of13 the13 human13 mind13 (as13 shrewdness13 subtle13 intelligence)13 or13 a13 reality13 inside13 the13 human13 body

There13 are13 several13 possible13 meanings13 to13 the13 presence13 of13 spirits13 inside13 the13 body13 of13 a13 living13 human13 It13 may13 be13 the13 possession13 of13 a13 person13 by13 a13 ghost13 the13 vengeful13 soul13 of13 a13 dead13 person13 Or13 possession13 by13 a13 deity13 or13 a13 sacred13 trance13 often13 induced13 voluntarily13 with13 the13 help13 of13 drugs13 (as13 mushrooms)413 It13 may13 be13 what13 is13 found13 in13 shamanism13 the13 embodiment13 of13 spirits13 by13 the13 shaman13 as13 the13 bridge13 between13 the13 world13 of13 the13 spirits13 and13 the13 world13 of13 mere13 humans13 an13 embodiment13 that13 allows13 the13 shaman13 to13 beneNit13 from13 more13 power13 In13 several13 Daoist13 narrations13 of13 what13 can13 be13 an13 actual13 personal13 experience13 spirits13 come13 inside13 the13 follower13 of13 the13 Dao13 attesting13 by13 their13 presence13 his13 communion13 with13 the13 Dao13 Later13 the13 Daoist13 priests13 also13 would13 attract13 spirits13 to13 perform13 rituals13 requiring13 great13 power13 They13 would13 have13 had13 rolls13 or13 lists13 of13 the13 spirits13 they13 were13 able13 to13 put13 at13 their13 service13 in13 some13 way13 as13 part13 of13 the13 transmission13 from13 their13 master13 and13 lineage13 Also13 in13 the13 Daoist13 practice13 the13 adept13 visualizes13 a13 great13 number13 of13 spirits13 dwelling13 in13 each13 place13 of13 his13 body13 as13 in13 the13 organs13 in13 the13 throat13 in13 the13 brain13 and13 so13 on

We13 will13 leave13 aside13 all13 these13 aspects13 to13 consider13 only13 the13 main13 reNlections13 found13 in13 the13 scholarly13 textsSeveral13 considerations13 appear13

1 Spirit13 and13 body

Spirit13 and13 human13 body13 have13 a13 speciNic13 relationship13 which13 is13 partly13 like13 the13 one13 we13 are13 familiar13 with13 13 they13 are13 not13 the13 same13 thing13 not13 at13 the13 same13 level13 (which13 might13 be13 different13 from13 not13 being13 of13 the13 same13 laquonatureraquo)13 and13 partly13 different13 -shy‐13 even13 conNlicting13 -shy‐13 owing13 to13 the13 fact13 that13 in13 a13 human13 being13 one13 cannot13 function13 without13 the13 other13 the13 perfection13 of13 one13 is13 the13 perfection13 of13 the13 other13

In13 the13 Daoist13 approach13 of13 Zhuang13 zi13

He13 who13 holds13 fast13 to13 the13 Way13 (dao13 道)13 is13 complete13 (quan13 全)13 in13 Virtue13 (de13 德)513 being13 complete13 in13 Virtue13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 body13 (xing13 形)13 being13 complete13 in13 body13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 to13 be13 complete13 in13 spirit13 is13 the13 Way13 of13 the13 sage13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1213 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

Or13 in13 a13 syncretic13 book13 composed13 around13 the13 middle13 of13 the13 third13 century13 BC13

Nature13 (Heaven13 tian天)13 produced13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yang13 principles13 cold13 and13 heat13 wet13 and13 dry13 the13 transformations13 (hua13 化)13 of13 the13 four13 seasons13 and13 the13 metamorphoses13 (bian 變13 )13 of13 the13 myriad13 things13 Each13 of13 these13 can13 produce13 bene[it13 or13 it13 can13 cause13 harm13 The13 sage13 scrutinizes13 what13 is13

13 8

413 See13 Chuci

513 Here13 virtue13 is13 more13 a13 vital13 power13 than13 a13 moral13 achievement

appropriate13 to13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yan13 and13 discriminates13 what13 is13 bene[icial13 in13 the13 myriad13 things13 in13 order13 to13 enhance13 life13 Thus13 the13 vital13 essence13 and13 the13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 being13 secure13 within13 the13 bodily13 frame13 (xing13 形)13 the13 personrsquos13 life13 span13 is13 extended13 (Luumlshi13 chunqiu13 III13 213 Transl13 J13 Knobloch13 amp13 J13 Riegel)

The13 life13 of13 an13 human13 being13 is13 the13 coming13 together13 of13 the13 substance13 of13 a13 body13 and13 spirit13 As13 long13 as13 they13 remain13 together13 this13 being13 is13 alive13 their13 separation13 is13 his13 death13 as13 the13 separation13 may13 occur13 due13 to13 the13 weakness13 or13 unbalance13 of13 either13 the13 body13 form13 or13 the13 spirit13 both13 have13 to13 be13 taking13 care13 of13 in13 order13 to13 preserve13 enough13 harmony13 in13 their13 relationship

That13 is13 obvious13 in13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 relations13 13 these13 two13 kinds13 of13 laquosoulsraquo13 spiritual13 (Hun)13 and13 corporeal13 (Po)13 are13 the13 double13 animation13 from13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 in13 a13 human13 Life13 is13 their13 embrace13 and13 death13 their13 separation

The13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 what13 is13 received13 from13 Heaven13 and13 the13 physical13 body13 is13 that13 which13 is13 provided13 by13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Between13 Hun13 and13 Po13 or13 between13 spirit13 and13 body13 there13 is13 the13 same13 relationship13 as13 between13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 13 hierarchy13 and13 interdependency13 One13 cannot13 exist13 without13 the13 other13 it13 is13 their13 interaction13 and13 co-shy‐penetration13 which13 maintains13 life13 Nevertheless13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Heaven13 13 Hun13 soul13 spirit13 is13 more13 subtle13 has13 the13 capacity13 of13 knowledge13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 consequently13 must13 be13 in13 control13 of13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Earth13 13 Po13 body

213 The13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit(s)

Are13 these13 spirits13 inside13 a13 human13 body13 laquoembodied13 spiritsraquo13 spirits13 existing13 outside13 this13 human13 body13 and13 being13 attracted13 welcome13 hosted13 in13 it13 13 Or13 are13 they13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 this13 human13 and13 appear13 only13 in13 his13 body13 thanks13 to13 this13 body13 and13 its13 speciNic13 human13 quality13

Most13 probably13 the13 question13 was13 not13 asked13 in13 those13 terms13 and13 the13 answer13 not13 so13 clear-shy‐cut13 Nevertheless13 some13 ideas13 can13 emerge13

The13 spirits13 can13 dwell13 in13 a13 human13 body13 because13 of13 the13 quality13 of13 its13 vitality13 as13 expressed13 in13 its13 very13 substance

Coarse13 qi13 made13 small13 creatures13 pure13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 made13 humans13 Therefore13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 belong13 to13 Heaven13 and13 the13 bodily13 frame13 belongs13 to13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Is13 Heaven13 sending13 spirits13 into13 a13 human13 body13 13 Or13 is13 it13 natural13 to13 human13 life13 to13 possess13 spirit13 13 There13 is13 no13 real13 difference13 between13 these13 two13 phrases13 The13 speciNic13 quality13 which13 enables13 a13 human13 to13 be13 partner13 of13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 in13 the13 universe13 has13 to13 be13 both13 in13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 and13 in13 the13 ability13 of13 the13 mind13 These13 two13 correspond13 and13 they13 need13 to13 exist13 together13 The13 same13 subtlety13 is13 found13 in13 both13 and13 called13 13 subtle13 reNined13 pure13 seminal13 vital13 essential13 (jing13 精)13 If13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 is13 not13 kept13 pure13 enough13 if13 its13 laquoessencesraquo13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 then13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 spirit13 cannot13 be13 subtle13 and13 clear13 And13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 cannot13 remain13 in13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 how13 could13 it13 command13 adequately13 how13 the13 body13 operates13 and13 how13 life13 is13 nourished13 properly13

13 9

It13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 human13 body13 is13 the13 utmost13 perfect13 form13 among13 all13 that13 exists13 and13 why13 this13 body13 may13 be13 seen13 as13 a13 replica13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 the13 cosmic13 order

Thus13 the13 roundness13 of13 the13 head13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Heaven13 the13 square13 made13 by13 the13 feet13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Earth13 Heaven13 has13 four13 seasons13 [ive13 agents13 (or13 elements13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 nine13 disentanglements13 and13 36613 days13 Similarly13 Man13 has13 four13 limbs13 [ive13 organs13 (wu13 zang13 五藏)13 nine13 ori[ices13 and13 36613 articulations13 Heaven13 has13 wind13 and13 rain13 cold13 and13 heat13 and13 Man13 has13 taking13 and13 giving13 joy13 and13 angerThrough13 the13 correspondence13 of13 the13 gallbladder13 to13 clouds13 the13 lung13 to13 qi13 the13 liver13 to13 wind13 the13 kidneys13 to13 rain13 the13 spleen13 to13 thunder13 Man13 is13 in13 intimate13 association13 (can13 參)13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 and13 the13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 So13 the13 ear13 and13 eye13 are13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 blood13 and13 qi13 are13 wind13 and13 rain13 hellip13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)

Every13 human13 being13 is13 in13 charge13 of13 keeping13 or13 recovering13 this13 natural13 order13 in13 himself13 if13 he13 does13 not13 it13 brings13 him13 disorder13 diseases13 calamities13 on13 himself13 and13 in13 the13 world13

The13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 being13 has13 to13 be13 implemented13 It13 is13 like13 a13 potential13 development13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 a13 human13 to13 develop13 oneself13 to13 become13 spiritlike

Concentrate13 your13 qi13 (氣)13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 (ru13 shen13 如神)13 (Guanzi13 ch13 Neiye)

This13 potentiality13 is13 present13 from13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 the13 human13 body13 at13 conception13 and13 during13 gestation13 In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 the13 spiritwind13 -shy‐13 or13 the13 lightning13 -shy‐13 starts13 life13 in13 spring13 (the13 process13 of13 transformation13 which13 will13 lead13 to13 maturation13 ripeness13 and13 crops)13 a13 spiritual13 presence13 inhabits13 the13 qi13 which13 starts13 the13 formation13 of13 an13 embryo13 In13 a13 human13 being13 this13 presence13 is13 especially13 strong13 meaning13 that13 what13 is13 given13 by13 Heaven13 prevails13 and13 enables13 the13 human13 heartmind13 to13 build13 knowledge13 discernment13 and13 awarenessWhen13 a13 child13 is13 born13 laquoall13 the13 spirits13 are13 completeraquo13 he13 or13 she13 has13 all13 that13 is13 needed13 to13 build13 a13 vital13 spirit13 to13 have13 a13 heartmind13 working13 with13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit

What13 is13 called13 original13 spirits13 (yuan13 shen13 元神)13 is13 mainly13 understood13 as13 the13 power13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 processes13 of13 life13 emanating13 from13 the13 impenetrable13 mystery13 of13 Heaven13 source13 of13 life13 In13 each13 human13 it13 is13 part13 of13 their13 original13 endowment13 In13 a13 Daoist13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 human13 being13 perfectly13 merged13 with13 those13 of13 Heaven13 moving13 without13 impediment13 through13 the13 inNinite13 spaces13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 companions13 to13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 In13 a13 more13 common13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirit13 which13 gives13 the13 human13 heartmind13 its13 clear-shy‐sightedness13 and13 intelligence13 and13 which13 makes13 it13 possible13 for13 the13 heart13 to13 recognize13 more13 and13 more13 clearly13 the13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 its13 own13 nature13 This13 understanding13 provides13 a13 proper13 basis13 for13 mental13 activity13 and13 for13 how13 it13 expresses13 itself13 in13 thought13 and13 purpose13 It13 enables13 us13 to13 accomplish13 our13 destiny13 (ming13 命)13 Calmness13 encourages13 the13 relationship13 of13 the13 spirits13 to13 our13 origin13 giving13 strength13 and13 vigour13 to13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 Emotions13 agitated13 hurrying13 or13 exhaustion13 diminish13 it13 In13 a13 more13 speciNic13 or13 medical13 context13 the13 original13 spirit13 is13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 brain13 which13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 mirrors13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heartmind

Thus13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 possibility13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 each13 human13 being13 to13 build13 their13 own13 heartmind13 and13 through13 it13 their13 own13 awareness13 and13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 reason13 in13 such13 a13 way13 that13 they13 behave13 according13 to13 the13 order13 and13 patterns13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 It13 is13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 operating13 through13 the13 human13 heartmindIn13 Daoism13 it13 leads13 up13 to13 the13 union13 with13 the13 Dao13

13 10

Therefore13 what13 is13 called13 spirit13 allows13 the13 responsibility13 of13 a13 human13 for13 his13 own13 life13 and13 behaviorTo13 embody13 the13 spirit13 is13 to13 open13 the13 heart13 to13 nature13 to13 natural13 order13 to13 Heaven13 to13 enlighten13 the13 intelligence13 knowledge13 and13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 fulNill13 onersquos13 destiny13 and13 also13 at13 the13 same13 time13 to13 nourish13 onersquos13 life13 and13 that13 of13 the13 others

As13 the13 Huainan13 zi13 said13

Its13 movements13 are13 hidden13 from13 sight13 (wu13 xing13 無13 形)13 and13 its13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變13 化)13 are13 godlike13 (ru13 shen13 若13 神)13 it13 does13 not13 leave13 any13 traces13 behind13 in13 its13 progress13 it13 is13 ever13 in13 the13 lead13 though13 always13 coming13 behind13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)13

More13 than13 attracting13 external13 spirits13 into13 his13 body13 it13 is13 the13 process13 of13 internalization13 the13 building13 13 of13 an13 inner13 life13 which13 is13 real13 it13 creates13 the13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 all13 lifes13 the13 foundation13 of13 all13 reality13

The13 spirit13 no13 one13 knows13 its13 limits13 with13 a13 natural13 clarity13 it13 knows13 all13 that13 exists13 Safeguard13 it13 within13 and13 donrsquot13 let13 it13 slip13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 (external)13 beings13 disturb13 the13 sense13 organs13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 sense13 organs13 disturb13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心13 )13 13 this13 is13 called13 to13 grasp13 the13 core13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 Neiye)

313 Clear13 and13 unclear13 spirit

But13 this13 potentiality13 of13 becoming13 like13 a13 spirit13 and13 building13 oneself13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 is13 not13 easily13 done13 The13 human13 heart13 is13 weak13 and13 proned13 to13 indulge13 in13 desires13 and13 passions13 This13 means13 that13 a13 human13 will13 achieve13 this13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 this13 building13 of13 themselves13 as13 a13 spirit13 in13 various13 degrees13 of13 imperfectionperfection13

The13 Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 independently13 exists13 (在)13 Its13 going13 and13 coming13 no13 one13 is13 able13 to13 contemplateLose13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 confused13 (luan13 亂)13 obtain13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 well13 regulated13 (zhi13 治)13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 NeiyeTransl13 W13 Allyn13 Rickett)

Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 or13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 is13 used13 to13 speak13 of13 how13 a13 human13 being13 personiNies13 the13 spirit13 by13 the13 quality13 and13 ruling13 of13 their13 heartmind13 This13 fulNilment13 is13 often13 far13 away13 from13 the13 endowment13 of13 their13 own13 original13 nature13 from13 what13 they13 were13 destined13 to13 become13 by13 HeavenThe13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 called13 spirit13 or13 vital13 spirit13 whatever13 the13 quality13 actually13 achieved

The13 human13 able13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 is13 in13 harmony13 and13 joy13 The13 movement13 and13 interchange13 of13 their13 qi13 are13 regular13 ensuring13 a13 perfect13 mental13 balance13 and13 perfect13 health

Water13 that13 is13 still13 gives13 back13 a13 clear13 image13 of13 beard13 and13 eyebrows13 reposing13 in13 the13 water13 level13 it13 offers13 a13 measure13 to13 the13 great13 carpenter13 And13 if13 water13 in13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 possesses13 such13 clarity13 (ming13 明)13 how13 much13 more13 must13 pure13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 The13 sagersquos13 mind13 (heart13 xin13 心)13 in13 stillness13 is13 the13 mirror13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 the13 glass13 of13 the13 ten13 thousang13 things13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1313 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

13 11

The13 fulNilment13 as13 spirit13 allows13 the13 human13 mind13 to13 be13 one13 with13 the13 universe13 and13 to13 have13 an13 intimate13 knowledge13 (not13 only13 an13 intellectual13 one)13 of13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 It13 also13 allows13 one13 to13 perceive13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 oneself13 and13 to13 see13 them13 as13 what13 has13 to13 be13 undertaken13 as13 the13 laquowill13 of13 Heavenraquo

But13 if13 it13 is13 not13 the13 case13 the13 texts13 speak13 of13 blind13 dull13 and13 poor13 spirits13 of13 how13 to13 exhaust13 his13 spirits13 by13 relying13 on13 accumulated13 knowledge613 and13 onersquos13 own13 willUsing13 onersquos13 mind13 badly13 poorly13 inadequately13 wears13 out13 vitality13 it13 starts13 with13 delusion13 misconception13 due13 to13 what13 we13 believe13 what13 we13 are13 sure13 we13 know13 what13 we13 want13 and13 desireThus13 the13 importance13 of13 cultivating13 onersquos13 heart13 cleaning13 the13 mirror13 emptying13 the13 heart

To13 appease13 the13 passions13 and13 diminish13 the13 desires13 to13 calm13 agitation13 and13 stop13 bustle13 is13 always13 at13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 spiritual13 path13 a13 prerequisite13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit13 It13 is13 also13 necessary13 to13 have13 not13 only13 a13 healthly13 mind13 but13 a13 mind13 free13 of13 any13 prejudice13 likes13 and13 dislikes13 in13 order13 to13 see13 things13 and13 beings13 as13 they13 are13 And13 consequently13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 movements13 of13 life13 with13 their13 patterns13 the13 natural13 order13 as13 it13 is13 and13 not13 the13 vision13 or13 reasoning13 we13 indulge13 in13 because13 of13 our13 desires13 emotions13 ambitions13 passions

Calming13 down13 is13 more13 than13 just13 absence13 of13 agitation13 It13 is13 to13 reach13 the13 state13 of13 equilibrium13 from13 where13 activity13 and13 rest13 Nind13 their13 balance13 and13 appropriate13 time13 and13 strength

The13 sage13 rests13 with13 rest13 comes13 peaceful13 ease13 with13 peaceful13 ease13 comes13 limpidity13 and13 where13 there13 is13 ease13 and13 limpidity13 care13 and13 worry13 cannot13 get13 at13 him13 noxious13 airs13 (evil13 pathogenic13 qi13 xie13 qi13 邪氣)13 cannot13 assault13 him13 Therefore13 his13 Virtue13 is13 complete13 and13 his13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 unimpaired13 []13 Pure13 spirit13 (vial13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 reaches13 in13 the13 four13 directions13 [lows13 now13 this13 way13 now13 that13 -shy13 there13 is13 no13 place13 it13 does13 not13 extend13 to13 Above13 it13 brushes13 Heaven13 below13 it13 coils13 on13 the13 earth13 It13 transforms13 and13 nurses13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 but13 no13 one13 can13 make13 out13 its13 form13 Its13 name13 is13 called13 One-shywith-shyHeaven13 The13 way13 to13 purity13 and13 whiteness13 is13 to13 guard13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 this13 alone13 guard13 it13 and13 never13 lose13 it13 and13 you13 will13 become13 one13 with13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 one13 with13 its13 pure13 essence13 (jing精)13 which13 communicates13 and13 mingles13 with13 the13 Heavenly13 Order13 (Zhuangzi13 ch1513 Transl13 B13 Watson)

By13 cultivating13 onersquos13 own13 spirit13 one13 is13 united13 with13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 the13 life13 force13 the13 pure13 vitality13 and13 follows13 its13 way13 to13 proceed13 with13 less13 and13 less13 effort

Not13 to13 accomplish13 onersquos13 spirit13 is13 to13 oppose13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 to13 separate13 oneself13 from13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 the13 universe13

A13 man13 is13 quiescent13 when13 bornThis13 is13 his13 Heaven-shyendowed13 nature13 He13 moves13 when13 aroused13 This13 is13 the13 stirring13 of13 that13 nature13 The13 human13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 responds13 when13 things13 come13 on13 to13 senseThis13 is13 the13 movement13 of13 the13 intellect13 (zhi13 知)13 When13 the13 intellect13 comes13 into13 contact13 with13 things13 feelings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 are13 produced13 When13 these13 fellings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 have13 taken13 shape13 and13 the13 intellect13 has13 been13 enticed13 from13 the13 outside13 one13 is13 unable13 to13 return13 to13 himself13 and13 the13 Heavenly13 principles13 (tian13 li13 天理)13 in13 him13 are13 destroyed13 []Thus13 when13 a13 man13 harbors13 a13 calculating13 heart13 in13 his13 breast13 the13 quality13 of13 his13 person13 is13 contaminated13 and13 his13 spirituality13 (shen13 神)13 is13 not13 kept13 whole13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)

13 12

613 There13 is13 a13 difference13 between13 Confucians13 and13 Daoists13 concerning13 the13 value13 agtributed13 to13 knowledge

As13 soon13 as13 one13 makes13 oneself13 able13 to13 see13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 of13 cosmic13 life13 what13 one13 perceives13 Nills13 onersquos13 heartmind13 and13 inNluences13 onersquos13 thought13 intention13 and13 action13 It13 is13 what13 guides13 his13 life13 what13 has13 to13 be13 done13 The13 Confucian13 attitude13 favors13 study13 learning13 willpower13 and13 a13 moral13 law13 whereas13 the13 Daoist13 perspective13 aims13 at13 reaching13 a13 natural13 behavior13 spontaneously13 What13 is13 common13 to13 both13 is13 the13 distinction13 between13 the13 person13 who13 get13 closer13 to13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 and13 the13 person13 who13 is13 to13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions

413 The13 Spirit13 and13 the13 HeartMind

The13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 the13 treasure13 of13 the13 heart13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)As13 we13 have13 already13 seen13 the13 relationship13 between13 the13 spirit13 and13 the13 heartmind13 is13 so13 strong13 and13 so13 close13 that13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 depends13 upon13 the13 presence13 or13 internalization13 or13 fulNilment13 of13 the13 spiritBesides13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 occurs13 through13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 and13 of13 course13 its13 working13 at13 the13 light13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 with13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 If13 the13 heartmind13 cannot13 put13 itself13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life13 it13 is13 ineffective13 for13 the13 spirit13 Human13 intelligence13 alone13 is13 not13 able13 to13 acceed13 to13 the13 true13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 their13 underlying13 patternsThe13 heartmind13 encompasses13 all13 that13 is13 emotional13 psychological13 intellectual13 mental13 spiritual13 and13 also13 what13 is13 physically13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 circulation13 the13 beating13 which13 indicates13 life13 these13 various13 aspects13 act13 and13 react13 continuously13 one13 with13 the13 others13 So13 the13 heartmind13 can13 easily13 go13 astray13 and13 leaves13 the13 way13 of13 life

By13 nature13 (xing13 性)13 a13 human13 possesses13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 a13 heart13 that13 allows13 knowledge13 (xin13 zhi13 心知13 )13 Grief13 as13 well13 as13 joy13 elation13 or13 anger13 do13 not13 exist13 permanently13 within13 They13 are13 reactions13 to13 the13 stimulation13 of13 objects13 It13 is13 then13 that13 the13 Art13 of13 the13 Heart13 (xin13 shu13 心術13 )13 intervenes13 (xing13 行)13 (Liji13 Yueji)

Knowledge13 is13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 as13 is13 the13 control13 or13 lack13 of13 control13 on13 the13 emotions13 The13 quality13 of13 the13 awareness13 depends13 on13 the13 cleverness13 the13 emotions13 but13 also13 on13 the13 very13 bodily13 and13 physical13 situation13 And13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 commands13 all13 what13 happen13 in13 the13 body13 all13 movements13 of13 qi

The13 Confucian13 thinker13 Xun13 zi13 devotes13 a13 chapter13 to13 this13 question13 Here13 are13 some13 sentences13

How13 can13 a13 human13 know13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 Way13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 And13 how13 is13 the13 heartmind13 able13 of13 such13 a13 knowledge13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 emptyness13 (xu13 虛)13 his13 unifying13 power13 (yi13 壹)13 and13 his13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

When13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 guided13 by13 the13 principles13 (of13 the13 natural13 order13 li13 理)13 and13 nourished13 with13 purity13 when13 no13 external13 object13 unbalances13 it13 then13 it13 is13 enough13 for13 it13 to13 determine13 right13 and13 wrong13 to13 decide13 on13 any13 uncertainty13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 the13 sovereign13 (jun13 君)13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 master13 (zhu13 主)13 of13 the13 spiritlike13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 13 (Xun13 zi13 ch21)

13 13

513 The13 spirit13 leaving13 the13 body13 at13 death

Traditionally13 at13 death13 the13 spirit13 joins13 Heaven13 to13 become13 the13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 who13 will13 be13 honored13 in13 the13 ceremonies13 of13 the13 ancestral13 worship13 at13 least13 for13 some13 generations13 The13 body13 returns13 to13 the13 Earth

The13 vital13 spirits13 will13 re-shyenter13 the13 gate13 and13 the13 body13 frame13 revert13 to13 its13 roots13 how13 can13 lsquoIrsquo13 continue13 to13 exist13 13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)The13 question13 of13 the13 survival13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 after13 death13 is13 too13 complex13 to13 be13 addressed13 here13 We13 can13 just13 notice13 that13 the13 Huainanzi13 states13 that13 the13 laquoIraquo13 who13 is13 presently13 living13 disappears13 at13 death13 the13 laquoIraquo13 exists13 only13 thanks13 to13 the13 merging13 of13 body13 and13 spirit13 But13 it13 does13 not13 imply13 that13 death13 is13 the13 end13 of13 everything13 There13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 what13 was13 my13 body13 continuing13 the13 transformation13 of13 the13 substance13 in13 the13 Earth13 And13 there13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 my13 vital13 spirit13 but13 not13 as13 the13 laquoIraquo13 or13 the13 laquoegoraquo13 The13 one13 who13 wants13 to13 survive13 as13 a13 self13 is13 in13 delusion13 and13 weakens13 his13 own13 spirit13 through13 this13 desire13

In13 the13 perspective13 of13 the13 Huainanzi13 a13 text13 mostly13 of13 Daoist13 vision13 the13 one13 who13 is13 able13 to13 forget13 his13 own13 self13 enables13 his13 vital13 spirit13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao

They13 dwell13 in13 a13 space13 that13 cannot13 contain13 settle13 in13 a13 place13 that13 is13 nowhere13 they13 move13 in13 the13 formless13 are13 still13 in13 the13 bodyless13 They13 are13 present13 as13 if13 vanished13 and13 live13 as13 if13 dead13 They13 enter13 and13 leave13 where13 there13 is13 no13 opening13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 as13 servants13 They13 are13 engulfed13 by13 the13 unfathomable13 and13 enter13 into13 what13 has13 no13 opening13 in13 order13 to13 be13 moulded13 into13 different13 formsendings13 and13 beginnings13 are13 like13 a13 circle13 no-shyone13 can13 grasp13 their13 succession13 This13 is13 how13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 able13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 713 Monkey13 press)

Merged13 with13 the13 Dao13 the13 vital13 spirit13 of13 a13 human13 is13 one13 with13 the13 axis13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 the13 source13 of13 all13 that13 happens13 Therefore13 this13 vital13 spirit13 can13 be13 said13 to13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits713 as13 servants13 since13 they13 are13 the13 agents13 behind13 the13 life-shy‐giving13 and13 life-shy‐maintening13 transformations

613 The13 various13 status13 of13 spirit13 (shen)13 in13 a13 human13 body

From13 what13 has13 been13 said13 we13 can13 see13 that13 the13 term13 shen13 spirit13 may13 be13 used13 at13 several13 levels13 -shy‐ What13 is13 at13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 each13 life13 allowing13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 transformations13 making13 life13 according13 to13 the13 natural13 order-shy‐ the13 potentiality13 of13 the13 human13 heart13 with13 its13 functioning13 as13 my13 mind13 my13 awareness13 intelligence13 consciousness13 hellip-shy‐ the13 actual13 fulNilment13 of13 this13 heart13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 falling13 prey13 to13 desires13 and13 passions13 and13 becoming13 more13 and13 more13 unable13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 order13 of13 life13 and13 its13 underlying13 patterns13 and13 consequently13 to13 guide13 the13 conduct13 of13 life-shy‐ what13 will13 join13 Heaven13 after13 death13 as13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 or13 as13 a13 companion13 of13 the13 Way13

13 14

713 Ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 13 the13 spirits13 of13 Earth13 and13 those13 of13 Heaven

-shy‐ IV13 SPIRIT(S)13 IN13 MEDICINE

In13 this13 part13 we13 will13 just13 give13 a13 rapid13 survey13 of13 the13 concept13 of13 spirit13 shen13 神13 in13 the13 main13 classical13 medical13 texts813 without13 going13 into13 a13 detailed13 presentation13 and13 without13 speaking13 of13 the13 pathologies13 both13 of13 the13 body13 and13 of13 the13 mind13 which13 are13 related13 to13 the13 spirit

We13 mainly13 try13 to13 show13 how13 this13 concept13 of13 spirit13 in13 the13 medical13 theory13 is13 rooted13 in13 the13 conceptions13 of13 the13 scholars13 of13 the13 VthIInd13 centuries13 BC

1 External13 power13

Even13 if13 the13 medical13 texts13 are13 generally13 concerned13 with13 the13 human13 spirit13 acting13 inside13 a13 body13 they13 may13 also13 use13 the13 concept13 when13 speaking13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 universe13 Some13 of13 the13 best13 examples13 are13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch513 one13 of13 the13 key13 texts13 in13 the13 establishment13 of13 the13 medical13 theory13 Some13 example13

Speaking13 of13 the13 order13 perceived13 in13 nature13 13

Since13 clear13 yang13 rises13 to13 Heaven13 and13 turbid13 yin13 returns13 to13 Earth13 HeavenEarth13 feel13 the13 effects13 of13 movement13 and13 rest13 and13 the13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 forms13 the13 net13 of13 laws13 and13 principles13 Thus13 through13 a13 process13 of13 generating13 growth13 gathering13 and13 burying13 everything13 reaches13 its13 term13 and13 starts13 again13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

When13 speaking13 of13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 life13 manifestations13 of13 what13 is13 beyond13 the13 analysis13 and13 undertanding13 by13 the13 laws13 of13 yin13 yang13 and13 Five13 elements13 precisely13 in13 order13 to13 introduce13 the13 great13 presentation13 of13 the13 correlations13 based13 on13 the13 Five13 elements13 which13 expresses13 the13 cosmic13 order13

In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 the13 deep13 mystery13 In13 Man13 it13 is13 the13 Way13 On13 Earth13 it13 is13 transformationTransformation13 produces13 the13 [ive13 tastes13 The13 Way13 produces13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 deep13 mystery13 produces13 the13 spirits13 The13 spirits13 13 In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 wind13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 wood13 (element)13 of13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 it13 is13 muscular13 movement13 of13 the13 zang13 organ13 it13 is13 the13 liver13 13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

The13 spirits13 which13 are13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 cosmic13 life13 are13 also13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 each13 human13 being13 starting13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 forming13 his13 life13 body13 and13 mind

When13 two13 spirits13 (liang13 shen13 兩神)13 embrace13 their13 union13 gives13 form13 to13 a13 body13 Always13 that13 which13 comes13 [irst13 (xian先)13 in13 the13 personal13 life13 (expressed13 through13 a13 body13 shen13 sheng13 身生)13 is13 called13 the13 essences13 (vitality13 jing13 精)13 (Lingshu13 ch30)

The13 two13 spirits13 are13 a13 pair13 which13 means13 that13 they13 are13 different13 even13 opposite13 but13 in13 the13 same13 time13 complementary13 13 Here13 they13 are13 the13 yin13 yang13 couple13 formed13 by13 the13 male13 (father)13 and13 the13 female13 (mother)13 each13 been13 seen13 as13 participating13 to13 the13 natural13 production13 of13 life13

13 15

813 As13 for13 instance13 the13 Huangdi13 Neijing13 the13 Inner13 Classic13 of13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

III13 THE13 SPIRITS13 AS13 PRESENT13 IN13 A13 HUMAN13 BODY13 -shy13 THE13 VITAL13 SPIRIT

While13 in13 very13 ancient13 times13 the13 spirits13 were13 those13 of13 Heaven13 or13 those13 of13 the13 deceased13 ancestors13 the13 conception13 gradually13 changed13 over13 time13 and13 laquospiritraquo13 (shen13 神)13 started13 to13 be13 used13 for13 either13 simply13 a13 quality13 of13 the13 human13 mind13 (as13 shrewdness13 subtle13 intelligence)13 or13 a13 reality13 inside13 the13 human13 body

There13 are13 several13 possible13 meanings13 to13 the13 presence13 of13 spirits13 inside13 the13 body13 of13 a13 living13 human13 It13 may13 be13 the13 possession13 of13 a13 person13 by13 a13 ghost13 the13 vengeful13 soul13 of13 a13 dead13 person13 Or13 possession13 by13 a13 deity13 or13 a13 sacred13 trance13 often13 induced13 voluntarily13 with13 the13 help13 of13 drugs13 (as13 mushrooms)413 It13 may13 be13 what13 is13 found13 in13 shamanism13 the13 embodiment13 of13 spirits13 by13 the13 shaman13 as13 the13 bridge13 between13 the13 world13 of13 the13 spirits13 and13 the13 world13 of13 mere13 humans13 an13 embodiment13 that13 allows13 the13 shaman13 to13 beneNit13 from13 more13 power13 In13 several13 Daoist13 narrations13 of13 what13 can13 be13 an13 actual13 personal13 experience13 spirits13 come13 inside13 the13 follower13 of13 the13 Dao13 attesting13 by13 their13 presence13 his13 communion13 with13 the13 Dao13 Later13 the13 Daoist13 priests13 also13 would13 attract13 spirits13 to13 perform13 rituals13 requiring13 great13 power13 They13 would13 have13 had13 rolls13 or13 lists13 of13 the13 spirits13 they13 were13 able13 to13 put13 at13 their13 service13 in13 some13 way13 as13 part13 of13 the13 transmission13 from13 their13 master13 and13 lineage13 Also13 in13 the13 Daoist13 practice13 the13 adept13 visualizes13 a13 great13 number13 of13 spirits13 dwelling13 in13 each13 place13 of13 his13 body13 as13 in13 the13 organs13 in13 the13 throat13 in13 the13 brain13 and13 so13 on

We13 will13 leave13 aside13 all13 these13 aspects13 to13 consider13 only13 the13 main13 reNlections13 found13 in13 the13 scholarly13 textsSeveral13 considerations13 appear13

1 Spirit13 and13 body

Spirit13 and13 human13 body13 have13 a13 speciNic13 relationship13 which13 is13 partly13 like13 the13 one13 we13 are13 familiar13 with13 13 they13 are13 not13 the13 same13 thing13 not13 at13 the13 same13 level13 (which13 might13 be13 different13 from13 not13 being13 of13 the13 same13 laquonatureraquo)13 and13 partly13 different13 -shy‐13 even13 conNlicting13 -shy‐13 owing13 to13 the13 fact13 that13 in13 a13 human13 being13 one13 cannot13 function13 without13 the13 other13 the13 perfection13 of13 one13 is13 the13 perfection13 of13 the13 other13

In13 the13 Daoist13 approach13 of13 Zhuang13 zi13

He13 who13 holds13 fast13 to13 the13 Way13 (dao13 道)13 is13 complete13 (quan13 全)13 in13 Virtue13 (de13 德)513 being13 complete13 in13 Virtue13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 body13 (xing13 形)13 being13 complete13 in13 body13 he13 is13 complete13 in13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 to13 be13 complete13 in13 spirit13 is13 the13 Way13 of13 the13 sage13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1213 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

Or13 in13 a13 syncretic13 book13 composed13 around13 the13 middle13 of13 the13 third13 century13 BC13

Nature13 (Heaven13 tian天)13 produced13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yang13 principles13 cold13 and13 heat13 wet13 and13 dry13 the13 transformations13 (hua13 化)13 of13 the13 four13 seasons13 and13 the13 metamorphoses13 (bian 變13 )13 of13 the13 myriad13 things13 Each13 of13 these13 can13 produce13 bene[it13 or13 it13 can13 cause13 harm13 The13 sage13 scrutinizes13 what13 is13

13 8

413 See13 Chuci

513 Here13 virtue13 is13 more13 a13 vital13 power13 than13 a13 moral13 achievement

appropriate13 to13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yan13 and13 discriminates13 what13 is13 bene[icial13 in13 the13 myriad13 things13 in13 order13 to13 enhance13 life13 Thus13 the13 vital13 essence13 and13 the13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 being13 secure13 within13 the13 bodily13 frame13 (xing13 形)13 the13 personrsquos13 life13 span13 is13 extended13 (Luumlshi13 chunqiu13 III13 213 Transl13 J13 Knobloch13 amp13 J13 Riegel)

The13 life13 of13 an13 human13 being13 is13 the13 coming13 together13 of13 the13 substance13 of13 a13 body13 and13 spirit13 As13 long13 as13 they13 remain13 together13 this13 being13 is13 alive13 their13 separation13 is13 his13 death13 as13 the13 separation13 may13 occur13 due13 to13 the13 weakness13 or13 unbalance13 of13 either13 the13 body13 form13 or13 the13 spirit13 both13 have13 to13 be13 taking13 care13 of13 in13 order13 to13 preserve13 enough13 harmony13 in13 their13 relationship

That13 is13 obvious13 in13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 relations13 13 these13 two13 kinds13 of13 laquosoulsraquo13 spiritual13 (Hun)13 and13 corporeal13 (Po)13 are13 the13 double13 animation13 from13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 in13 a13 human13 Life13 is13 their13 embrace13 and13 death13 their13 separation

The13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 what13 is13 received13 from13 Heaven13 and13 the13 physical13 body13 is13 that13 which13 is13 provided13 by13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Between13 Hun13 and13 Po13 or13 between13 spirit13 and13 body13 there13 is13 the13 same13 relationship13 as13 between13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 13 hierarchy13 and13 interdependency13 One13 cannot13 exist13 without13 the13 other13 it13 is13 their13 interaction13 and13 co-shy‐penetration13 which13 maintains13 life13 Nevertheless13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Heaven13 13 Hun13 soul13 spirit13 is13 more13 subtle13 has13 the13 capacity13 of13 knowledge13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 consequently13 must13 be13 in13 control13 of13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Earth13 13 Po13 body

213 The13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit(s)

Are13 these13 spirits13 inside13 a13 human13 body13 laquoembodied13 spiritsraquo13 spirits13 existing13 outside13 this13 human13 body13 and13 being13 attracted13 welcome13 hosted13 in13 it13 13 Or13 are13 they13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 this13 human13 and13 appear13 only13 in13 his13 body13 thanks13 to13 this13 body13 and13 its13 speciNic13 human13 quality13

Most13 probably13 the13 question13 was13 not13 asked13 in13 those13 terms13 and13 the13 answer13 not13 so13 clear-shy‐cut13 Nevertheless13 some13 ideas13 can13 emerge13

The13 spirits13 can13 dwell13 in13 a13 human13 body13 because13 of13 the13 quality13 of13 its13 vitality13 as13 expressed13 in13 its13 very13 substance

Coarse13 qi13 made13 small13 creatures13 pure13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 made13 humans13 Therefore13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 belong13 to13 Heaven13 and13 the13 bodily13 frame13 belongs13 to13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Is13 Heaven13 sending13 spirits13 into13 a13 human13 body13 13 Or13 is13 it13 natural13 to13 human13 life13 to13 possess13 spirit13 13 There13 is13 no13 real13 difference13 between13 these13 two13 phrases13 The13 speciNic13 quality13 which13 enables13 a13 human13 to13 be13 partner13 of13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 in13 the13 universe13 has13 to13 be13 both13 in13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 and13 in13 the13 ability13 of13 the13 mind13 These13 two13 correspond13 and13 they13 need13 to13 exist13 together13 The13 same13 subtlety13 is13 found13 in13 both13 and13 called13 13 subtle13 reNined13 pure13 seminal13 vital13 essential13 (jing13 精)13 If13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 is13 not13 kept13 pure13 enough13 if13 its13 laquoessencesraquo13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 then13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 spirit13 cannot13 be13 subtle13 and13 clear13 And13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 cannot13 remain13 in13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 how13 could13 it13 command13 adequately13 how13 the13 body13 operates13 and13 how13 life13 is13 nourished13 properly13

13 9

It13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 human13 body13 is13 the13 utmost13 perfect13 form13 among13 all13 that13 exists13 and13 why13 this13 body13 may13 be13 seen13 as13 a13 replica13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 the13 cosmic13 order

Thus13 the13 roundness13 of13 the13 head13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Heaven13 the13 square13 made13 by13 the13 feet13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Earth13 Heaven13 has13 four13 seasons13 [ive13 agents13 (or13 elements13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 nine13 disentanglements13 and13 36613 days13 Similarly13 Man13 has13 four13 limbs13 [ive13 organs13 (wu13 zang13 五藏)13 nine13 ori[ices13 and13 36613 articulations13 Heaven13 has13 wind13 and13 rain13 cold13 and13 heat13 and13 Man13 has13 taking13 and13 giving13 joy13 and13 angerThrough13 the13 correspondence13 of13 the13 gallbladder13 to13 clouds13 the13 lung13 to13 qi13 the13 liver13 to13 wind13 the13 kidneys13 to13 rain13 the13 spleen13 to13 thunder13 Man13 is13 in13 intimate13 association13 (can13 參)13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 and13 the13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 So13 the13 ear13 and13 eye13 are13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 blood13 and13 qi13 are13 wind13 and13 rain13 hellip13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)

Every13 human13 being13 is13 in13 charge13 of13 keeping13 or13 recovering13 this13 natural13 order13 in13 himself13 if13 he13 does13 not13 it13 brings13 him13 disorder13 diseases13 calamities13 on13 himself13 and13 in13 the13 world13

The13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 being13 has13 to13 be13 implemented13 It13 is13 like13 a13 potential13 development13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 a13 human13 to13 develop13 oneself13 to13 become13 spiritlike

Concentrate13 your13 qi13 (氣)13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 (ru13 shen13 如神)13 (Guanzi13 ch13 Neiye)

This13 potentiality13 is13 present13 from13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 the13 human13 body13 at13 conception13 and13 during13 gestation13 In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 the13 spiritwind13 -shy‐13 or13 the13 lightning13 -shy‐13 starts13 life13 in13 spring13 (the13 process13 of13 transformation13 which13 will13 lead13 to13 maturation13 ripeness13 and13 crops)13 a13 spiritual13 presence13 inhabits13 the13 qi13 which13 starts13 the13 formation13 of13 an13 embryo13 In13 a13 human13 being13 this13 presence13 is13 especially13 strong13 meaning13 that13 what13 is13 given13 by13 Heaven13 prevails13 and13 enables13 the13 human13 heartmind13 to13 build13 knowledge13 discernment13 and13 awarenessWhen13 a13 child13 is13 born13 laquoall13 the13 spirits13 are13 completeraquo13 he13 or13 she13 has13 all13 that13 is13 needed13 to13 build13 a13 vital13 spirit13 to13 have13 a13 heartmind13 working13 with13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit

What13 is13 called13 original13 spirits13 (yuan13 shen13 元神)13 is13 mainly13 understood13 as13 the13 power13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 processes13 of13 life13 emanating13 from13 the13 impenetrable13 mystery13 of13 Heaven13 source13 of13 life13 In13 each13 human13 it13 is13 part13 of13 their13 original13 endowment13 In13 a13 Daoist13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 human13 being13 perfectly13 merged13 with13 those13 of13 Heaven13 moving13 without13 impediment13 through13 the13 inNinite13 spaces13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 companions13 to13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 In13 a13 more13 common13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirit13 which13 gives13 the13 human13 heartmind13 its13 clear-shy‐sightedness13 and13 intelligence13 and13 which13 makes13 it13 possible13 for13 the13 heart13 to13 recognize13 more13 and13 more13 clearly13 the13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 its13 own13 nature13 This13 understanding13 provides13 a13 proper13 basis13 for13 mental13 activity13 and13 for13 how13 it13 expresses13 itself13 in13 thought13 and13 purpose13 It13 enables13 us13 to13 accomplish13 our13 destiny13 (ming13 命)13 Calmness13 encourages13 the13 relationship13 of13 the13 spirits13 to13 our13 origin13 giving13 strength13 and13 vigour13 to13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 Emotions13 agitated13 hurrying13 or13 exhaustion13 diminish13 it13 In13 a13 more13 speciNic13 or13 medical13 context13 the13 original13 spirit13 is13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 brain13 which13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 mirrors13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heartmind

Thus13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 possibility13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 each13 human13 being13 to13 build13 their13 own13 heartmind13 and13 through13 it13 their13 own13 awareness13 and13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 reason13 in13 such13 a13 way13 that13 they13 behave13 according13 to13 the13 order13 and13 patterns13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 It13 is13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 operating13 through13 the13 human13 heartmindIn13 Daoism13 it13 leads13 up13 to13 the13 union13 with13 the13 Dao13

13 10

Therefore13 what13 is13 called13 spirit13 allows13 the13 responsibility13 of13 a13 human13 for13 his13 own13 life13 and13 behaviorTo13 embody13 the13 spirit13 is13 to13 open13 the13 heart13 to13 nature13 to13 natural13 order13 to13 Heaven13 to13 enlighten13 the13 intelligence13 knowledge13 and13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 fulNill13 onersquos13 destiny13 and13 also13 at13 the13 same13 time13 to13 nourish13 onersquos13 life13 and13 that13 of13 the13 others

As13 the13 Huainan13 zi13 said13

Its13 movements13 are13 hidden13 from13 sight13 (wu13 xing13 無13 形)13 and13 its13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變13 化)13 are13 godlike13 (ru13 shen13 若13 神)13 it13 does13 not13 leave13 any13 traces13 behind13 in13 its13 progress13 it13 is13 ever13 in13 the13 lead13 though13 always13 coming13 behind13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)13

More13 than13 attracting13 external13 spirits13 into13 his13 body13 it13 is13 the13 process13 of13 internalization13 the13 building13 13 of13 an13 inner13 life13 which13 is13 real13 it13 creates13 the13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 all13 lifes13 the13 foundation13 of13 all13 reality13

The13 spirit13 no13 one13 knows13 its13 limits13 with13 a13 natural13 clarity13 it13 knows13 all13 that13 exists13 Safeguard13 it13 within13 and13 donrsquot13 let13 it13 slip13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 (external)13 beings13 disturb13 the13 sense13 organs13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 sense13 organs13 disturb13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心13 )13 13 this13 is13 called13 to13 grasp13 the13 core13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 Neiye)

313 Clear13 and13 unclear13 spirit

But13 this13 potentiality13 of13 becoming13 like13 a13 spirit13 and13 building13 oneself13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 is13 not13 easily13 done13 The13 human13 heart13 is13 weak13 and13 proned13 to13 indulge13 in13 desires13 and13 passions13 This13 means13 that13 a13 human13 will13 achieve13 this13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 this13 building13 of13 themselves13 as13 a13 spirit13 in13 various13 degrees13 of13 imperfectionperfection13

The13 Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 independently13 exists13 (在)13 Its13 going13 and13 coming13 no13 one13 is13 able13 to13 contemplateLose13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 confused13 (luan13 亂)13 obtain13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 well13 regulated13 (zhi13 治)13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 NeiyeTransl13 W13 Allyn13 Rickett)

Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 or13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 is13 used13 to13 speak13 of13 how13 a13 human13 being13 personiNies13 the13 spirit13 by13 the13 quality13 and13 ruling13 of13 their13 heartmind13 This13 fulNilment13 is13 often13 far13 away13 from13 the13 endowment13 of13 their13 own13 original13 nature13 from13 what13 they13 were13 destined13 to13 become13 by13 HeavenThe13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 called13 spirit13 or13 vital13 spirit13 whatever13 the13 quality13 actually13 achieved

The13 human13 able13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 is13 in13 harmony13 and13 joy13 The13 movement13 and13 interchange13 of13 their13 qi13 are13 regular13 ensuring13 a13 perfect13 mental13 balance13 and13 perfect13 health

Water13 that13 is13 still13 gives13 back13 a13 clear13 image13 of13 beard13 and13 eyebrows13 reposing13 in13 the13 water13 level13 it13 offers13 a13 measure13 to13 the13 great13 carpenter13 And13 if13 water13 in13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 possesses13 such13 clarity13 (ming13 明)13 how13 much13 more13 must13 pure13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 The13 sagersquos13 mind13 (heart13 xin13 心)13 in13 stillness13 is13 the13 mirror13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 the13 glass13 of13 the13 ten13 thousang13 things13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1313 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

13 11

The13 fulNilment13 as13 spirit13 allows13 the13 human13 mind13 to13 be13 one13 with13 the13 universe13 and13 to13 have13 an13 intimate13 knowledge13 (not13 only13 an13 intellectual13 one)13 of13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 It13 also13 allows13 one13 to13 perceive13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 oneself13 and13 to13 see13 them13 as13 what13 has13 to13 be13 undertaken13 as13 the13 laquowill13 of13 Heavenraquo

But13 if13 it13 is13 not13 the13 case13 the13 texts13 speak13 of13 blind13 dull13 and13 poor13 spirits13 of13 how13 to13 exhaust13 his13 spirits13 by13 relying13 on13 accumulated13 knowledge613 and13 onersquos13 own13 willUsing13 onersquos13 mind13 badly13 poorly13 inadequately13 wears13 out13 vitality13 it13 starts13 with13 delusion13 misconception13 due13 to13 what13 we13 believe13 what13 we13 are13 sure13 we13 know13 what13 we13 want13 and13 desireThus13 the13 importance13 of13 cultivating13 onersquos13 heart13 cleaning13 the13 mirror13 emptying13 the13 heart

To13 appease13 the13 passions13 and13 diminish13 the13 desires13 to13 calm13 agitation13 and13 stop13 bustle13 is13 always13 at13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 spiritual13 path13 a13 prerequisite13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit13 It13 is13 also13 necessary13 to13 have13 not13 only13 a13 healthly13 mind13 but13 a13 mind13 free13 of13 any13 prejudice13 likes13 and13 dislikes13 in13 order13 to13 see13 things13 and13 beings13 as13 they13 are13 And13 consequently13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 movements13 of13 life13 with13 their13 patterns13 the13 natural13 order13 as13 it13 is13 and13 not13 the13 vision13 or13 reasoning13 we13 indulge13 in13 because13 of13 our13 desires13 emotions13 ambitions13 passions

Calming13 down13 is13 more13 than13 just13 absence13 of13 agitation13 It13 is13 to13 reach13 the13 state13 of13 equilibrium13 from13 where13 activity13 and13 rest13 Nind13 their13 balance13 and13 appropriate13 time13 and13 strength

The13 sage13 rests13 with13 rest13 comes13 peaceful13 ease13 with13 peaceful13 ease13 comes13 limpidity13 and13 where13 there13 is13 ease13 and13 limpidity13 care13 and13 worry13 cannot13 get13 at13 him13 noxious13 airs13 (evil13 pathogenic13 qi13 xie13 qi13 邪氣)13 cannot13 assault13 him13 Therefore13 his13 Virtue13 is13 complete13 and13 his13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 unimpaired13 []13 Pure13 spirit13 (vial13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 reaches13 in13 the13 four13 directions13 [lows13 now13 this13 way13 now13 that13 -shy13 there13 is13 no13 place13 it13 does13 not13 extend13 to13 Above13 it13 brushes13 Heaven13 below13 it13 coils13 on13 the13 earth13 It13 transforms13 and13 nurses13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 but13 no13 one13 can13 make13 out13 its13 form13 Its13 name13 is13 called13 One-shywith-shyHeaven13 The13 way13 to13 purity13 and13 whiteness13 is13 to13 guard13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 this13 alone13 guard13 it13 and13 never13 lose13 it13 and13 you13 will13 become13 one13 with13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 one13 with13 its13 pure13 essence13 (jing精)13 which13 communicates13 and13 mingles13 with13 the13 Heavenly13 Order13 (Zhuangzi13 ch1513 Transl13 B13 Watson)

By13 cultivating13 onersquos13 own13 spirit13 one13 is13 united13 with13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 the13 life13 force13 the13 pure13 vitality13 and13 follows13 its13 way13 to13 proceed13 with13 less13 and13 less13 effort

Not13 to13 accomplish13 onersquos13 spirit13 is13 to13 oppose13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 to13 separate13 oneself13 from13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 the13 universe13

A13 man13 is13 quiescent13 when13 bornThis13 is13 his13 Heaven-shyendowed13 nature13 He13 moves13 when13 aroused13 This13 is13 the13 stirring13 of13 that13 nature13 The13 human13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 responds13 when13 things13 come13 on13 to13 senseThis13 is13 the13 movement13 of13 the13 intellect13 (zhi13 知)13 When13 the13 intellect13 comes13 into13 contact13 with13 things13 feelings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 are13 produced13 When13 these13 fellings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 have13 taken13 shape13 and13 the13 intellect13 has13 been13 enticed13 from13 the13 outside13 one13 is13 unable13 to13 return13 to13 himself13 and13 the13 Heavenly13 principles13 (tian13 li13 天理)13 in13 him13 are13 destroyed13 []Thus13 when13 a13 man13 harbors13 a13 calculating13 heart13 in13 his13 breast13 the13 quality13 of13 his13 person13 is13 contaminated13 and13 his13 spirituality13 (shen13 神)13 is13 not13 kept13 whole13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)

13 12

613 There13 is13 a13 difference13 between13 Confucians13 and13 Daoists13 concerning13 the13 value13 agtributed13 to13 knowledge

As13 soon13 as13 one13 makes13 oneself13 able13 to13 see13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 of13 cosmic13 life13 what13 one13 perceives13 Nills13 onersquos13 heartmind13 and13 inNluences13 onersquos13 thought13 intention13 and13 action13 It13 is13 what13 guides13 his13 life13 what13 has13 to13 be13 done13 The13 Confucian13 attitude13 favors13 study13 learning13 willpower13 and13 a13 moral13 law13 whereas13 the13 Daoist13 perspective13 aims13 at13 reaching13 a13 natural13 behavior13 spontaneously13 What13 is13 common13 to13 both13 is13 the13 distinction13 between13 the13 person13 who13 get13 closer13 to13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 and13 the13 person13 who13 is13 to13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions

413 The13 Spirit13 and13 the13 HeartMind

The13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 the13 treasure13 of13 the13 heart13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)As13 we13 have13 already13 seen13 the13 relationship13 between13 the13 spirit13 and13 the13 heartmind13 is13 so13 strong13 and13 so13 close13 that13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 depends13 upon13 the13 presence13 or13 internalization13 or13 fulNilment13 of13 the13 spiritBesides13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 occurs13 through13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 and13 of13 course13 its13 working13 at13 the13 light13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 with13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 If13 the13 heartmind13 cannot13 put13 itself13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life13 it13 is13 ineffective13 for13 the13 spirit13 Human13 intelligence13 alone13 is13 not13 able13 to13 acceed13 to13 the13 true13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 their13 underlying13 patternsThe13 heartmind13 encompasses13 all13 that13 is13 emotional13 psychological13 intellectual13 mental13 spiritual13 and13 also13 what13 is13 physically13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 circulation13 the13 beating13 which13 indicates13 life13 these13 various13 aspects13 act13 and13 react13 continuously13 one13 with13 the13 others13 So13 the13 heartmind13 can13 easily13 go13 astray13 and13 leaves13 the13 way13 of13 life

By13 nature13 (xing13 性)13 a13 human13 possesses13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 a13 heart13 that13 allows13 knowledge13 (xin13 zhi13 心知13 )13 Grief13 as13 well13 as13 joy13 elation13 or13 anger13 do13 not13 exist13 permanently13 within13 They13 are13 reactions13 to13 the13 stimulation13 of13 objects13 It13 is13 then13 that13 the13 Art13 of13 the13 Heart13 (xin13 shu13 心術13 )13 intervenes13 (xing13 行)13 (Liji13 Yueji)

Knowledge13 is13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 as13 is13 the13 control13 or13 lack13 of13 control13 on13 the13 emotions13 The13 quality13 of13 the13 awareness13 depends13 on13 the13 cleverness13 the13 emotions13 but13 also13 on13 the13 very13 bodily13 and13 physical13 situation13 And13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 commands13 all13 what13 happen13 in13 the13 body13 all13 movements13 of13 qi

The13 Confucian13 thinker13 Xun13 zi13 devotes13 a13 chapter13 to13 this13 question13 Here13 are13 some13 sentences13

How13 can13 a13 human13 know13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 Way13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 And13 how13 is13 the13 heartmind13 able13 of13 such13 a13 knowledge13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 emptyness13 (xu13 虛)13 his13 unifying13 power13 (yi13 壹)13 and13 his13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

When13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 guided13 by13 the13 principles13 (of13 the13 natural13 order13 li13 理)13 and13 nourished13 with13 purity13 when13 no13 external13 object13 unbalances13 it13 then13 it13 is13 enough13 for13 it13 to13 determine13 right13 and13 wrong13 to13 decide13 on13 any13 uncertainty13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 the13 sovereign13 (jun13 君)13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 master13 (zhu13 主)13 of13 the13 spiritlike13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 13 (Xun13 zi13 ch21)

13 13

513 The13 spirit13 leaving13 the13 body13 at13 death

Traditionally13 at13 death13 the13 spirit13 joins13 Heaven13 to13 become13 the13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 who13 will13 be13 honored13 in13 the13 ceremonies13 of13 the13 ancestral13 worship13 at13 least13 for13 some13 generations13 The13 body13 returns13 to13 the13 Earth

The13 vital13 spirits13 will13 re-shyenter13 the13 gate13 and13 the13 body13 frame13 revert13 to13 its13 roots13 how13 can13 lsquoIrsquo13 continue13 to13 exist13 13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)The13 question13 of13 the13 survival13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 after13 death13 is13 too13 complex13 to13 be13 addressed13 here13 We13 can13 just13 notice13 that13 the13 Huainanzi13 states13 that13 the13 laquoIraquo13 who13 is13 presently13 living13 disappears13 at13 death13 the13 laquoIraquo13 exists13 only13 thanks13 to13 the13 merging13 of13 body13 and13 spirit13 But13 it13 does13 not13 imply13 that13 death13 is13 the13 end13 of13 everything13 There13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 what13 was13 my13 body13 continuing13 the13 transformation13 of13 the13 substance13 in13 the13 Earth13 And13 there13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 my13 vital13 spirit13 but13 not13 as13 the13 laquoIraquo13 or13 the13 laquoegoraquo13 The13 one13 who13 wants13 to13 survive13 as13 a13 self13 is13 in13 delusion13 and13 weakens13 his13 own13 spirit13 through13 this13 desire13

In13 the13 perspective13 of13 the13 Huainanzi13 a13 text13 mostly13 of13 Daoist13 vision13 the13 one13 who13 is13 able13 to13 forget13 his13 own13 self13 enables13 his13 vital13 spirit13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao

They13 dwell13 in13 a13 space13 that13 cannot13 contain13 settle13 in13 a13 place13 that13 is13 nowhere13 they13 move13 in13 the13 formless13 are13 still13 in13 the13 bodyless13 They13 are13 present13 as13 if13 vanished13 and13 live13 as13 if13 dead13 They13 enter13 and13 leave13 where13 there13 is13 no13 opening13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 as13 servants13 They13 are13 engulfed13 by13 the13 unfathomable13 and13 enter13 into13 what13 has13 no13 opening13 in13 order13 to13 be13 moulded13 into13 different13 formsendings13 and13 beginnings13 are13 like13 a13 circle13 no-shyone13 can13 grasp13 their13 succession13 This13 is13 how13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 able13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 713 Monkey13 press)

Merged13 with13 the13 Dao13 the13 vital13 spirit13 of13 a13 human13 is13 one13 with13 the13 axis13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 the13 source13 of13 all13 that13 happens13 Therefore13 this13 vital13 spirit13 can13 be13 said13 to13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits713 as13 servants13 since13 they13 are13 the13 agents13 behind13 the13 life-shy‐giving13 and13 life-shy‐maintening13 transformations

613 The13 various13 status13 of13 spirit13 (shen)13 in13 a13 human13 body

From13 what13 has13 been13 said13 we13 can13 see13 that13 the13 term13 shen13 spirit13 may13 be13 used13 at13 several13 levels13 -shy‐ What13 is13 at13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 each13 life13 allowing13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 transformations13 making13 life13 according13 to13 the13 natural13 order-shy‐ the13 potentiality13 of13 the13 human13 heart13 with13 its13 functioning13 as13 my13 mind13 my13 awareness13 intelligence13 consciousness13 hellip-shy‐ the13 actual13 fulNilment13 of13 this13 heart13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 falling13 prey13 to13 desires13 and13 passions13 and13 becoming13 more13 and13 more13 unable13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 order13 of13 life13 and13 its13 underlying13 patterns13 and13 consequently13 to13 guide13 the13 conduct13 of13 life-shy‐ what13 will13 join13 Heaven13 after13 death13 as13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 or13 as13 a13 companion13 of13 the13 Way13

13 14

713 Ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 13 the13 spirits13 of13 Earth13 and13 those13 of13 Heaven

-shy‐ IV13 SPIRIT(S)13 IN13 MEDICINE

In13 this13 part13 we13 will13 just13 give13 a13 rapid13 survey13 of13 the13 concept13 of13 spirit13 shen13 神13 in13 the13 main13 classical13 medical13 texts813 without13 going13 into13 a13 detailed13 presentation13 and13 without13 speaking13 of13 the13 pathologies13 both13 of13 the13 body13 and13 of13 the13 mind13 which13 are13 related13 to13 the13 spirit

We13 mainly13 try13 to13 show13 how13 this13 concept13 of13 spirit13 in13 the13 medical13 theory13 is13 rooted13 in13 the13 conceptions13 of13 the13 scholars13 of13 the13 VthIInd13 centuries13 BC

1 External13 power13

Even13 if13 the13 medical13 texts13 are13 generally13 concerned13 with13 the13 human13 spirit13 acting13 inside13 a13 body13 they13 may13 also13 use13 the13 concept13 when13 speaking13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 universe13 Some13 of13 the13 best13 examples13 are13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch513 one13 of13 the13 key13 texts13 in13 the13 establishment13 of13 the13 medical13 theory13 Some13 example13

Speaking13 of13 the13 order13 perceived13 in13 nature13 13

Since13 clear13 yang13 rises13 to13 Heaven13 and13 turbid13 yin13 returns13 to13 Earth13 HeavenEarth13 feel13 the13 effects13 of13 movement13 and13 rest13 and13 the13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 forms13 the13 net13 of13 laws13 and13 principles13 Thus13 through13 a13 process13 of13 generating13 growth13 gathering13 and13 burying13 everything13 reaches13 its13 term13 and13 starts13 again13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

When13 speaking13 of13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 life13 manifestations13 of13 what13 is13 beyond13 the13 analysis13 and13 undertanding13 by13 the13 laws13 of13 yin13 yang13 and13 Five13 elements13 precisely13 in13 order13 to13 introduce13 the13 great13 presentation13 of13 the13 correlations13 based13 on13 the13 Five13 elements13 which13 expresses13 the13 cosmic13 order13

In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 the13 deep13 mystery13 In13 Man13 it13 is13 the13 Way13 On13 Earth13 it13 is13 transformationTransformation13 produces13 the13 [ive13 tastes13 The13 Way13 produces13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 deep13 mystery13 produces13 the13 spirits13 The13 spirits13 13 In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 wind13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 wood13 (element)13 of13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 it13 is13 muscular13 movement13 of13 the13 zang13 organ13 it13 is13 the13 liver13 13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

The13 spirits13 which13 are13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 cosmic13 life13 are13 also13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 each13 human13 being13 starting13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 forming13 his13 life13 body13 and13 mind

When13 two13 spirits13 (liang13 shen13 兩神)13 embrace13 their13 union13 gives13 form13 to13 a13 body13 Always13 that13 which13 comes13 [irst13 (xian先)13 in13 the13 personal13 life13 (expressed13 through13 a13 body13 shen13 sheng13 身生)13 is13 called13 the13 essences13 (vitality13 jing13 精)13 (Lingshu13 ch30)

The13 two13 spirits13 are13 a13 pair13 which13 means13 that13 they13 are13 different13 even13 opposite13 but13 in13 the13 same13 time13 complementary13 13 Here13 they13 are13 the13 yin13 yang13 couple13 formed13 by13 the13 male13 (father)13 and13 the13 female13 (mother)13 each13 been13 seen13 as13 participating13 to13 the13 natural13 production13 of13 life13

13 15

813 As13 for13 instance13 the13 Huangdi13 Neijing13 the13 Inner13 Classic13 of13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

appropriate13 to13 the13 Yin13 and13 Yan13 and13 discriminates13 what13 is13 bene[icial13 in13 the13 myriad13 things13 in13 order13 to13 enhance13 life13 Thus13 the13 vital13 essence13 and13 the13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 being13 secure13 within13 the13 bodily13 frame13 (xing13 形)13 the13 personrsquos13 life13 span13 is13 extended13 (Luumlshi13 chunqiu13 III13 213 Transl13 J13 Knobloch13 amp13 J13 Riegel)

The13 life13 of13 an13 human13 being13 is13 the13 coming13 together13 of13 the13 substance13 of13 a13 body13 and13 spirit13 As13 long13 as13 they13 remain13 together13 this13 being13 is13 alive13 their13 separation13 is13 his13 death13 as13 the13 separation13 may13 occur13 due13 to13 the13 weakness13 or13 unbalance13 of13 either13 the13 body13 form13 or13 the13 spirit13 both13 have13 to13 be13 taking13 care13 of13 in13 order13 to13 preserve13 enough13 harmony13 in13 their13 relationship

That13 is13 obvious13 in13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 relations13 13 these13 two13 kinds13 of13 laquosoulsraquo13 spiritual13 (Hun)13 and13 corporeal13 (Po)13 are13 the13 double13 animation13 from13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 in13 a13 human13 Life13 is13 their13 embrace13 and13 death13 their13 separation

The13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 what13 is13 received13 from13 Heaven13 and13 the13 physical13 body13 is13 that13 which13 is13 provided13 by13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Between13 Hun13 and13 Po13 or13 between13 spirit13 and13 body13 there13 is13 the13 same13 relationship13 as13 between13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 13 hierarchy13 and13 interdependency13 One13 cannot13 exist13 without13 the13 other13 it13 is13 their13 interaction13 and13 co-shy‐penetration13 which13 maintains13 life13 Nevertheless13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Heaven13 13 Hun13 soul13 spirit13 is13 more13 subtle13 has13 the13 capacity13 of13 knowledge13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 consequently13 must13 be13 in13 control13 of13 what13 is13 on13 the13 side13 of13 Earth13 13 Po13 body

213 The13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit(s)

Are13 these13 spirits13 inside13 a13 human13 body13 laquoembodied13 spiritsraquo13 spirits13 existing13 outside13 this13 human13 body13 and13 being13 attracted13 welcome13 hosted13 in13 it13 13 Or13 are13 they13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 this13 human13 and13 appear13 only13 in13 his13 body13 thanks13 to13 this13 body13 and13 its13 speciNic13 human13 quality13

Most13 probably13 the13 question13 was13 not13 asked13 in13 those13 terms13 and13 the13 answer13 not13 so13 clear-shy‐cut13 Nevertheless13 some13 ideas13 can13 emerge13

The13 spirits13 can13 dwell13 in13 a13 human13 body13 because13 of13 the13 quality13 of13 its13 vitality13 as13 expressed13 in13 its13 very13 substance

Coarse13 qi13 made13 small13 creatures13 pure13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 made13 humans13 Therefore13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 belong13 to13 Heaven13 and13 the13 bodily13 frame13 belongs13 to13 Earth13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)Is13 Heaven13 sending13 spirits13 into13 a13 human13 body13 13 Or13 is13 it13 natural13 to13 human13 life13 to13 possess13 spirit13 13 There13 is13 no13 real13 difference13 between13 these13 two13 phrases13 The13 speciNic13 quality13 which13 enables13 a13 human13 to13 be13 partner13 of13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 as13 one13 of13 the13 Three13 acting13 powers13 (san13 cai13 三才)13 in13 the13 universe13 has13 to13 be13 both13 in13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 and13 in13 the13 ability13 of13 the13 mind13 These13 two13 correspond13 and13 they13 need13 to13 exist13 together13 The13 same13 subtlety13 is13 found13 in13 both13 and13 called13 13 subtle13 reNined13 pure13 seminal13 vital13 essential13 (jing13 精)13 If13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substance13 is13 not13 kept13 pure13 enough13 if13 its13 laquoessencesraquo13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 then13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 spirit13 cannot13 be13 subtle13 and13 clear13 And13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 cannot13 remain13 in13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 how13 could13 it13 command13 adequately13 how13 the13 body13 operates13 and13 how13 life13 is13 nourished13 properly13

13 9

It13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 human13 body13 is13 the13 utmost13 perfect13 form13 among13 all13 that13 exists13 and13 why13 this13 body13 may13 be13 seen13 as13 a13 replica13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 the13 cosmic13 order

Thus13 the13 roundness13 of13 the13 head13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Heaven13 the13 square13 made13 by13 the13 feet13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Earth13 Heaven13 has13 four13 seasons13 [ive13 agents13 (or13 elements13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 nine13 disentanglements13 and13 36613 days13 Similarly13 Man13 has13 four13 limbs13 [ive13 organs13 (wu13 zang13 五藏)13 nine13 ori[ices13 and13 36613 articulations13 Heaven13 has13 wind13 and13 rain13 cold13 and13 heat13 and13 Man13 has13 taking13 and13 giving13 joy13 and13 angerThrough13 the13 correspondence13 of13 the13 gallbladder13 to13 clouds13 the13 lung13 to13 qi13 the13 liver13 to13 wind13 the13 kidneys13 to13 rain13 the13 spleen13 to13 thunder13 Man13 is13 in13 intimate13 association13 (can13 參)13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 and13 the13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 So13 the13 ear13 and13 eye13 are13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 blood13 and13 qi13 are13 wind13 and13 rain13 hellip13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)

Every13 human13 being13 is13 in13 charge13 of13 keeping13 or13 recovering13 this13 natural13 order13 in13 himself13 if13 he13 does13 not13 it13 brings13 him13 disorder13 diseases13 calamities13 on13 himself13 and13 in13 the13 world13

The13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 being13 has13 to13 be13 implemented13 It13 is13 like13 a13 potential13 development13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 a13 human13 to13 develop13 oneself13 to13 become13 spiritlike

Concentrate13 your13 qi13 (氣)13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 (ru13 shen13 如神)13 (Guanzi13 ch13 Neiye)

This13 potentiality13 is13 present13 from13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 the13 human13 body13 at13 conception13 and13 during13 gestation13 In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 the13 spiritwind13 -shy‐13 or13 the13 lightning13 -shy‐13 starts13 life13 in13 spring13 (the13 process13 of13 transformation13 which13 will13 lead13 to13 maturation13 ripeness13 and13 crops)13 a13 spiritual13 presence13 inhabits13 the13 qi13 which13 starts13 the13 formation13 of13 an13 embryo13 In13 a13 human13 being13 this13 presence13 is13 especially13 strong13 meaning13 that13 what13 is13 given13 by13 Heaven13 prevails13 and13 enables13 the13 human13 heartmind13 to13 build13 knowledge13 discernment13 and13 awarenessWhen13 a13 child13 is13 born13 laquoall13 the13 spirits13 are13 completeraquo13 he13 or13 she13 has13 all13 that13 is13 needed13 to13 build13 a13 vital13 spirit13 to13 have13 a13 heartmind13 working13 with13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit

What13 is13 called13 original13 spirits13 (yuan13 shen13 元神)13 is13 mainly13 understood13 as13 the13 power13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 processes13 of13 life13 emanating13 from13 the13 impenetrable13 mystery13 of13 Heaven13 source13 of13 life13 In13 each13 human13 it13 is13 part13 of13 their13 original13 endowment13 In13 a13 Daoist13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 human13 being13 perfectly13 merged13 with13 those13 of13 Heaven13 moving13 without13 impediment13 through13 the13 inNinite13 spaces13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 companions13 to13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 In13 a13 more13 common13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirit13 which13 gives13 the13 human13 heartmind13 its13 clear-shy‐sightedness13 and13 intelligence13 and13 which13 makes13 it13 possible13 for13 the13 heart13 to13 recognize13 more13 and13 more13 clearly13 the13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 its13 own13 nature13 This13 understanding13 provides13 a13 proper13 basis13 for13 mental13 activity13 and13 for13 how13 it13 expresses13 itself13 in13 thought13 and13 purpose13 It13 enables13 us13 to13 accomplish13 our13 destiny13 (ming13 命)13 Calmness13 encourages13 the13 relationship13 of13 the13 spirits13 to13 our13 origin13 giving13 strength13 and13 vigour13 to13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 Emotions13 agitated13 hurrying13 or13 exhaustion13 diminish13 it13 In13 a13 more13 speciNic13 or13 medical13 context13 the13 original13 spirit13 is13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 brain13 which13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 mirrors13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heartmind

Thus13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 possibility13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 each13 human13 being13 to13 build13 their13 own13 heartmind13 and13 through13 it13 their13 own13 awareness13 and13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 reason13 in13 such13 a13 way13 that13 they13 behave13 according13 to13 the13 order13 and13 patterns13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 It13 is13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 operating13 through13 the13 human13 heartmindIn13 Daoism13 it13 leads13 up13 to13 the13 union13 with13 the13 Dao13

13 10

Therefore13 what13 is13 called13 spirit13 allows13 the13 responsibility13 of13 a13 human13 for13 his13 own13 life13 and13 behaviorTo13 embody13 the13 spirit13 is13 to13 open13 the13 heart13 to13 nature13 to13 natural13 order13 to13 Heaven13 to13 enlighten13 the13 intelligence13 knowledge13 and13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 fulNill13 onersquos13 destiny13 and13 also13 at13 the13 same13 time13 to13 nourish13 onersquos13 life13 and13 that13 of13 the13 others

As13 the13 Huainan13 zi13 said13

Its13 movements13 are13 hidden13 from13 sight13 (wu13 xing13 無13 形)13 and13 its13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變13 化)13 are13 godlike13 (ru13 shen13 若13 神)13 it13 does13 not13 leave13 any13 traces13 behind13 in13 its13 progress13 it13 is13 ever13 in13 the13 lead13 though13 always13 coming13 behind13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)13

More13 than13 attracting13 external13 spirits13 into13 his13 body13 it13 is13 the13 process13 of13 internalization13 the13 building13 13 of13 an13 inner13 life13 which13 is13 real13 it13 creates13 the13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 all13 lifes13 the13 foundation13 of13 all13 reality13

The13 spirit13 no13 one13 knows13 its13 limits13 with13 a13 natural13 clarity13 it13 knows13 all13 that13 exists13 Safeguard13 it13 within13 and13 donrsquot13 let13 it13 slip13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 (external)13 beings13 disturb13 the13 sense13 organs13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 sense13 organs13 disturb13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心13 )13 13 this13 is13 called13 to13 grasp13 the13 core13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 Neiye)

313 Clear13 and13 unclear13 spirit

But13 this13 potentiality13 of13 becoming13 like13 a13 spirit13 and13 building13 oneself13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 is13 not13 easily13 done13 The13 human13 heart13 is13 weak13 and13 proned13 to13 indulge13 in13 desires13 and13 passions13 This13 means13 that13 a13 human13 will13 achieve13 this13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 this13 building13 of13 themselves13 as13 a13 spirit13 in13 various13 degrees13 of13 imperfectionperfection13

The13 Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 independently13 exists13 (在)13 Its13 going13 and13 coming13 no13 one13 is13 able13 to13 contemplateLose13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 confused13 (luan13 亂)13 obtain13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 well13 regulated13 (zhi13 治)13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 NeiyeTransl13 W13 Allyn13 Rickett)

Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 or13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 is13 used13 to13 speak13 of13 how13 a13 human13 being13 personiNies13 the13 spirit13 by13 the13 quality13 and13 ruling13 of13 their13 heartmind13 This13 fulNilment13 is13 often13 far13 away13 from13 the13 endowment13 of13 their13 own13 original13 nature13 from13 what13 they13 were13 destined13 to13 become13 by13 HeavenThe13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 called13 spirit13 or13 vital13 spirit13 whatever13 the13 quality13 actually13 achieved

The13 human13 able13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 is13 in13 harmony13 and13 joy13 The13 movement13 and13 interchange13 of13 their13 qi13 are13 regular13 ensuring13 a13 perfect13 mental13 balance13 and13 perfect13 health

Water13 that13 is13 still13 gives13 back13 a13 clear13 image13 of13 beard13 and13 eyebrows13 reposing13 in13 the13 water13 level13 it13 offers13 a13 measure13 to13 the13 great13 carpenter13 And13 if13 water13 in13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 possesses13 such13 clarity13 (ming13 明)13 how13 much13 more13 must13 pure13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 The13 sagersquos13 mind13 (heart13 xin13 心)13 in13 stillness13 is13 the13 mirror13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 the13 glass13 of13 the13 ten13 thousang13 things13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1313 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

13 11

The13 fulNilment13 as13 spirit13 allows13 the13 human13 mind13 to13 be13 one13 with13 the13 universe13 and13 to13 have13 an13 intimate13 knowledge13 (not13 only13 an13 intellectual13 one)13 of13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 It13 also13 allows13 one13 to13 perceive13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 oneself13 and13 to13 see13 them13 as13 what13 has13 to13 be13 undertaken13 as13 the13 laquowill13 of13 Heavenraquo

But13 if13 it13 is13 not13 the13 case13 the13 texts13 speak13 of13 blind13 dull13 and13 poor13 spirits13 of13 how13 to13 exhaust13 his13 spirits13 by13 relying13 on13 accumulated13 knowledge613 and13 onersquos13 own13 willUsing13 onersquos13 mind13 badly13 poorly13 inadequately13 wears13 out13 vitality13 it13 starts13 with13 delusion13 misconception13 due13 to13 what13 we13 believe13 what13 we13 are13 sure13 we13 know13 what13 we13 want13 and13 desireThus13 the13 importance13 of13 cultivating13 onersquos13 heart13 cleaning13 the13 mirror13 emptying13 the13 heart

To13 appease13 the13 passions13 and13 diminish13 the13 desires13 to13 calm13 agitation13 and13 stop13 bustle13 is13 always13 at13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 spiritual13 path13 a13 prerequisite13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit13 It13 is13 also13 necessary13 to13 have13 not13 only13 a13 healthly13 mind13 but13 a13 mind13 free13 of13 any13 prejudice13 likes13 and13 dislikes13 in13 order13 to13 see13 things13 and13 beings13 as13 they13 are13 And13 consequently13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 movements13 of13 life13 with13 their13 patterns13 the13 natural13 order13 as13 it13 is13 and13 not13 the13 vision13 or13 reasoning13 we13 indulge13 in13 because13 of13 our13 desires13 emotions13 ambitions13 passions

Calming13 down13 is13 more13 than13 just13 absence13 of13 agitation13 It13 is13 to13 reach13 the13 state13 of13 equilibrium13 from13 where13 activity13 and13 rest13 Nind13 their13 balance13 and13 appropriate13 time13 and13 strength

The13 sage13 rests13 with13 rest13 comes13 peaceful13 ease13 with13 peaceful13 ease13 comes13 limpidity13 and13 where13 there13 is13 ease13 and13 limpidity13 care13 and13 worry13 cannot13 get13 at13 him13 noxious13 airs13 (evil13 pathogenic13 qi13 xie13 qi13 邪氣)13 cannot13 assault13 him13 Therefore13 his13 Virtue13 is13 complete13 and13 his13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 unimpaired13 []13 Pure13 spirit13 (vial13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 reaches13 in13 the13 four13 directions13 [lows13 now13 this13 way13 now13 that13 -shy13 there13 is13 no13 place13 it13 does13 not13 extend13 to13 Above13 it13 brushes13 Heaven13 below13 it13 coils13 on13 the13 earth13 It13 transforms13 and13 nurses13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 but13 no13 one13 can13 make13 out13 its13 form13 Its13 name13 is13 called13 One-shywith-shyHeaven13 The13 way13 to13 purity13 and13 whiteness13 is13 to13 guard13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 this13 alone13 guard13 it13 and13 never13 lose13 it13 and13 you13 will13 become13 one13 with13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 one13 with13 its13 pure13 essence13 (jing精)13 which13 communicates13 and13 mingles13 with13 the13 Heavenly13 Order13 (Zhuangzi13 ch1513 Transl13 B13 Watson)

By13 cultivating13 onersquos13 own13 spirit13 one13 is13 united13 with13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 the13 life13 force13 the13 pure13 vitality13 and13 follows13 its13 way13 to13 proceed13 with13 less13 and13 less13 effort

Not13 to13 accomplish13 onersquos13 spirit13 is13 to13 oppose13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 to13 separate13 oneself13 from13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 the13 universe13

A13 man13 is13 quiescent13 when13 bornThis13 is13 his13 Heaven-shyendowed13 nature13 He13 moves13 when13 aroused13 This13 is13 the13 stirring13 of13 that13 nature13 The13 human13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 responds13 when13 things13 come13 on13 to13 senseThis13 is13 the13 movement13 of13 the13 intellect13 (zhi13 知)13 When13 the13 intellect13 comes13 into13 contact13 with13 things13 feelings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 are13 produced13 When13 these13 fellings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 have13 taken13 shape13 and13 the13 intellect13 has13 been13 enticed13 from13 the13 outside13 one13 is13 unable13 to13 return13 to13 himself13 and13 the13 Heavenly13 principles13 (tian13 li13 天理)13 in13 him13 are13 destroyed13 []Thus13 when13 a13 man13 harbors13 a13 calculating13 heart13 in13 his13 breast13 the13 quality13 of13 his13 person13 is13 contaminated13 and13 his13 spirituality13 (shen13 神)13 is13 not13 kept13 whole13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)

13 12

613 There13 is13 a13 difference13 between13 Confucians13 and13 Daoists13 concerning13 the13 value13 agtributed13 to13 knowledge

As13 soon13 as13 one13 makes13 oneself13 able13 to13 see13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 of13 cosmic13 life13 what13 one13 perceives13 Nills13 onersquos13 heartmind13 and13 inNluences13 onersquos13 thought13 intention13 and13 action13 It13 is13 what13 guides13 his13 life13 what13 has13 to13 be13 done13 The13 Confucian13 attitude13 favors13 study13 learning13 willpower13 and13 a13 moral13 law13 whereas13 the13 Daoist13 perspective13 aims13 at13 reaching13 a13 natural13 behavior13 spontaneously13 What13 is13 common13 to13 both13 is13 the13 distinction13 between13 the13 person13 who13 get13 closer13 to13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 and13 the13 person13 who13 is13 to13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions

413 The13 Spirit13 and13 the13 HeartMind

The13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 the13 treasure13 of13 the13 heart13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)As13 we13 have13 already13 seen13 the13 relationship13 between13 the13 spirit13 and13 the13 heartmind13 is13 so13 strong13 and13 so13 close13 that13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 depends13 upon13 the13 presence13 or13 internalization13 or13 fulNilment13 of13 the13 spiritBesides13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 occurs13 through13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 and13 of13 course13 its13 working13 at13 the13 light13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 with13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 If13 the13 heartmind13 cannot13 put13 itself13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life13 it13 is13 ineffective13 for13 the13 spirit13 Human13 intelligence13 alone13 is13 not13 able13 to13 acceed13 to13 the13 true13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 their13 underlying13 patternsThe13 heartmind13 encompasses13 all13 that13 is13 emotional13 psychological13 intellectual13 mental13 spiritual13 and13 also13 what13 is13 physically13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 circulation13 the13 beating13 which13 indicates13 life13 these13 various13 aspects13 act13 and13 react13 continuously13 one13 with13 the13 others13 So13 the13 heartmind13 can13 easily13 go13 astray13 and13 leaves13 the13 way13 of13 life

By13 nature13 (xing13 性)13 a13 human13 possesses13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 a13 heart13 that13 allows13 knowledge13 (xin13 zhi13 心知13 )13 Grief13 as13 well13 as13 joy13 elation13 or13 anger13 do13 not13 exist13 permanently13 within13 They13 are13 reactions13 to13 the13 stimulation13 of13 objects13 It13 is13 then13 that13 the13 Art13 of13 the13 Heart13 (xin13 shu13 心術13 )13 intervenes13 (xing13 行)13 (Liji13 Yueji)

Knowledge13 is13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 as13 is13 the13 control13 or13 lack13 of13 control13 on13 the13 emotions13 The13 quality13 of13 the13 awareness13 depends13 on13 the13 cleverness13 the13 emotions13 but13 also13 on13 the13 very13 bodily13 and13 physical13 situation13 And13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 commands13 all13 what13 happen13 in13 the13 body13 all13 movements13 of13 qi

The13 Confucian13 thinker13 Xun13 zi13 devotes13 a13 chapter13 to13 this13 question13 Here13 are13 some13 sentences13

How13 can13 a13 human13 know13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 Way13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 And13 how13 is13 the13 heartmind13 able13 of13 such13 a13 knowledge13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 emptyness13 (xu13 虛)13 his13 unifying13 power13 (yi13 壹)13 and13 his13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

When13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 guided13 by13 the13 principles13 (of13 the13 natural13 order13 li13 理)13 and13 nourished13 with13 purity13 when13 no13 external13 object13 unbalances13 it13 then13 it13 is13 enough13 for13 it13 to13 determine13 right13 and13 wrong13 to13 decide13 on13 any13 uncertainty13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 the13 sovereign13 (jun13 君)13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 master13 (zhu13 主)13 of13 the13 spiritlike13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 13 (Xun13 zi13 ch21)

13 13

513 The13 spirit13 leaving13 the13 body13 at13 death

Traditionally13 at13 death13 the13 spirit13 joins13 Heaven13 to13 become13 the13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 who13 will13 be13 honored13 in13 the13 ceremonies13 of13 the13 ancestral13 worship13 at13 least13 for13 some13 generations13 The13 body13 returns13 to13 the13 Earth

The13 vital13 spirits13 will13 re-shyenter13 the13 gate13 and13 the13 body13 frame13 revert13 to13 its13 roots13 how13 can13 lsquoIrsquo13 continue13 to13 exist13 13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)The13 question13 of13 the13 survival13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 after13 death13 is13 too13 complex13 to13 be13 addressed13 here13 We13 can13 just13 notice13 that13 the13 Huainanzi13 states13 that13 the13 laquoIraquo13 who13 is13 presently13 living13 disappears13 at13 death13 the13 laquoIraquo13 exists13 only13 thanks13 to13 the13 merging13 of13 body13 and13 spirit13 But13 it13 does13 not13 imply13 that13 death13 is13 the13 end13 of13 everything13 There13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 what13 was13 my13 body13 continuing13 the13 transformation13 of13 the13 substance13 in13 the13 Earth13 And13 there13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 my13 vital13 spirit13 but13 not13 as13 the13 laquoIraquo13 or13 the13 laquoegoraquo13 The13 one13 who13 wants13 to13 survive13 as13 a13 self13 is13 in13 delusion13 and13 weakens13 his13 own13 spirit13 through13 this13 desire13

In13 the13 perspective13 of13 the13 Huainanzi13 a13 text13 mostly13 of13 Daoist13 vision13 the13 one13 who13 is13 able13 to13 forget13 his13 own13 self13 enables13 his13 vital13 spirit13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao

They13 dwell13 in13 a13 space13 that13 cannot13 contain13 settle13 in13 a13 place13 that13 is13 nowhere13 they13 move13 in13 the13 formless13 are13 still13 in13 the13 bodyless13 They13 are13 present13 as13 if13 vanished13 and13 live13 as13 if13 dead13 They13 enter13 and13 leave13 where13 there13 is13 no13 opening13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 as13 servants13 They13 are13 engulfed13 by13 the13 unfathomable13 and13 enter13 into13 what13 has13 no13 opening13 in13 order13 to13 be13 moulded13 into13 different13 formsendings13 and13 beginnings13 are13 like13 a13 circle13 no-shyone13 can13 grasp13 their13 succession13 This13 is13 how13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 able13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 713 Monkey13 press)

Merged13 with13 the13 Dao13 the13 vital13 spirit13 of13 a13 human13 is13 one13 with13 the13 axis13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 the13 source13 of13 all13 that13 happens13 Therefore13 this13 vital13 spirit13 can13 be13 said13 to13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits713 as13 servants13 since13 they13 are13 the13 agents13 behind13 the13 life-shy‐giving13 and13 life-shy‐maintening13 transformations

613 The13 various13 status13 of13 spirit13 (shen)13 in13 a13 human13 body

From13 what13 has13 been13 said13 we13 can13 see13 that13 the13 term13 shen13 spirit13 may13 be13 used13 at13 several13 levels13 -shy‐ What13 is13 at13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 each13 life13 allowing13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 transformations13 making13 life13 according13 to13 the13 natural13 order-shy‐ the13 potentiality13 of13 the13 human13 heart13 with13 its13 functioning13 as13 my13 mind13 my13 awareness13 intelligence13 consciousness13 hellip-shy‐ the13 actual13 fulNilment13 of13 this13 heart13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 falling13 prey13 to13 desires13 and13 passions13 and13 becoming13 more13 and13 more13 unable13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 order13 of13 life13 and13 its13 underlying13 patterns13 and13 consequently13 to13 guide13 the13 conduct13 of13 life-shy‐ what13 will13 join13 Heaven13 after13 death13 as13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 or13 as13 a13 companion13 of13 the13 Way13

13 14

713 Ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 13 the13 spirits13 of13 Earth13 and13 those13 of13 Heaven

-shy‐ IV13 SPIRIT(S)13 IN13 MEDICINE

In13 this13 part13 we13 will13 just13 give13 a13 rapid13 survey13 of13 the13 concept13 of13 spirit13 shen13 神13 in13 the13 main13 classical13 medical13 texts813 without13 going13 into13 a13 detailed13 presentation13 and13 without13 speaking13 of13 the13 pathologies13 both13 of13 the13 body13 and13 of13 the13 mind13 which13 are13 related13 to13 the13 spirit

We13 mainly13 try13 to13 show13 how13 this13 concept13 of13 spirit13 in13 the13 medical13 theory13 is13 rooted13 in13 the13 conceptions13 of13 the13 scholars13 of13 the13 VthIInd13 centuries13 BC

1 External13 power13

Even13 if13 the13 medical13 texts13 are13 generally13 concerned13 with13 the13 human13 spirit13 acting13 inside13 a13 body13 they13 may13 also13 use13 the13 concept13 when13 speaking13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 universe13 Some13 of13 the13 best13 examples13 are13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch513 one13 of13 the13 key13 texts13 in13 the13 establishment13 of13 the13 medical13 theory13 Some13 example13

Speaking13 of13 the13 order13 perceived13 in13 nature13 13

Since13 clear13 yang13 rises13 to13 Heaven13 and13 turbid13 yin13 returns13 to13 Earth13 HeavenEarth13 feel13 the13 effects13 of13 movement13 and13 rest13 and13 the13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 forms13 the13 net13 of13 laws13 and13 principles13 Thus13 through13 a13 process13 of13 generating13 growth13 gathering13 and13 burying13 everything13 reaches13 its13 term13 and13 starts13 again13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

When13 speaking13 of13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 life13 manifestations13 of13 what13 is13 beyond13 the13 analysis13 and13 undertanding13 by13 the13 laws13 of13 yin13 yang13 and13 Five13 elements13 precisely13 in13 order13 to13 introduce13 the13 great13 presentation13 of13 the13 correlations13 based13 on13 the13 Five13 elements13 which13 expresses13 the13 cosmic13 order13

In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 the13 deep13 mystery13 In13 Man13 it13 is13 the13 Way13 On13 Earth13 it13 is13 transformationTransformation13 produces13 the13 [ive13 tastes13 The13 Way13 produces13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 deep13 mystery13 produces13 the13 spirits13 The13 spirits13 13 In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 wind13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 wood13 (element)13 of13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 it13 is13 muscular13 movement13 of13 the13 zang13 organ13 it13 is13 the13 liver13 13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

The13 spirits13 which13 are13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 cosmic13 life13 are13 also13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 each13 human13 being13 starting13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 forming13 his13 life13 body13 and13 mind

When13 two13 spirits13 (liang13 shen13 兩神)13 embrace13 their13 union13 gives13 form13 to13 a13 body13 Always13 that13 which13 comes13 [irst13 (xian先)13 in13 the13 personal13 life13 (expressed13 through13 a13 body13 shen13 sheng13 身生)13 is13 called13 the13 essences13 (vitality13 jing13 精)13 (Lingshu13 ch30)

The13 two13 spirits13 are13 a13 pair13 which13 means13 that13 they13 are13 different13 even13 opposite13 but13 in13 the13 same13 time13 complementary13 13 Here13 they13 are13 the13 yin13 yang13 couple13 formed13 by13 the13 male13 (father)13 and13 the13 female13 (mother)13 each13 been13 seen13 as13 participating13 to13 the13 natural13 production13 of13 life13

13 15

813 As13 for13 instance13 the13 Huangdi13 Neijing13 the13 Inner13 Classic13 of13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

It13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 human13 body13 is13 the13 utmost13 perfect13 form13 among13 all13 that13 exists13 and13 why13 this13 body13 may13 be13 seen13 as13 a13 replica13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 the13 cosmic13 order

Thus13 the13 roundness13 of13 the13 head13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Heaven13 the13 square13 made13 by13 the13 feet13 is13 in13 the13 image13 of13 Earth13 Heaven13 has13 four13 seasons13 [ive13 agents13 (or13 elements13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 nine13 disentanglements13 and13 36613 days13 Similarly13 Man13 has13 four13 limbs13 [ive13 organs13 (wu13 zang13 五藏)13 nine13 ori[ices13 and13 36613 articulations13 Heaven13 has13 wind13 and13 rain13 cold13 and13 heat13 and13 Man13 has13 taking13 and13 giving13 joy13 and13 angerThrough13 the13 correspondence13 of13 the13 gallbladder13 to13 clouds13 the13 lung13 to13 qi13 the13 liver13 to13 wind13 the13 kidneys13 to13 rain13 the13 spleen13 to13 thunder13 Man13 is13 in13 intimate13 association13 (can13 參)13 with13 Heaven13 and13 Earth13 and13 the13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 So13 the13 ear13 and13 eye13 are13 the13 sun13 and13 moon13 blood13 and13 qi13 are13 wind13 and13 rain13 hellip13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)

Every13 human13 being13 is13 in13 charge13 of13 keeping13 or13 recovering13 this13 natural13 order13 in13 himself13 if13 he13 does13 not13 it13 brings13 him13 disorder13 diseases13 calamities13 on13 himself13 and13 in13 the13 world13

The13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 being13 has13 to13 be13 implemented13 It13 is13 like13 a13 potential13 development13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 a13 human13 to13 develop13 oneself13 to13 become13 spiritlike

Concentrate13 your13 qi13 (氣)13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 (ru13 shen13 如神)13 (Guanzi13 ch13 Neiye)

This13 potentiality13 is13 present13 from13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 the13 human13 body13 at13 conception13 and13 during13 gestation13 In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 the13 spiritwind13 -shy‐13 or13 the13 lightning13 -shy‐13 starts13 life13 in13 spring13 (the13 process13 of13 transformation13 which13 will13 lead13 to13 maturation13 ripeness13 and13 crops)13 a13 spiritual13 presence13 inhabits13 the13 qi13 which13 starts13 the13 formation13 of13 an13 embryo13 In13 a13 human13 being13 this13 presence13 is13 especially13 strong13 meaning13 that13 what13 is13 given13 by13 Heaven13 prevails13 and13 enables13 the13 human13 heartmind13 to13 build13 knowledge13 discernment13 and13 awarenessWhen13 a13 child13 is13 born13 laquoall13 the13 spirits13 are13 completeraquo13 he13 or13 she13 has13 all13 that13 is13 needed13 to13 build13 a13 vital13 spirit13 to13 have13 a13 heartmind13 working13 with13 a13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit

What13 is13 called13 original13 spirits13 (yuan13 shen13 元神)13 is13 mainly13 understood13 as13 the13 power13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 processes13 of13 life13 emanating13 from13 the13 impenetrable13 mystery13 of13 Heaven13 source13 of13 life13 In13 each13 human13 it13 is13 part13 of13 their13 original13 endowment13 In13 a13 Daoist13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 human13 being13 perfectly13 merged13 with13 those13 of13 Heaven13 moving13 without13 impediment13 through13 the13 inNinite13 spaces13 of13 the13 universe13 and13 companions13 to13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 In13 a13 more13 common13 context13 it13 is13 the13 spirit13 which13 gives13 the13 human13 heartmind13 its13 clear-shy‐sightedness13 and13 intelligence13 and13 which13 makes13 it13 possible13 for13 the13 heart13 to13 recognize13 more13 and13 more13 clearly13 the13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 its13 own13 nature13 This13 understanding13 provides13 a13 proper13 basis13 for13 mental13 activity13 and13 for13 how13 it13 expresses13 itself13 in13 thought13 and13 purpose13 It13 enables13 us13 to13 accomplish13 our13 destiny13 (ming13 命)13 Calmness13 encourages13 the13 relationship13 of13 the13 spirits13 to13 our13 origin13 giving13 strength13 and13 vigour13 to13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 Emotions13 agitated13 hurrying13 or13 exhaustion13 diminish13 it13 In13 a13 more13 speciNic13 or13 medical13 context13 the13 original13 spirit13 is13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 brain13 which13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 mirrors13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heartmind

Thus13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 possibility13 the13 potentiality13 given13 to13 each13 human13 being13 to13 build13 their13 own13 heartmind13 and13 through13 it13 their13 own13 awareness13 and13 consciousness13 discernment13 and13 reason13 in13 such13 a13 way13 that13 they13 behave13 according13 to13 the13 order13 and13 patterns13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 It13 is13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 operating13 through13 the13 human13 heartmindIn13 Daoism13 it13 leads13 up13 to13 the13 union13 with13 the13 Dao13

13 10

Therefore13 what13 is13 called13 spirit13 allows13 the13 responsibility13 of13 a13 human13 for13 his13 own13 life13 and13 behaviorTo13 embody13 the13 spirit13 is13 to13 open13 the13 heart13 to13 nature13 to13 natural13 order13 to13 Heaven13 to13 enlighten13 the13 intelligence13 knowledge13 and13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 fulNill13 onersquos13 destiny13 and13 also13 at13 the13 same13 time13 to13 nourish13 onersquos13 life13 and13 that13 of13 the13 others

As13 the13 Huainan13 zi13 said13

Its13 movements13 are13 hidden13 from13 sight13 (wu13 xing13 無13 形)13 and13 its13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變13 化)13 are13 godlike13 (ru13 shen13 若13 神)13 it13 does13 not13 leave13 any13 traces13 behind13 in13 its13 progress13 it13 is13 ever13 in13 the13 lead13 though13 always13 coming13 behind13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)13

More13 than13 attracting13 external13 spirits13 into13 his13 body13 it13 is13 the13 process13 of13 internalization13 the13 building13 13 of13 an13 inner13 life13 which13 is13 real13 it13 creates13 the13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 all13 lifes13 the13 foundation13 of13 all13 reality13

The13 spirit13 no13 one13 knows13 its13 limits13 with13 a13 natural13 clarity13 it13 knows13 all13 that13 exists13 Safeguard13 it13 within13 and13 donrsquot13 let13 it13 slip13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 (external)13 beings13 disturb13 the13 sense13 organs13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 sense13 organs13 disturb13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心13 )13 13 this13 is13 called13 to13 grasp13 the13 core13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 Neiye)

313 Clear13 and13 unclear13 spirit

But13 this13 potentiality13 of13 becoming13 like13 a13 spirit13 and13 building13 oneself13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 is13 not13 easily13 done13 The13 human13 heart13 is13 weak13 and13 proned13 to13 indulge13 in13 desires13 and13 passions13 This13 means13 that13 a13 human13 will13 achieve13 this13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 this13 building13 of13 themselves13 as13 a13 spirit13 in13 various13 degrees13 of13 imperfectionperfection13

The13 Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 independently13 exists13 (在)13 Its13 going13 and13 coming13 no13 one13 is13 able13 to13 contemplateLose13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 confused13 (luan13 亂)13 obtain13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 well13 regulated13 (zhi13 治)13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 NeiyeTransl13 W13 Allyn13 Rickett)

Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 or13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 is13 used13 to13 speak13 of13 how13 a13 human13 being13 personiNies13 the13 spirit13 by13 the13 quality13 and13 ruling13 of13 their13 heartmind13 This13 fulNilment13 is13 often13 far13 away13 from13 the13 endowment13 of13 their13 own13 original13 nature13 from13 what13 they13 were13 destined13 to13 become13 by13 HeavenThe13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 called13 spirit13 or13 vital13 spirit13 whatever13 the13 quality13 actually13 achieved

The13 human13 able13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 is13 in13 harmony13 and13 joy13 The13 movement13 and13 interchange13 of13 their13 qi13 are13 regular13 ensuring13 a13 perfect13 mental13 balance13 and13 perfect13 health

Water13 that13 is13 still13 gives13 back13 a13 clear13 image13 of13 beard13 and13 eyebrows13 reposing13 in13 the13 water13 level13 it13 offers13 a13 measure13 to13 the13 great13 carpenter13 And13 if13 water13 in13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 possesses13 such13 clarity13 (ming13 明)13 how13 much13 more13 must13 pure13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 The13 sagersquos13 mind13 (heart13 xin13 心)13 in13 stillness13 is13 the13 mirror13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 the13 glass13 of13 the13 ten13 thousang13 things13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1313 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

13 11

The13 fulNilment13 as13 spirit13 allows13 the13 human13 mind13 to13 be13 one13 with13 the13 universe13 and13 to13 have13 an13 intimate13 knowledge13 (not13 only13 an13 intellectual13 one)13 of13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 It13 also13 allows13 one13 to13 perceive13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 oneself13 and13 to13 see13 them13 as13 what13 has13 to13 be13 undertaken13 as13 the13 laquowill13 of13 Heavenraquo

But13 if13 it13 is13 not13 the13 case13 the13 texts13 speak13 of13 blind13 dull13 and13 poor13 spirits13 of13 how13 to13 exhaust13 his13 spirits13 by13 relying13 on13 accumulated13 knowledge613 and13 onersquos13 own13 willUsing13 onersquos13 mind13 badly13 poorly13 inadequately13 wears13 out13 vitality13 it13 starts13 with13 delusion13 misconception13 due13 to13 what13 we13 believe13 what13 we13 are13 sure13 we13 know13 what13 we13 want13 and13 desireThus13 the13 importance13 of13 cultivating13 onersquos13 heart13 cleaning13 the13 mirror13 emptying13 the13 heart

To13 appease13 the13 passions13 and13 diminish13 the13 desires13 to13 calm13 agitation13 and13 stop13 bustle13 is13 always13 at13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 spiritual13 path13 a13 prerequisite13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit13 It13 is13 also13 necessary13 to13 have13 not13 only13 a13 healthly13 mind13 but13 a13 mind13 free13 of13 any13 prejudice13 likes13 and13 dislikes13 in13 order13 to13 see13 things13 and13 beings13 as13 they13 are13 And13 consequently13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 movements13 of13 life13 with13 their13 patterns13 the13 natural13 order13 as13 it13 is13 and13 not13 the13 vision13 or13 reasoning13 we13 indulge13 in13 because13 of13 our13 desires13 emotions13 ambitions13 passions

Calming13 down13 is13 more13 than13 just13 absence13 of13 agitation13 It13 is13 to13 reach13 the13 state13 of13 equilibrium13 from13 where13 activity13 and13 rest13 Nind13 their13 balance13 and13 appropriate13 time13 and13 strength

The13 sage13 rests13 with13 rest13 comes13 peaceful13 ease13 with13 peaceful13 ease13 comes13 limpidity13 and13 where13 there13 is13 ease13 and13 limpidity13 care13 and13 worry13 cannot13 get13 at13 him13 noxious13 airs13 (evil13 pathogenic13 qi13 xie13 qi13 邪氣)13 cannot13 assault13 him13 Therefore13 his13 Virtue13 is13 complete13 and13 his13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 unimpaired13 []13 Pure13 spirit13 (vial13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 reaches13 in13 the13 four13 directions13 [lows13 now13 this13 way13 now13 that13 -shy13 there13 is13 no13 place13 it13 does13 not13 extend13 to13 Above13 it13 brushes13 Heaven13 below13 it13 coils13 on13 the13 earth13 It13 transforms13 and13 nurses13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 but13 no13 one13 can13 make13 out13 its13 form13 Its13 name13 is13 called13 One-shywith-shyHeaven13 The13 way13 to13 purity13 and13 whiteness13 is13 to13 guard13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 this13 alone13 guard13 it13 and13 never13 lose13 it13 and13 you13 will13 become13 one13 with13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 one13 with13 its13 pure13 essence13 (jing精)13 which13 communicates13 and13 mingles13 with13 the13 Heavenly13 Order13 (Zhuangzi13 ch1513 Transl13 B13 Watson)

By13 cultivating13 onersquos13 own13 spirit13 one13 is13 united13 with13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 the13 life13 force13 the13 pure13 vitality13 and13 follows13 its13 way13 to13 proceed13 with13 less13 and13 less13 effort

Not13 to13 accomplish13 onersquos13 spirit13 is13 to13 oppose13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 to13 separate13 oneself13 from13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 the13 universe13

A13 man13 is13 quiescent13 when13 bornThis13 is13 his13 Heaven-shyendowed13 nature13 He13 moves13 when13 aroused13 This13 is13 the13 stirring13 of13 that13 nature13 The13 human13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 responds13 when13 things13 come13 on13 to13 senseThis13 is13 the13 movement13 of13 the13 intellect13 (zhi13 知)13 When13 the13 intellect13 comes13 into13 contact13 with13 things13 feelings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 are13 produced13 When13 these13 fellings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 have13 taken13 shape13 and13 the13 intellect13 has13 been13 enticed13 from13 the13 outside13 one13 is13 unable13 to13 return13 to13 himself13 and13 the13 Heavenly13 principles13 (tian13 li13 天理)13 in13 him13 are13 destroyed13 []Thus13 when13 a13 man13 harbors13 a13 calculating13 heart13 in13 his13 breast13 the13 quality13 of13 his13 person13 is13 contaminated13 and13 his13 spirituality13 (shen13 神)13 is13 not13 kept13 whole13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)

13 12

613 There13 is13 a13 difference13 between13 Confucians13 and13 Daoists13 concerning13 the13 value13 agtributed13 to13 knowledge

As13 soon13 as13 one13 makes13 oneself13 able13 to13 see13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 of13 cosmic13 life13 what13 one13 perceives13 Nills13 onersquos13 heartmind13 and13 inNluences13 onersquos13 thought13 intention13 and13 action13 It13 is13 what13 guides13 his13 life13 what13 has13 to13 be13 done13 The13 Confucian13 attitude13 favors13 study13 learning13 willpower13 and13 a13 moral13 law13 whereas13 the13 Daoist13 perspective13 aims13 at13 reaching13 a13 natural13 behavior13 spontaneously13 What13 is13 common13 to13 both13 is13 the13 distinction13 between13 the13 person13 who13 get13 closer13 to13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 and13 the13 person13 who13 is13 to13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions

413 The13 Spirit13 and13 the13 HeartMind

The13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 the13 treasure13 of13 the13 heart13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)As13 we13 have13 already13 seen13 the13 relationship13 between13 the13 spirit13 and13 the13 heartmind13 is13 so13 strong13 and13 so13 close13 that13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 depends13 upon13 the13 presence13 or13 internalization13 or13 fulNilment13 of13 the13 spiritBesides13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 occurs13 through13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 and13 of13 course13 its13 working13 at13 the13 light13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 with13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 If13 the13 heartmind13 cannot13 put13 itself13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life13 it13 is13 ineffective13 for13 the13 spirit13 Human13 intelligence13 alone13 is13 not13 able13 to13 acceed13 to13 the13 true13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 their13 underlying13 patternsThe13 heartmind13 encompasses13 all13 that13 is13 emotional13 psychological13 intellectual13 mental13 spiritual13 and13 also13 what13 is13 physically13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 circulation13 the13 beating13 which13 indicates13 life13 these13 various13 aspects13 act13 and13 react13 continuously13 one13 with13 the13 others13 So13 the13 heartmind13 can13 easily13 go13 astray13 and13 leaves13 the13 way13 of13 life

By13 nature13 (xing13 性)13 a13 human13 possesses13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 a13 heart13 that13 allows13 knowledge13 (xin13 zhi13 心知13 )13 Grief13 as13 well13 as13 joy13 elation13 or13 anger13 do13 not13 exist13 permanently13 within13 They13 are13 reactions13 to13 the13 stimulation13 of13 objects13 It13 is13 then13 that13 the13 Art13 of13 the13 Heart13 (xin13 shu13 心術13 )13 intervenes13 (xing13 行)13 (Liji13 Yueji)

Knowledge13 is13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 as13 is13 the13 control13 or13 lack13 of13 control13 on13 the13 emotions13 The13 quality13 of13 the13 awareness13 depends13 on13 the13 cleverness13 the13 emotions13 but13 also13 on13 the13 very13 bodily13 and13 physical13 situation13 And13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 commands13 all13 what13 happen13 in13 the13 body13 all13 movements13 of13 qi

The13 Confucian13 thinker13 Xun13 zi13 devotes13 a13 chapter13 to13 this13 question13 Here13 are13 some13 sentences13

How13 can13 a13 human13 know13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 Way13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 And13 how13 is13 the13 heartmind13 able13 of13 such13 a13 knowledge13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 emptyness13 (xu13 虛)13 his13 unifying13 power13 (yi13 壹)13 and13 his13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

When13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 guided13 by13 the13 principles13 (of13 the13 natural13 order13 li13 理)13 and13 nourished13 with13 purity13 when13 no13 external13 object13 unbalances13 it13 then13 it13 is13 enough13 for13 it13 to13 determine13 right13 and13 wrong13 to13 decide13 on13 any13 uncertainty13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 the13 sovereign13 (jun13 君)13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 master13 (zhu13 主)13 of13 the13 spiritlike13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 13 (Xun13 zi13 ch21)

13 13

513 The13 spirit13 leaving13 the13 body13 at13 death

Traditionally13 at13 death13 the13 spirit13 joins13 Heaven13 to13 become13 the13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 who13 will13 be13 honored13 in13 the13 ceremonies13 of13 the13 ancestral13 worship13 at13 least13 for13 some13 generations13 The13 body13 returns13 to13 the13 Earth

The13 vital13 spirits13 will13 re-shyenter13 the13 gate13 and13 the13 body13 frame13 revert13 to13 its13 roots13 how13 can13 lsquoIrsquo13 continue13 to13 exist13 13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)The13 question13 of13 the13 survival13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 after13 death13 is13 too13 complex13 to13 be13 addressed13 here13 We13 can13 just13 notice13 that13 the13 Huainanzi13 states13 that13 the13 laquoIraquo13 who13 is13 presently13 living13 disappears13 at13 death13 the13 laquoIraquo13 exists13 only13 thanks13 to13 the13 merging13 of13 body13 and13 spirit13 But13 it13 does13 not13 imply13 that13 death13 is13 the13 end13 of13 everything13 There13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 what13 was13 my13 body13 continuing13 the13 transformation13 of13 the13 substance13 in13 the13 Earth13 And13 there13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 my13 vital13 spirit13 but13 not13 as13 the13 laquoIraquo13 or13 the13 laquoegoraquo13 The13 one13 who13 wants13 to13 survive13 as13 a13 self13 is13 in13 delusion13 and13 weakens13 his13 own13 spirit13 through13 this13 desire13

In13 the13 perspective13 of13 the13 Huainanzi13 a13 text13 mostly13 of13 Daoist13 vision13 the13 one13 who13 is13 able13 to13 forget13 his13 own13 self13 enables13 his13 vital13 spirit13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao

They13 dwell13 in13 a13 space13 that13 cannot13 contain13 settle13 in13 a13 place13 that13 is13 nowhere13 they13 move13 in13 the13 formless13 are13 still13 in13 the13 bodyless13 They13 are13 present13 as13 if13 vanished13 and13 live13 as13 if13 dead13 They13 enter13 and13 leave13 where13 there13 is13 no13 opening13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 as13 servants13 They13 are13 engulfed13 by13 the13 unfathomable13 and13 enter13 into13 what13 has13 no13 opening13 in13 order13 to13 be13 moulded13 into13 different13 formsendings13 and13 beginnings13 are13 like13 a13 circle13 no-shyone13 can13 grasp13 their13 succession13 This13 is13 how13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 able13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 713 Monkey13 press)

Merged13 with13 the13 Dao13 the13 vital13 spirit13 of13 a13 human13 is13 one13 with13 the13 axis13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 the13 source13 of13 all13 that13 happens13 Therefore13 this13 vital13 spirit13 can13 be13 said13 to13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits713 as13 servants13 since13 they13 are13 the13 agents13 behind13 the13 life-shy‐giving13 and13 life-shy‐maintening13 transformations

613 The13 various13 status13 of13 spirit13 (shen)13 in13 a13 human13 body

From13 what13 has13 been13 said13 we13 can13 see13 that13 the13 term13 shen13 spirit13 may13 be13 used13 at13 several13 levels13 -shy‐ What13 is13 at13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 each13 life13 allowing13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 transformations13 making13 life13 according13 to13 the13 natural13 order-shy‐ the13 potentiality13 of13 the13 human13 heart13 with13 its13 functioning13 as13 my13 mind13 my13 awareness13 intelligence13 consciousness13 hellip-shy‐ the13 actual13 fulNilment13 of13 this13 heart13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 falling13 prey13 to13 desires13 and13 passions13 and13 becoming13 more13 and13 more13 unable13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 order13 of13 life13 and13 its13 underlying13 patterns13 and13 consequently13 to13 guide13 the13 conduct13 of13 life-shy‐ what13 will13 join13 Heaven13 after13 death13 as13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 or13 as13 a13 companion13 of13 the13 Way13

13 14

713 Ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 13 the13 spirits13 of13 Earth13 and13 those13 of13 Heaven

-shy‐ IV13 SPIRIT(S)13 IN13 MEDICINE

In13 this13 part13 we13 will13 just13 give13 a13 rapid13 survey13 of13 the13 concept13 of13 spirit13 shen13 神13 in13 the13 main13 classical13 medical13 texts813 without13 going13 into13 a13 detailed13 presentation13 and13 without13 speaking13 of13 the13 pathologies13 both13 of13 the13 body13 and13 of13 the13 mind13 which13 are13 related13 to13 the13 spirit

We13 mainly13 try13 to13 show13 how13 this13 concept13 of13 spirit13 in13 the13 medical13 theory13 is13 rooted13 in13 the13 conceptions13 of13 the13 scholars13 of13 the13 VthIInd13 centuries13 BC

1 External13 power13

Even13 if13 the13 medical13 texts13 are13 generally13 concerned13 with13 the13 human13 spirit13 acting13 inside13 a13 body13 they13 may13 also13 use13 the13 concept13 when13 speaking13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 universe13 Some13 of13 the13 best13 examples13 are13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch513 one13 of13 the13 key13 texts13 in13 the13 establishment13 of13 the13 medical13 theory13 Some13 example13

Speaking13 of13 the13 order13 perceived13 in13 nature13 13

Since13 clear13 yang13 rises13 to13 Heaven13 and13 turbid13 yin13 returns13 to13 Earth13 HeavenEarth13 feel13 the13 effects13 of13 movement13 and13 rest13 and13 the13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 forms13 the13 net13 of13 laws13 and13 principles13 Thus13 through13 a13 process13 of13 generating13 growth13 gathering13 and13 burying13 everything13 reaches13 its13 term13 and13 starts13 again13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

When13 speaking13 of13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 life13 manifestations13 of13 what13 is13 beyond13 the13 analysis13 and13 undertanding13 by13 the13 laws13 of13 yin13 yang13 and13 Five13 elements13 precisely13 in13 order13 to13 introduce13 the13 great13 presentation13 of13 the13 correlations13 based13 on13 the13 Five13 elements13 which13 expresses13 the13 cosmic13 order13

In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 the13 deep13 mystery13 In13 Man13 it13 is13 the13 Way13 On13 Earth13 it13 is13 transformationTransformation13 produces13 the13 [ive13 tastes13 The13 Way13 produces13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 deep13 mystery13 produces13 the13 spirits13 The13 spirits13 13 In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 wind13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 wood13 (element)13 of13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 it13 is13 muscular13 movement13 of13 the13 zang13 organ13 it13 is13 the13 liver13 13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

The13 spirits13 which13 are13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 cosmic13 life13 are13 also13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 each13 human13 being13 starting13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 forming13 his13 life13 body13 and13 mind

When13 two13 spirits13 (liang13 shen13 兩神)13 embrace13 their13 union13 gives13 form13 to13 a13 body13 Always13 that13 which13 comes13 [irst13 (xian先)13 in13 the13 personal13 life13 (expressed13 through13 a13 body13 shen13 sheng13 身生)13 is13 called13 the13 essences13 (vitality13 jing13 精)13 (Lingshu13 ch30)

The13 two13 spirits13 are13 a13 pair13 which13 means13 that13 they13 are13 different13 even13 opposite13 but13 in13 the13 same13 time13 complementary13 13 Here13 they13 are13 the13 yin13 yang13 couple13 formed13 by13 the13 male13 (father)13 and13 the13 female13 (mother)13 each13 been13 seen13 as13 participating13 to13 the13 natural13 production13 of13 life13

13 15

813 As13 for13 instance13 the13 Huangdi13 Neijing13 the13 Inner13 Classic13 of13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

Therefore13 what13 is13 called13 spirit13 allows13 the13 responsibility13 of13 a13 human13 for13 his13 own13 life13 and13 behaviorTo13 embody13 the13 spirit13 is13 to13 open13 the13 heart13 to13 nature13 to13 natural13 order13 to13 Heaven13 to13 enlighten13 the13 intelligence13 knowledge13 and13 understanding13 in13 order13 to13 fulNill13 onersquos13 destiny13 and13 also13 at13 the13 same13 time13 to13 nourish13 onersquos13 life13 and13 that13 of13 the13 others

As13 the13 Huainan13 zi13 said13

Its13 movements13 are13 hidden13 from13 sight13 (wu13 xing13 無13 形)13 and13 its13 changes13 and13 transformations13 (bian13 hua13 變13 化)13 are13 godlike13 (ru13 shen13 若13 神)13 it13 does13 not13 leave13 any13 traces13 behind13 in13 its13 progress13 it13 is13 ever13 in13 the13 lead13 though13 always13 coming13 behind13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)13

More13 than13 attracting13 external13 spirits13 into13 his13 body13 it13 is13 the13 process13 of13 internalization13 the13 building13 13 of13 an13 inner13 life13 which13 is13 real13 it13 creates13 the13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 all13 lifes13 the13 foundation13 of13 all13 reality13

The13 spirit13 no13 one13 knows13 its13 limits13 with13 a13 natural13 clarity13 it13 knows13 all13 that13 exists13 Safeguard13 it13 within13 and13 donrsquot13 let13 it13 slip13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 (external)13 beings13 disturb13 the13 sense13 organs13 donrsquot13 let13 the13 sense13 organs13 disturb13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心13 )13 13 this13 is13 called13 to13 grasp13 the13 core13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 Neiye)

313 Clear13 and13 unclear13 spirit

But13 this13 potentiality13 of13 becoming13 like13 a13 spirit13 and13 building13 oneself13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 is13 not13 easily13 done13 The13 human13 heart13 is13 weak13 and13 proned13 to13 indulge13 in13 desires13 and13 passions13 This13 means13 that13 a13 human13 will13 achieve13 this13 embodiment13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 this13 building13 of13 themselves13 as13 a13 spirit13 in13 various13 degrees13 of13 imperfectionperfection13

The13 Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 independently13 exists13 (在)13 Its13 going13 and13 coming13 no13 one13 is13 able13 to13 contemplateLose13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 confused13 (luan13 亂)13 obtain13 it13 and13 the13 mind13 is13 certain13 to13 be13 well13 regulated13 (zhi13 治)13 (Guan13 zi13 ch13 NeiyeTransl13 W13 Allyn13 Rickett)

Spirit13 (shen13 神)13 or13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 is13 used13 to13 speak13 of13 how13 a13 human13 being13 personiNies13 the13 spirit13 by13 the13 quality13 and13 ruling13 of13 their13 heartmind13 This13 fulNilment13 is13 often13 far13 away13 from13 the13 endowment13 of13 their13 own13 original13 nature13 from13 what13 they13 were13 destined13 to13 become13 by13 HeavenThe13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 called13 spirit13 or13 vital13 spirit13 whatever13 the13 quality13 actually13 achieved

The13 human13 able13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 is13 in13 harmony13 and13 joy13 The13 movement13 and13 interchange13 of13 their13 qi13 are13 regular13 ensuring13 a13 perfect13 mental13 balance13 and13 perfect13 health

Water13 that13 is13 still13 gives13 back13 a13 clear13 image13 of13 beard13 and13 eyebrows13 reposing13 in13 the13 water13 level13 it13 offers13 a13 measure13 to13 the13 great13 carpenter13 And13 if13 water13 in13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 possesses13 such13 clarity13 (ming13 明)13 how13 much13 more13 must13 pure13 spirit13 (vital13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 The13 sagersquos13 mind13 (heart13 xin13 心)13 in13 stillness13 is13 the13 mirror13 of13 Heaven13 and13 earth13 the13 glass13 of13 the13 ten13 thousang13 things13 (Zhuang13 zi13 ch1313 Transl13 B13 Watson)13

13 11

The13 fulNilment13 as13 spirit13 allows13 the13 human13 mind13 to13 be13 one13 with13 the13 universe13 and13 to13 have13 an13 intimate13 knowledge13 (not13 only13 an13 intellectual13 one)13 of13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 It13 also13 allows13 one13 to13 perceive13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 oneself13 and13 to13 see13 them13 as13 what13 has13 to13 be13 undertaken13 as13 the13 laquowill13 of13 Heavenraquo

But13 if13 it13 is13 not13 the13 case13 the13 texts13 speak13 of13 blind13 dull13 and13 poor13 spirits13 of13 how13 to13 exhaust13 his13 spirits13 by13 relying13 on13 accumulated13 knowledge613 and13 onersquos13 own13 willUsing13 onersquos13 mind13 badly13 poorly13 inadequately13 wears13 out13 vitality13 it13 starts13 with13 delusion13 misconception13 due13 to13 what13 we13 believe13 what13 we13 are13 sure13 we13 know13 what13 we13 want13 and13 desireThus13 the13 importance13 of13 cultivating13 onersquos13 heart13 cleaning13 the13 mirror13 emptying13 the13 heart

To13 appease13 the13 passions13 and13 diminish13 the13 desires13 to13 calm13 agitation13 and13 stop13 bustle13 is13 always13 at13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 spiritual13 path13 a13 prerequisite13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit13 It13 is13 also13 necessary13 to13 have13 not13 only13 a13 healthly13 mind13 but13 a13 mind13 free13 of13 any13 prejudice13 likes13 and13 dislikes13 in13 order13 to13 see13 things13 and13 beings13 as13 they13 are13 And13 consequently13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 movements13 of13 life13 with13 their13 patterns13 the13 natural13 order13 as13 it13 is13 and13 not13 the13 vision13 or13 reasoning13 we13 indulge13 in13 because13 of13 our13 desires13 emotions13 ambitions13 passions

Calming13 down13 is13 more13 than13 just13 absence13 of13 agitation13 It13 is13 to13 reach13 the13 state13 of13 equilibrium13 from13 where13 activity13 and13 rest13 Nind13 their13 balance13 and13 appropriate13 time13 and13 strength

The13 sage13 rests13 with13 rest13 comes13 peaceful13 ease13 with13 peaceful13 ease13 comes13 limpidity13 and13 where13 there13 is13 ease13 and13 limpidity13 care13 and13 worry13 cannot13 get13 at13 him13 noxious13 airs13 (evil13 pathogenic13 qi13 xie13 qi13 邪氣)13 cannot13 assault13 him13 Therefore13 his13 Virtue13 is13 complete13 and13 his13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 unimpaired13 []13 Pure13 spirit13 (vial13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 reaches13 in13 the13 four13 directions13 [lows13 now13 this13 way13 now13 that13 -shy13 there13 is13 no13 place13 it13 does13 not13 extend13 to13 Above13 it13 brushes13 Heaven13 below13 it13 coils13 on13 the13 earth13 It13 transforms13 and13 nurses13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 but13 no13 one13 can13 make13 out13 its13 form13 Its13 name13 is13 called13 One-shywith-shyHeaven13 The13 way13 to13 purity13 and13 whiteness13 is13 to13 guard13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 this13 alone13 guard13 it13 and13 never13 lose13 it13 and13 you13 will13 become13 one13 with13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 one13 with13 its13 pure13 essence13 (jing精)13 which13 communicates13 and13 mingles13 with13 the13 Heavenly13 Order13 (Zhuangzi13 ch1513 Transl13 B13 Watson)

By13 cultivating13 onersquos13 own13 spirit13 one13 is13 united13 with13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 the13 life13 force13 the13 pure13 vitality13 and13 follows13 its13 way13 to13 proceed13 with13 less13 and13 less13 effort

Not13 to13 accomplish13 onersquos13 spirit13 is13 to13 oppose13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 to13 separate13 oneself13 from13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 the13 universe13

A13 man13 is13 quiescent13 when13 bornThis13 is13 his13 Heaven-shyendowed13 nature13 He13 moves13 when13 aroused13 This13 is13 the13 stirring13 of13 that13 nature13 The13 human13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 responds13 when13 things13 come13 on13 to13 senseThis13 is13 the13 movement13 of13 the13 intellect13 (zhi13 知)13 When13 the13 intellect13 comes13 into13 contact13 with13 things13 feelings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 are13 produced13 When13 these13 fellings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 have13 taken13 shape13 and13 the13 intellect13 has13 been13 enticed13 from13 the13 outside13 one13 is13 unable13 to13 return13 to13 himself13 and13 the13 Heavenly13 principles13 (tian13 li13 天理)13 in13 him13 are13 destroyed13 []Thus13 when13 a13 man13 harbors13 a13 calculating13 heart13 in13 his13 breast13 the13 quality13 of13 his13 person13 is13 contaminated13 and13 his13 spirituality13 (shen13 神)13 is13 not13 kept13 whole13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)

13 12

613 There13 is13 a13 difference13 between13 Confucians13 and13 Daoists13 concerning13 the13 value13 agtributed13 to13 knowledge

As13 soon13 as13 one13 makes13 oneself13 able13 to13 see13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 of13 cosmic13 life13 what13 one13 perceives13 Nills13 onersquos13 heartmind13 and13 inNluences13 onersquos13 thought13 intention13 and13 action13 It13 is13 what13 guides13 his13 life13 what13 has13 to13 be13 done13 The13 Confucian13 attitude13 favors13 study13 learning13 willpower13 and13 a13 moral13 law13 whereas13 the13 Daoist13 perspective13 aims13 at13 reaching13 a13 natural13 behavior13 spontaneously13 What13 is13 common13 to13 both13 is13 the13 distinction13 between13 the13 person13 who13 get13 closer13 to13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 and13 the13 person13 who13 is13 to13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions

413 The13 Spirit13 and13 the13 HeartMind

The13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 the13 treasure13 of13 the13 heart13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)As13 we13 have13 already13 seen13 the13 relationship13 between13 the13 spirit13 and13 the13 heartmind13 is13 so13 strong13 and13 so13 close13 that13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 depends13 upon13 the13 presence13 or13 internalization13 or13 fulNilment13 of13 the13 spiritBesides13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 occurs13 through13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 and13 of13 course13 its13 working13 at13 the13 light13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 with13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 If13 the13 heartmind13 cannot13 put13 itself13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life13 it13 is13 ineffective13 for13 the13 spirit13 Human13 intelligence13 alone13 is13 not13 able13 to13 acceed13 to13 the13 true13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 their13 underlying13 patternsThe13 heartmind13 encompasses13 all13 that13 is13 emotional13 psychological13 intellectual13 mental13 spiritual13 and13 also13 what13 is13 physically13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 circulation13 the13 beating13 which13 indicates13 life13 these13 various13 aspects13 act13 and13 react13 continuously13 one13 with13 the13 others13 So13 the13 heartmind13 can13 easily13 go13 astray13 and13 leaves13 the13 way13 of13 life

By13 nature13 (xing13 性)13 a13 human13 possesses13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 a13 heart13 that13 allows13 knowledge13 (xin13 zhi13 心知13 )13 Grief13 as13 well13 as13 joy13 elation13 or13 anger13 do13 not13 exist13 permanently13 within13 They13 are13 reactions13 to13 the13 stimulation13 of13 objects13 It13 is13 then13 that13 the13 Art13 of13 the13 Heart13 (xin13 shu13 心術13 )13 intervenes13 (xing13 行)13 (Liji13 Yueji)

Knowledge13 is13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 as13 is13 the13 control13 or13 lack13 of13 control13 on13 the13 emotions13 The13 quality13 of13 the13 awareness13 depends13 on13 the13 cleverness13 the13 emotions13 but13 also13 on13 the13 very13 bodily13 and13 physical13 situation13 And13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 commands13 all13 what13 happen13 in13 the13 body13 all13 movements13 of13 qi

The13 Confucian13 thinker13 Xun13 zi13 devotes13 a13 chapter13 to13 this13 question13 Here13 are13 some13 sentences13

How13 can13 a13 human13 know13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 Way13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 And13 how13 is13 the13 heartmind13 able13 of13 such13 a13 knowledge13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 emptyness13 (xu13 虛)13 his13 unifying13 power13 (yi13 壹)13 and13 his13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

When13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 guided13 by13 the13 principles13 (of13 the13 natural13 order13 li13 理)13 and13 nourished13 with13 purity13 when13 no13 external13 object13 unbalances13 it13 then13 it13 is13 enough13 for13 it13 to13 determine13 right13 and13 wrong13 to13 decide13 on13 any13 uncertainty13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 the13 sovereign13 (jun13 君)13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 master13 (zhu13 主)13 of13 the13 spiritlike13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 13 (Xun13 zi13 ch21)

13 13

513 The13 spirit13 leaving13 the13 body13 at13 death

Traditionally13 at13 death13 the13 spirit13 joins13 Heaven13 to13 become13 the13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 who13 will13 be13 honored13 in13 the13 ceremonies13 of13 the13 ancestral13 worship13 at13 least13 for13 some13 generations13 The13 body13 returns13 to13 the13 Earth

The13 vital13 spirits13 will13 re-shyenter13 the13 gate13 and13 the13 body13 frame13 revert13 to13 its13 roots13 how13 can13 lsquoIrsquo13 continue13 to13 exist13 13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)The13 question13 of13 the13 survival13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 after13 death13 is13 too13 complex13 to13 be13 addressed13 here13 We13 can13 just13 notice13 that13 the13 Huainanzi13 states13 that13 the13 laquoIraquo13 who13 is13 presently13 living13 disappears13 at13 death13 the13 laquoIraquo13 exists13 only13 thanks13 to13 the13 merging13 of13 body13 and13 spirit13 But13 it13 does13 not13 imply13 that13 death13 is13 the13 end13 of13 everything13 There13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 what13 was13 my13 body13 continuing13 the13 transformation13 of13 the13 substance13 in13 the13 Earth13 And13 there13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 my13 vital13 spirit13 but13 not13 as13 the13 laquoIraquo13 or13 the13 laquoegoraquo13 The13 one13 who13 wants13 to13 survive13 as13 a13 self13 is13 in13 delusion13 and13 weakens13 his13 own13 spirit13 through13 this13 desire13

In13 the13 perspective13 of13 the13 Huainanzi13 a13 text13 mostly13 of13 Daoist13 vision13 the13 one13 who13 is13 able13 to13 forget13 his13 own13 self13 enables13 his13 vital13 spirit13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao

They13 dwell13 in13 a13 space13 that13 cannot13 contain13 settle13 in13 a13 place13 that13 is13 nowhere13 they13 move13 in13 the13 formless13 are13 still13 in13 the13 bodyless13 They13 are13 present13 as13 if13 vanished13 and13 live13 as13 if13 dead13 They13 enter13 and13 leave13 where13 there13 is13 no13 opening13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 as13 servants13 They13 are13 engulfed13 by13 the13 unfathomable13 and13 enter13 into13 what13 has13 no13 opening13 in13 order13 to13 be13 moulded13 into13 different13 formsendings13 and13 beginnings13 are13 like13 a13 circle13 no-shyone13 can13 grasp13 their13 succession13 This13 is13 how13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 able13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 713 Monkey13 press)

Merged13 with13 the13 Dao13 the13 vital13 spirit13 of13 a13 human13 is13 one13 with13 the13 axis13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 the13 source13 of13 all13 that13 happens13 Therefore13 this13 vital13 spirit13 can13 be13 said13 to13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits713 as13 servants13 since13 they13 are13 the13 agents13 behind13 the13 life-shy‐giving13 and13 life-shy‐maintening13 transformations

613 The13 various13 status13 of13 spirit13 (shen)13 in13 a13 human13 body

From13 what13 has13 been13 said13 we13 can13 see13 that13 the13 term13 shen13 spirit13 may13 be13 used13 at13 several13 levels13 -shy‐ What13 is13 at13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 each13 life13 allowing13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 transformations13 making13 life13 according13 to13 the13 natural13 order-shy‐ the13 potentiality13 of13 the13 human13 heart13 with13 its13 functioning13 as13 my13 mind13 my13 awareness13 intelligence13 consciousness13 hellip-shy‐ the13 actual13 fulNilment13 of13 this13 heart13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 falling13 prey13 to13 desires13 and13 passions13 and13 becoming13 more13 and13 more13 unable13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 order13 of13 life13 and13 its13 underlying13 patterns13 and13 consequently13 to13 guide13 the13 conduct13 of13 life-shy‐ what13 will13 join13 Heaven13 after13 death13 as13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 or13 as13 a13 companion13 of13 the13 Way13

13 14

713 Ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 13 the13 spirits13 of13 Earth13 and13 those13 of13 Heaven

-shy‐ IV13 SPIRIT(S)13 IN13 MEDICINE

In13 this13 part13 we13 will13 just13 give13 a13 rapid13 survey13 of13 the13 concept13 of13 spirit13 shen13 神13 in13 the13 main13 classical13 medical13 texts813 without13 going13 into13 a13 detailed13 presentation13 and13 without13 speaking13 of13 the13 pathologies13 both13 of13 the13 body13 and13 of13 the13 mind13 which13 are13 related13 to13 the13 spirit

We13 mainly13 try13 to13 show13 how13 this13 concept13 of13 spirit13 in13 the13 medical13 theory13 is13 rooted13 in13 the13 conceptions13 of13 the13 scholars13 of13 the13 VthIInd13 centuries13 BC

1 External13 power13

Even13 if13 the13 medical13 texts13 are13 generally13 concerned13 with13 the13 human13 spirit13 acting13 inside13 a13 body13 they13 may13 also13 use13 the13 concept13 when13 speaking13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 universe13 Some13 of13 the13 best13 examples13 are13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch513 one13 of13 the13 key13 texts13 in13 the13 establishment13 of13 the13 medical13 theory13 Some13 example13

Speaking13 of13 the13 order13 perceived13 in13 nature13 13

Since13 clear13 yang13 rises13 to13 Heaven13 and13 turbid13 yin13 returns13 to13 Earth13 HeavenEarth13 feel13 the13 effects13 of13 movement13 and13 rest13 and13 the13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 forms13 the13 net13 of13 laws13 and13 principles13 Thus13 through13 a13 process13 of13 generating13 growth13 gathering13 and13 burying13 everything13 reaches13 its13 term13 and13 starts13 again13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

When13 speaking13 of13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 life13 manifestations13 of13 what13 is13 beyond13 the13 analysis13 and13 undertanding13 by13 the13 laws13 of13 yin13 yang13 and13 Five13 elements13 precisely13 in13 order13 to13 introduce13 the13 great13 presentation13 of13 the13 correlations13 based13 on13 the13 Five13 elements13 which13 expresses13 the13 cosmic13 order13

In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 the13 deep13 mystery13 In13 Man13 it13 is13 the13 Way13 On13 Earth13 it13 is13 transformationTransformation13 produces13 the13 [ive13 tastes13 The13 Way13 produces13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 deep13 mystery13 produces13 the13 spirits13 The13 spirits13 13 In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 wind13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 wood13 (element)13 of13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 it13 is13 muscular13 movement13 of13 the13 zang13 organ13 it13 is13 the13 liver13 13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

The13 spirits13 which13 are13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 cosmic13 life13 are13 also13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 each13 human13 being13 starting13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 forming13 his13 life13 body13 and13 mind

When13 two13 spirits13 (liang13 shen13 兩神)13 embrace13 their13 union13 gives13 form13 to13 a13 body13 Always13 that13 which13 comes13 [irst13 (xian先)13 in13 the13 personal13 life13 (expressed13 through13 a13 body13 shen13 sheng13 身生)13 is13 called13 the13 essences13 (vitality13 jing13 精)13 (Lingshu13 ch30)

The13 two13 spirits13 are13 a13 pair13 which13 means13 that13 they13 are13 different13 even13 opposite13 but13 in13 the13 same13 time13 complementary13 13 Here13 they13 are13 the13 yin13 yang13 couple13 formed13 by13 the13 male13 (father)13 and13 the13 female13 (mother)13 each13 been13 seen13 as13 participating13 to13 the13 natural13 production13 of13 life13

13 15

813 As13 for13 instance13 the13 Huangdi13 Neijing13 the13 Inner13 Classic13 of13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

The13 fulNilment13 as13 spirit13 allows13 the13 human13 mind13 to13 be13 one13 with13 the13 universe13 and13 to13 have13 an13 intimate13 knowledge13 (not13 only13 an13 intellectual13 one)13 of13 all13 forms13 of13 life13 It13 also13 allows13 one13 to13 perceive13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 oneself13 and13 to13 see13 them13 as13 what13 has13 to13 be13 undertaken13 as13 the13 laquowill13 of13 Heavenraquo

But13 if13 it13 is13 not13 the13 case13 the13 texts13 speak13 of13 blind13 dull13 and13 poor13 spirits13 of13 how13 to13 exhaust13 his13 spirits13 by13 relying13 on13 accumulated13 knowledge613 and13 onersquos13 own13 willUsing13 onersquos13 mind13 badly13 poorly13 inadequately13 wears13 out13 vitality13 it13 starts13 with13 delusion13 misconception13 due13 to13 what13 we13 believe13 what13 we13 are13 sure13 we13 know13 what13 we13 want13 and13 desireThus13 the13 importance13 of13 cultivating13 onersquos13 heart13 cleaning13 the13 mirror13 emptying13 the13 heart

To13 appease13 the13 passions13 and13 diminish13 the13 desires13 to13 calm13 agitation13 and13 stop13 bustle13 is13 always13 at13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 spiritual13 path13 a13 prerequisite13 to13 become13 like13 a13 spirit13 It13 is13 also13 necessary13 to13 have13 not13 only13 a13 healthly13 mind13 but13 a13 mind13 free13 of13 any13 prejudice13 likes13 and13 dislikes13 in13 order13 to13 see13 things13 and13 beings13 as13 they13 are13 And13 consequently13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 movements13 of13 life13 with13 their13 patterns13 the13 natural13 order13 as13 it13 is13 and13 not13 the13 vision13 or13 reasoning13 we13 indulge13 in13 because13 of13 our13 desires13 emotions13 ambitions13 passions

Calming13 down13 is13 more13 than13 just13 absence13 of13 agitation13 It13 is13 to13 reach13 the13 state13 of13 equilibrium13 from13 where13 activity13 and13 rest13 Nind13 their13 balance13 and13 appropriate13 time13 and13 strength

The13 sage13 rests13 with13 rest13 comes13 peaceful13 ease13 with13 peaceful13 ease13 comes13 limpidity13 and13 where13 there13 is13 ease13 and13 limpidity13 care13 and13 worry13 cannot13 get13 at13 him13 noxious13 airs13 (evil13 pathogenic13 qi13 xie13 qi13 邪氣)13 cannot13 assault13 him13 Therefore13 his13 Virtue13 is13 complete13 and13 his13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 unimpaired13 []13 Pure13 spirit13 (vial13 spirit13 jing13 shen13 精神)13 reaches13 in13 the13 four13 directions13 [lows13 now13 this13 way13 now13 that13 -shy13 there13 is13 no13 place13 it13 does13 not13 extend13 to13 Above13 it13 brushes13 Heaven13 below13 it13 coils13 on13 the13 earth13 It13 transforms13 and13 nurses13 the13 ten13 thousand13 things13 but13 no13 one13 can13 make13 out13 its13 form13 Its13 name13 is13 called13 One-shywith-shyHeaven13 The13 way13 to13 purity13 and13 whiteness13 is13 to13 guard13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 this13 alone13 guard13 it13 and13 never13 lose13 it13 and13 you13 will13 become13 one13 with13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 one13 with13 its13 pure13 essence13 (jing精)13 which13 communicates13 and13 mingles13 with13 the13 Heavenly13 Order13 (Zhuangzi13 ch1513 Transl13 B13 Watson)

By13 cultivating13 onersquos13 own13 spirit13 one13 is13 united13 with13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 the13 life13 force13 the13 pure13 vitality13 and13 follows13 its13 way13 to13 proceed13 with13 less13 and13 less13 effort

Not13 to13 accomplish13 onersquos13 spirit13 is13 to13 oppose13 onersquos13 true13 nature13 and13 to13 separate13 oneself13 from13 the13 process13 of13 life13 in13 the13 universe13

A13 man13 is13 quiescent13 when13 bornThis13 is13 his13 Heaven-shyendowed13 nature13 He13 moves13 when13 aroused13 This13 is13 the13 stirring13 of13 that13 nature13 The13 human13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 responds13 when13 things13 come13 on13 to13 senseThis13 is13 the13 movement13 of13 the13 intellect13 (zhi13 知)13 When13 the13 intellect13 comes13 into13 contact13 with13 things13 feelings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 are13 produced13 When13 these13 fellings13 of13 attraction13 and13 aversion13 have13 taken13 shape13 and13 the13 intellect13 has13 been13 enticed13 from13 the13 outside13 one13 is13 unable13 to13 return13 to13 himself13 and13 the13 Heavenly13 principles13 (tian13 li13 天理)13 in13 him13 are13 destroyed13 []Thus13 when13 a13 man13 harbors13 a13 calculating13 heart13 in13 his13 breast13 the13 quality13 of13 his13 person13 is13 contaminated13 and13 his13 spirituality13 (shen13 神)13 is13 not13 kept13 whole13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch113 Tranls13 Lau13 amp13 Ames)

13 12

613 There13 is13 a13 difference13 between13 Confucians13 and13 Daoists13 concerning13 the13 value13 agtributed13 to13 knowledge

As13 soon13 as13 one13 makes13 oneself13 able13 to13 see13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 of13 cosmic13 life13 what13 one13 perceives13 Nills13 onersquos13 heartmind13 and13 inNluences13 onersquos13 thought13 intention13 and13 action13 It13 is13 what13 guides13 his13 life13 what13 has13 to13 be13 done13 The13 Confucian13 attitude13 favors13 study13 learning13 willpower13 and13 a13 moral13 law13 whereas13 the13 Daoist13 perspective13 aims13 at13 reaching13 a13 natural13 behavior13 spontaneously13 What13 is13 common13 to13 both13 is13 the13 distinction13 between13 the13 person13 who13 get13 closer13 to13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 and13 the13 person13 who13 is13 to13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions

413 The13 Spirit13 and13 the13 HeartMind

The13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 the13 treasure13 of13 the13 heart13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)As13 we13 have13 already13 seen13 the13 relationship13 between13 the13 spirit13 and13 the13 heartmind13 is13 so13 strong13 and13 so13 close13 that13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 depends13 upon13 the13 presence13 or13 internalization13 or13 fulNilment13 of13 the13 spiritBesides13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 occurs13 through13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 and13 of13 course13 its13 working13 at13 the13 light13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 with13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 If13 the13 heartmind13 cannot13 put13 itself13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life13 it13 is13 ineffective13 for13 the13 spirit13 Human13 intelligence13 alone13 is13 not13 able13 to13 acceed13 to13 the13 true13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 their13 underlying13 patternsThe13 heartmind13 encompasses13 all13 that13 is13 emotional13 psychological13 intellectual13 mental13 spiritual13 and13 also13 what13 is13 physically13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 circulation13 the13 beating13 which13 indicates13 life13 these13 various13 aspects13 act13 and13 react13 continuously13 one13 with13 the13 others13 So13 the13 heartmind13 can13 easily13 go13 astray13 and13 leaves13 the13 way13 of13 life

By13 nature13 (xing13 性)13 a13 human13 possesses13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 a13 heart13 that13 allows13 knowledge13 (xin13 zhi13 心知13 )13 Grief13 as13 well13 as13 joy13 elation13 or13 anger13 do13 not13 exist13 permanently13 within13 They13 are13 reactions13 to13 the13 stimulation13 of13 objects13 It13 is13 then13 that13 the13 Art13 of13 the13 Heart13 (xin13 shu13 心術13 )13 intervenes13 (xing13 行)13 (Liji13 Yueji)

Knowledge13 is13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 as13 is13 the13 control13 or13 lack13 of13 control13 on13 the13 emotions13 The13 quality13 of13 the13 awareness13 depends13 on13 the13 cleverness13 the13 emotions13 but13 also13 on13 the13 very13 bodily13 and13 physical13 situation13 And13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 commands13 all13 what13 happen13 in13 the13 body13 all13 movements13 of13 qi

The13 Confucian13 thinker13 Xun13 zi13 devotes13 a13 chapter13 to13 this13 question13 Here13 are13 some13 sentences13

How13 can13 a13 human13 know13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 Way13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 And13 how13 is13 the13 heartmind13 able13 of13 such13 a13 knowledge13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 emptyness13 (xu13 虛)13 his13 unifying13 power13 (yi13 壹)13 and13 his13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

When13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 guided13 by13 the13 principles13 (of13 the13 natural13 order13 li13 理)13 and13 nourished13 with13 purity13 when13 no13 external13 object13 unbalances13 it13 then13 it13 is13 enough13 for13 it13 to13 determine13 right13 and13 wrong13 to13 decide13 on13 any13 uncertainty13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 the13 sovereign13 (jun13 君)13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 master13 (zhu13 主)13 of13 the13 spiritlike13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 13 (Xun13 zi13 ch21)

13 13

513 The13 spirit13 leaving13 the13 body13 at13 death

Traditionally13 at13 death13 the13 spirit13 joins13 Heaven13 to13 become13 the13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 who13 will13 be13 honored13 in13 the13 ceremonies13 of13 the13 ancestral13 worship13 at13 least13 for13 some13 generations13 The13 body13 returns13 to13 the13 Earth

The13 vital13 spirits13 will13 re-shyenter13 the13 gate13 and13 the13 body13 frame13 revert13 to13 its13 roots13 how13 can13 lsquoIrsquo13 continue13 to13 exist13 13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)The13 question13 of13 the13 survival13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 after13 death13 is13 too13 complex13 to13 be13 addressed13 here13 We13 can13 just13 notice13 that13 the13 Huainanzi13 states13 that13 the13 laquoIraquo13 who13 is13 presently13 living13 disappears13 at13 death13 the13 laquoIraquo13 exists13 only13 thanks13 to13 the13 merging13 of13 body13 and13 spirit13 But13 it13 does13 not13 imply13 that13 death13 is13 the13 end13 of13 everything13 There13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 what13 was13 my13 body13 continuing13 the13 transformation13 of13 the13 substance13 in13 the13 Earth13 And13 there13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 my13 vital13 spirit13 but13 not13 as13 the13 laquoIraquo13 or13 the13 laquoegoraquo13 The13 one13 who13 wants13 to13 survive13 as13 a13 self13 is13 in13 delusion13 and13 weakens13 his13 own13 spirit13 through13 this13 desire13

In13 the13 perspective13 of13 the13 Huainanzi13 a13 text13 mostly13 of13 Daoist13 vision13 the13 one13 who13 is13 able13 to13 forget13 his13 own13 self13 enables13 his13 vital13 spirit13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao

They13 dwell13 in13 a13 space13 that13 cannot13 contain13 settle13 in13 a13 place13 that13 is13 nowhere13 they13 move13 in13 the13 formless13 are13 still13 in13 the13 bodyless13 They13 are13 present13 as13 if13 vanished13 and13 live13 as13 if13 dead13 They13 enter13 and13 leave13 where13 there13 is13 no13 opening13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 as13 servants13 They13 are13 engulfed13 by13 the13 unfathomable13 and13 enter13 into13 what13 has13 no13 opening13 in13 order13 to13 be13 moulded13 into13 different13 formsendings13 and13 beginnings13 are13 like13 a13 circle13 no-shyone13 can13 grasp13 their13 succession13 This13 is13 how13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 able13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 713 Monkey13 press)

Merged13 with13 the13 Dao13 the13 vital13 spirit13 of13 a13 human13 is13 one13 with13 the13 axis13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 the13 source13 of13 all13 that13 happens13 Therefore13 this13 vital13 spirit13 can13 be13 said13 to13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits713 as13 servants13 since13 they13 are13 the13 agents13 behind13 the13 life-shy‐giving13 and13 life-shy‐maintening13 transformations

613 The13 various13 status13 of13 spirit13 (shen)13 in13 a13 human13 body

From13 what13 has13 been13 said13 we13 can13 see13 that13 the13 term13 shen13 spirit13 may13 be13 used13 at13 several13 levels13 -shy‐ What13 is13 at13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 each13 life13 allowing13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 transformations13 making13 life13 according13 to13 the13 natural13 order-shy‐ the13 potentiality13 of13 the13 human13 heart13 with13 its13 functioning13 as13 my13 mind13 my13 awareness13 intelligence13 consciousness13 hellip-shy‐ the13 actual13 fulNilment13 of13 this13 heart13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 falling13 prey13 to13 desires13 and13 passions13 and13 becoming13 more13 and13 more13 unable13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 order13 of13 life13 and13 its13 underlying13 patterns13 and13 consequently13 to13 guide13 the13 conduct13 of13 life-shy‐ what13 will13 join13 Heaven13 after13 death13 as13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 or13 as13 a13 companion13 of13 the13 Way13

13 14

713 Ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 13 the13 spirits13 of13 Earth13 and13 those13 of13 Heaven

-shy‐ IV13 SPIRIT(S)13 IN13 MEDICINE

In13 this13 part13 we13 will13 just13 give13 a13 rapid13 survey13 of13 the13 concept13 of13 spirit13 shen13 神13 in13 the13 main13 classical13 medical13 texts813 without13 going13 into13 a13 detailed13 presentation13 and13 without13 speaking13 of13 the13 pathologies13 both13 of13 the13 body13 and13 of13 the13 mind13 which13 are13 related13 to13 the13 spirit

We13 mainly13 try13 to13 show13 how13 this13 concept13 of13 spirit13 in13 the13 medical13 theory13 is13 rooted13 in13 the13 conceptions13 of13 the13 scholars13 of13 the13 VthIInd13 centuries13 BC

1 External13 power13

Even13 if13 the13 medical13 texts13 are13 generally13 concerned13 with13 the13 human13 spirit13 acting13 inside13 a13 body13 they13 may13 also13 use13 the13 concept13 when13 speaking13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 universe13 Some13 of13 the13 best13 examples13 are13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch513 one13 of13 the13 key13 texts13 in13 the13 establishment13 of13 the13 medical13 theory13 Some13 example13

Speaking13 of13 the13 order13 perceived13 in13 nature13 13

Since13 clear13 yang13 rises13 to13 Heaven13 and13 turbid13 yin13 returns13 to13 Earth13 HeavenEarth13 feel13 the13 effects13 of13 movement13 and13 rest13 and13 the13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 forms13 the13 net13 of13 laws13 and13 principles13 Thus13 through13 a13 process13 of13 generating13 growth13 gathering13 and13 burying13 everything13 reaches13 its13 term13 and13 starts13 again13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

When13 speaking13 of13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 life13 manifestations13 of13 what13 is13 beyond13 the13 analysis13 and13 undertanding13 by13 the13 laws13 of13 yin13 yang13 and13 Five13 elements13 precisely13 in13 order13 to13 introduce13 the13 great13 presentation13 of13 the13 correlations13 based13 on13 the13 Five13 elements13 which13 expresses13 the13 cosmic13 order13

In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 the13 deep13 mystery13 In13 Man13 it13 is13 the13 Way13 On13 Earth13 it13 is13 transformationTransformation13 produces13 the13 [ive13 tastes13 The13 Way13 produces13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 deep13 mystery13 produces13 the13 spirits13 The13 spirits13 13 In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 wind13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 wood13 (element)13 of13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 it13 is13 muscular13 movement13 of13 the13 zang13 organ13 it13 is13 the13 liver13 13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

The13 spirits13 which13 are13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 cosmic13 life13 are13 also13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 each13 human13 being13 starting13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 forming13 his13 life13 body13 and13 mind

When13 two13 spirits13 (liang13 shen13 兩神)13 embrace13 their13 union13 gives13 form13 to13 a13 body13 Always13 that13 which13 comes13 [irst13 (xian先)13 in13 the13 personal13 life13 (expressed13 through13 a13 body13 shen13 sheng13 身生)13 is13 called13 the13 essences13 (vitality13 jing13 精)13 (Lingshu13 ch30)

The13 two13 spirits13 are13 a13 pair13 which13 means13 that13 they13 are13 different13 even13 opposite13 but13 in13 the13 same13 time13 complementary13 13 Here13 they13 are13 the13 yin13 yang13 couple13 formed13 by13 the13 male13 (father)13 and13 the13 female13 (mother)13 each13 been13 seen13 as13 participating13 to13 the13 natural13 production13 of13 life13

13 15

813 As13 for13 instance13 the13 Huangdi13 Neijing13 the13 Inner13 Classic13 of13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

As13 soon13 as13 one13 makes13 oneself13 able13 to13 see13 the13 underlying13 patterns13 of13 cosmic13 life13 what13 one13 perceives13 Nills13 onersquos13 heartmind13 and13 inNluences13 onersquos13 thought13 intention13 and13 action13 It13 is13 what13 guides13 his13 life13 what13 has13 to13 be13 done13 The13 Confucian13 attitude13 favors13 study13 learning13 willpower13 and13 a13 moral13 law13 whereas13 the13 Daoist13 perspective13 aims13 at13 reaching13 a13 natural13 behavior13 spontaneously13 What13 is13 common13 to13 both13 is13 the13 distinction13 between13 the13 person13 who13 get13 closer13 to13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 cosmic13 spirit13 and13 the13 person13 who13 is13 to13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions

413 The13 Spirit13 and13 the13 HeartMind

The13 heart13 (mind13 xin13 心)13 is13 the13 master13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 the13 treasure13 of13 the13 heart13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)As13 we13 have13 already13 seen13 the13 relationship13 between13 the13 spirit13 and13 the13 heartmind13 is13 so13 strong13 and13 so13 close13 that13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 depends13 upon13 the13 presence13 or13 internalization13 or13 fulNilment13 of13 the13 spiritBesides13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 occurs13 through13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 and13 of13 course13 its13 working13 at13 the13 light13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 with13 the13 spiritual13 intelligence13 If13 the13 heartmind13 cannot13 put13 itself13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life13 it13 is13 ineffective13 for13 the13 spirit13 Human13 intelligence13 alone13 is13 not13 able13 to13 acceed13 to13 the13 true13 nature13 of13 things13 and13 their13 underlying13 patternsThe13 heartmind13 encompasses13 all13 that13 is13 emotional13 psychological13 intellectual13 mental13 spiritual13 and13 also13 what13 is13 physically13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 circulation13 the13 beating13 which13 indicates13 life13 these13 various13 aspects13 act13 and13 react13 continuously13 one13 with13 the13 others13 So13 the13 heartmind13 can13 easily13 go13 astray13 and13 leaves13 the13 way13 of13 life

By13 nature13 (xing13 性)13 a13 human13 possesses13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 a13 heart13 that13 allows13 knowledge13 (xin13 zhi13 心知13 )13 Grief13 as13 well13 as13 joy13 elation13 or13 anger13 do13 not13 exist13 permanently13 within13 They13 are13 reactions13 to13 the13 stimulation13 of13 objects13 It13 is13 then13 that13 the13 Art13 of13 the13 Heart13 (xin13 shu13 心術13 )13 intervenes13 (xing13 行)13 (Liji13 Yueji)

Knowledge13 is13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 as13 is13 the13 control13 or13 lack13 of13 control13 on13 the13 emotions13 The13 quality13 of13 the13 awareness13 depends13 on13 the13 cleverness13 the13 emotions13 but13 also13 on13 the13 very13 bodily13 and13 physical13 situation13 And13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 heartmind13 commands13 all13 what13 happen13 in13 the13 body13 all13 movements13 of13 qi

The13 Confucian13 thinker13 Xun13 zi13 devotes13 a13 chapter13 to13 this13 question13 Here13 are13 some13 sentences13

How13 can13 a13 human13 know13 (zhi13 知)13 the13 Way13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 And13 how13 is13 the13 heartmind13 able13 of13 such13 a13 knowledge13 13 I13 say13 13 by13 his13 emptyness13 (xu13 虛)13 his13 unifying13 power13 (yi13 壹)13 and13 his13 stillness13 (jing13 靜)13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

When13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 guided13 by13 the13 principles13 (of13 the13 natural13 order13 li13 理)13 and13 nourished13 with13 purity13 when13 no13 external13 object13 unbalances13 it13 then13 it13 is13 enough13 for13 it13 to13 determine13 right13 and13 wrong13 to13 decide13 on13 any13 uncertainty13 (Xun13 zi13 ch2113 Transl13 B13 Watson)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 is13 the13 sovereign13 (jun13 君)13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 master13 (zhu13 主)13 of13 the13 spiritlike13 intelligence13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 13 (Xun13 zi13 ch21)

13 13

513 The13 spirit13 leaving13 the13 body13 at13 death

Traditionally13 at13 death13 the13 spirit13 joins13 Heaven13 to13 become13 the13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 who13 will13 be13 honored13 in13 the13 ceremonies13 of13 the13 ancestral13 worship13 at13 least13 for13 some13 generations13 The13 body13 returns13 to13 the13 Earth

The13 vital13 spirits13 will13 re-shyenter13 the13 gate13 and13 the13 body13 frame13 revert13 to13 its13 roots13 how13 can13 lsquoIrsquo13 continue13 to13 exist13 13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)The13 question13 of13 the13 survival13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 after13 death13 is13 too13 complex13 to13 be13 addressed13 here13 We13 can13 just13 notice13 that13 the13 Huainanzi13 states13 that13 the13 laquoIraquo13 who13 is13 presently13 living13 disappears13 at13 death13 the13 laquoIraquo13 exists13 only13 thanks13 to13 the13 merging13 of13 body13 and13 spirit13 But13 it13 does13 not13 imply13 that13 death13 is13 the13 end13 of13 everything13 There13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 what13 was13 my13 body13 continuing13 the13 transformation13 of13 the13 substance13 in13 the13 Earth13 And13 there13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 my13 vital13 spirit13 but13 not13 as13 the13 laquoIraquo13 or13 the13 laquoegoraquo13 The13 one13 who13 wants13 to13 survive13 as13 a13 self13 is13 in13 delusion13 and13 weakens13 his13 own13 spirit13 through13 this13 desire13

In13 the13 perspective13 of13 the13 Huainanzi13 a13 text13 mostly13 of13 Daoist13 vision13 the13 one13 who13 is13 able13 to13 forget13 his13 own13 self13 enables13 his13 vital13 spirit13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao

They13 dwell13 in13 a13 space13 that13 cannot13 contain13 settle13 in13 a13 place13 that13 is13 nowhere13 they13 move13 in13 the13 formless13 are13 still13 in13 the13 bodyless13 They13 are13 present13 as13 if13 vanished13 and13 live13 as13 if13 dead13 They13 enter13 and13 leave13 where13 there13 is13 no13 opening13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 as13 servants13 They13 are13 engulfed13 by13 the13 unfathomable13 and13 enter13 into13 what13 has13 no13 opening13 in13 order13 to13 be13 moulded13 into13 different13 formsendings13 and13 beginnings13 are13 like13 a13 circle13 no-shyone13 can13 grasp13 their13 succession13 This13 is13 how13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 able13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 713 Monkey13 press)

Merged13 with13 the13 Dao13 the13 vital13 spirit13 of13 a13 human13 is13 one13 with13 the13 axis13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 the13 source13 of13 all13 that13 happens13 Therefore13 this13 vital13 spirit13 can13 be13 said13 to13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits713 as13 servants13 since13 they13 are13 the13 agents13 behind13 the13 life-shy‐giving13 and13 life-shy‐maintening13 transformations

613 The13 various13 status13 of13 spirit13 (shen)13 in13 a13 human13 body

From13 what13 has13 been13 said13 we13 can13 see13 that13 the13 term13 shen13 spirit13 may13 be13 used13 at13 several13 levels13 -shy‐ What13 is13 at13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 each13 life13 allowing13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 transformations13 making13 life13 according13 to13 the13 natural13 order-shy‐ the13 potentiality13 of13 the13 human13 heart13 with13 its13 functioning13 as13 my13 mind13 my13 awareness13 intelligence13 consciousness13 hellip-shy‐ the13 actual13 fulNilment13 of13 this13 heart13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 falling13 prey13 to13 desires13 and13 passions13 and13 becoming13 more13 and13 more13 unable13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 order13 of13 life13 and13 its13 underlying13 patterns13 and13 consequently13 to13 guide13 the13 conduct13 of13 life-shy‐ what13 will13 join13 Heaven13 after13 death13 as13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 or13 as13 a13 companion13 of13 the13 Way13

13 14

713 Ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 13 the13 spirits13 of13 Earth13 and13 those13 of13 Heaven

-shy‐ IV13 SPIRIT(S)13 IN13 MEDICINE

In13 this13 part13 we13 will13 just13 give13 a13 rapid13 survey13 of13 the13 concept13 of13 spirit13 shen13 神13 in13 the13 main13 classical13 medical13 texts813 without13 going13 into13 a13 detailed13 presentation13 and13 without13 speaking13 of13 the13 pathologies13 both13 of13 the13 body13 and13 of13 the13 mind13 which13 are13 related13 to13 the13 spirit

We13 mainly13 try13 to13 show13 how13 this13 concept13 of13 spirit13 in13 the13 medical13 theory13 is13 rooted13 in13 the13 conceptions13 of13 the13 scholars13 of13 the13 VthIInd13 centuries13 BC

1 External13 power13

Even13 if13 the13 medical13 texts13 are13 generally13 concerned13 with13 the13 human13 spirit13 acting13 inside13 a13 body13 they13 may13 also13 use13 the13 concept13 when13 speaking13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 universe13 Some13 of13 the13 best13 examples13 are13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch513 one13 of13 the13 key13 texts13 in13 the13 establishment13 of13 the13 medical13 theory13 Some13 example13

Speaking13 of13 the13 order13 perceived13 in13 nature13 13

Since13 clear13 yang13 rises13 to13 Heaven13 and13 turbid13 yin13 returns13 to13 Earth13 HeavenEarth13 feel13 the13 effects13 of13 movement13 and13 rest13 and13 the13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 forms13 the13 net13 of13 laws13 and13 principles13 Thus13 through13 a13 process13 of13 generating13 growth13 gathering13 and13 burying13 everything13 reaches13 its13 term13 and13 starts13 again13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

When13 speaking13 of13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 life13 manifestations13 of13 what13 is13 beyond13 the13 analysis13 and13 undertanding13 by13 the13 laws13 of13 yin13 yang13 and13 Five13 elements13 precisely13 in13 order13 to13 introduce13 the13 great13 presentation13 of13 the13 correlations13 based13 on13 the13 Five13 elements13 which13 expresses13 the13 cosmic13 order13

In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 the13 deep13 mystery13 In13 Man13 it13 is13 the13 Way13 On13 Earth13 it13 is13 transformationTransformation13 produces13 the13 [ive13 tastes13 The13 Way13 produces13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 deep13 mystery13 produces13 the13 spirits13 The13 spirits13 13 In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 wind13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 wood13 (element)13 of13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 it13 is13 muscular13 movement13 of13 the13 zang13 organ13 it13 is13 the13 liver13 13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

The13 spirits13 which13 are13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 cosmic13 life13 are13 also13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 each13 human13 being13 starting13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 forming13 his13 life13 body13 and13 mind

When13 two13 spirits13 (liang13 shen13 兩神)13 embrace13 their13 union13 gives13 form13 to13 a13 body13 Always13 that13 which13 comes13 [irst13 (xian先)13 in13 the13 personal13 life13 (expressed13 through13 a13 body13 shen13 sheng13 身生)13 is13 called13 the13 essences13 (vitality13 jing13 精)13 (Lingshu13 ch30)

The13 two13 spirits13 are13 a13 pair13 which13 means13 that13 they13 are13 different13 even13 opposite13 but13 in13 the13 same13 time13 complementary13 13 Here13 they13 are13 the13 yin13 yang13 couple13 formed13 by13 the13 male13 (father)13 and13 the13 female13 (mother)13 each13 been13 seen13 as13 participating13 to13 the13 natural13 production13 of13 life13

13 15

813 As13 for13 instance13 the13 Huangdi13 Neijing13 the13 Inner13 Classic13 of13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

513 The13 spirit13 leaving13 the13 body13 at13 death

Traditionally13 at13 death13 the13 spirit13 joins13 Heaven13 to13 become13 the13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 who13 will13 be13 honored13 in13 the13 ceremonies13 of13 the13 ancestral13 worship13 at13 least13 for13 some13 generations13 The13 body13 returns13 to13 the13 Earth

The13 vital13 spirits13 will13 re-shyenter13 the13 gate13 and13 the13 body13 frame13 revert13 to13 its13 roots13 how13 can13 lsquoIrsquo13 continue13 to13 exist13 13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 ch713 Monkey13 Press)The13 question13 of13 the13 survival13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 the13 ancestors13 after13 death13 is13 too13 complex13 to13 be13 addressed13 here13 We13 can13 just13 notice13 that13 the13 Huainanzi13 states13 that13 the13 laquoIraquo13 who13 is13 presently13 living13 disappears13 at13 death13 the13 laquoIraquo13 exists13 only13 thanks13 to13 the13 merging13 of13 body13 and13 spirit13 But13 it13 does13 not13 imply13 that13 death13 is13 the13 end13 of13 everything13 There13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 what13 was13 my13 body13 continuing13 the13 transformation13 of13 the13 substance13 in13 the13 Earth13 And13 there13 is13 a13 destiny13 of13 my13 vital13 spirit13 but13 not13 as13 the13 laquoIraquo13 or13 the13 laquoegoraquo13 The13 one13 who13 wants13 to13 survive13 as13 a13 self13 is13 in13 delusion13 and13 weakens13 his13 own13 spirit13 through13 this13 desire13

In13 the13 perspective13 of13 the13 Huainanzi13 a13 text13 mostly13 of13 Daoist13 vision13 the13 one13 who13 is13 able13 to13 forget13 his13 own13 self13 enables13 his13 vital13 spirit13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao

They13 dwell13 in13 a13 space13 that13 cannot13 contain13 settle13 in13 a13 place13 that13 is13 nowhere13 they13 move13 in13 the13 formless13 are13 still13 in13 the13 bodyless13 They13 are13 present13 as13 if13 vanished13 and13 live13 as13 if13 dead13 They13 enter13 and13 leave13 where13 there13 is13 no13 opening13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits13 as13 servants13 They13 are13 engulfed13 by13 the13 unfathomable13 and13 enter13 into13 what13 has13 no13 opening13 in13 order13 to13 be13 moulded13 into13 different13 formsendings13 and13 beginnings13 are13 like13 a13 circle13 no-shyone13 can13 grasp13 their13 succession13 This13 is13 how13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 able13 to13 merge13 with13 the13 Dao13 13 (Huainan13 zi13 713 Monkey13 press)

Merged13 with13 the13 Dao13 the13 vital13 spirit13 of13 a13 human13 is13 one13 with13 the13 axis13 of13 the13 cosmic13 life13 the13 source13 of13 all13 that13 happens13 Therefore13 this13 vital13 spirit13 can13 be13 said13 to13 use13 ghosts13 and13 spirits713 as13 servants13 since13 they13 are13 the13 agents13 behind13 the13 life-shy‐giving13 and13 life-shy‐maintening13 transformations

613 The13 various13 status13 of13 spirit13 (shen)13 in13 a13 human13 body

From13 what13 has13 been13 said13 we13 can13 see13 that13 the13 term13 shen13 spirit13 may13 be13 used13 at13 several13 levels13 -shy‐ What13 is13 at13 the13 very13 origin13 of13 each13 life13 allowing13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 transformations13 making13 life13 according13 to13 the13 natural13 order-shy‐ the13 potentiality13 of13 the13 human13 heart13 with13 its13 functioning13 as13 my13 mind13 my13 awareness13 intelligence13 consciousness13 hellip-shy‐ the13 actual13 fulNilment13 of13 this13 heart13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 falling13 prey13 to13 desires13 and13 passions13 and13 becoming13 more13 and13 more13 unable13 to13 see13 the13 natural13 order13 of13 life13 and13 its13 underlying13 patterns13 and13 consequently13 to13 guide13 the13 conduct13 of13 life-shy‐ what13 will13 join13 Heaven13 after13 death13 as13 spirit13 of13 an13 ancestor13 or13 as13 a13 companion13 of13 the13 Way13

13 14

713 Ghosts13 and13 spirits13 (gui13 shen13 鬼神)13 13 the13 spirits13 of13 Earth13 and13 those13 of13 Heaven

-shy‐ IV13 SPIRIT(S)13 IN13 MEDICINE

In13 this13 part13 we13 will13 just13 give13 a13 rapid13 survey13 of13 the13 concept13 of13 spirit13 shen13 神13 in13 the13 main13 classical13 medical13 texts813 without13 going13 into13 a13 detailed13 presentation13 and13 without13 speaking13 of13 the13 pathologies13 both13 of13 the13 body13 and13 of13 the13 mind13 which13 are13 related13 to13 the13 spirit

We13 mainly13 try13 to13 show13 how13 this13 concept13 of13 spirit13 in13 the13 medical13 theory13 is13 rooted13 in13 the13 conceptions13 of13 the13 scholars13 of13 the13 VthIInd13 centuries13 BC

1 External13 power13

Even13 if13 the13 medical13 texts13 are13 generally13 concerned13 with13 the13 human13 spirit13 acting13 inside13 a13 body13 they13 may13 also13 use13 the13 concept13 when13 speaking13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 universe13 Some13 of13 the13 best13 examples13 are13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch513 one13 of13 the13 key13 texts13 in13 the13 establishment13 of13 the13 medical13 theory13 Some13 example13

Speaking13 of13 the13 order13 perceived13 in13 nature13 13

Since13 clear13 yang13 rises13 to13 Heaven13 and13 turbid13 yin13 returns13 to13 Earth13 HeavenEarth13 feel13 the13 effects13 of13 movement13 and13 rest13 and13 the13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 forms13 the13 net13 of13 laws13 and13 principles13 Thus13 through13 a13 process13 of13 generating13 growth13 gathering13 and13 burying13 everything13 reaches13 its13 term13 and13 starts13 again13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

When13 speaking13 of13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 life13 manifestations13 of13 what13 is13 beyond13 the13 analysis13 and13 undertanding13 by13 the13 laws13 of13 yin13 yang13 and13 Five13 elements13 precisely13 in13 order13 to13 introduce13 the13 great13 presentation13 of13 the13 correlations13 based13 on13 the13 Five13 elements13 which13 expresses13 the13 cosmic13 order13

In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 the13 deep13 mystery13 In13 Man13 it13 is13 the13 Way13 On13 Earth13 it13 is13 transformationTransformation13 produces13 the13 [ive13 tastes13 The13 Way13 produces13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 deep13 mystery13 produces13 the13 spirits13 The13 spirits13 13 In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 wind13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 wood13 (element)13 of13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 it13 is13 muscular13 movement13 of13 the13 zang13 organ13 it13 is13 the13 liver13 13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

The13 spirits13 which13 are13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 cosmic13 life13 are13 also13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 each13 human13 being13 starting13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 forming13 his13 life13 body13 and13 mind

When13 two13 spirits13 (liang13 shen13 兩神)13 embrace13 their13 union13 gives13 form13 to13 a13 body13 Always13 that13 which13 comes13 [irst13 (xian先)13 in13 the13 personal13 life13 (expressed13 through13 a13 body13 shen13 sheng13 身生)13 is13 called13 the13 essences13 (vitality13 jing13 精)13 (Lingshu13 ch30)

The13 two13 spirits13 are13 a13 pair13 which13 means13 that13 they13 are13 different13 even13 opposite13 but13 in13 the13 same13 time13 complementary13 13 Here13 they13 are13 the13 yin13 yang13 couple13 formed13 by13 the13 male13 (father)13 and13 the13 female13 (mother)13 each13 been13 seen13 as13 participating13 to13 the13 natural13 production13 of13 life13

13 15

813 As13 for13 instance13 the13 Huangdi13 Neijing13 the13 Inner13 Classic13 of13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

-shy‐ IV13 SPIRIT(S)13 IN13 MEDICINE

In13 this13 part13 we13 will13 just13 give13 a13 rapid13 survey13 of13 the13 concept13 of13 spirit13 shen13 神13 in13 the13 main13 classical13 medical13 texts813 without13 going13 into13 a13 detailed13 presentation13 and13 without13 speaking13 of13 the13 pathologies13 both13 of13 the13 body13 and13 of13 the13 mind13 which13 are13 related13 to13 the13 spirit

We13 mainly13 try13 to13 show13 how13 this13 concept13 of13 spirit13 in13 the13 medical13 theory13 is13 rooted13 in13 the13 conceptions13 of13 the13 scholars13 of13 the13 VthIInd13 centuries13 BC

1 External13 power13

Even13 if13 the13 medical13 texts13 are13 generally13 concerned13 with13 the13 human13 spirit13 acting13 inside13 a13 body13 they13 may13 also13 use13 the13 concept13 when13 speaking13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 universe13 Some13 of13 the13 best13 examples13 are13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch513 one13 of13 the13 key13 texts13 in13 the13 establishment13 of13 the13 medical13 theory13 Some13 example13

Speaking13 of13 the13 order13 perceived13 in13 nature13 13

Since13 clear13 yang13 rises13 to13 Heaven13 and13 turbid13 yin13 returns13 to13 Earth13 HeavenEarth13 feel13 the13 effects13 of13 movement13 and13 rest13 and13 the13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 forms13 the13 net13 of13 laws13 and13 principles13 Thus13 through13 a13 process13 of13 generating13 growth13 gathering13 and13 burying13 everything13 reaches13 its13 term13 and13 starts13 again13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

When13 speaking13 of13 the13 origin13 of13 all13 life13 manifestations13 of13 what13 is13 beyond13 the13 analysis13 and13 undertanding13 by13 the13 laws13 of13 yin13 yang13 and13 Five13 elements13 precisely13 in13 order13 to13 introduce13 the13 great13 presentation13 of13 the13 correlations13 based13 on13 the13 Five13 elements13 which13 expresses13 the13 cosmic13 order13

In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 the13 deep13 mystery13 In13 Man13 it13 is13 the13 Way13 On13 Earth13 it13 is13 transformationTransformation13 produces13 the13 [ive13 tastes13 The13 Way13 produces13 wisdom13 (zhi13 知)13 The13 deep13 mystery13 produces13 the13 spirits13 The13 spirits13 13 In13 Heaven13 it13 is13 wind13 on13 Earth13 it13 is13 wood13 (element)13 of13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 it13 is13 muscular13 movement13 of13 the13 zang13 organ13 it13 is13 the13 liver13 13 (Suwen13 ch513 Monkey13 Press)

The13 spirits13 which13 are13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 cosmic13 life13 are13 also13 at13 the13 origin13 of13 each13 human13 being13 starting13 the13 process13 of13 transformation13 forming13 his13 life13 body13 and13 mind

When13 two13 spirits13 (liang13 shen13 兩神)13 embrace13 their13 union13 gives13 form13 to13 a13 body13 Always13 that13 which13 comes13 [irst13 (xian先)13 in13 the13 personal13 life13 (expressed13 through13 a13 body13 shen13 sheng13 身生)13 is13 called13 the13 essences13 (vitality13 jing13 精)13 (Lingshu13 ch30)

The13 two13 spirits13 are13 a13 pair13 which13 means13 that13 they13 are13 different13 even13 opposite13 but13 in13 the13 same13 time13 complementary13 13 Here13 they13 are13 the13 yin13 yang13 couple13 formed13 by13 the13 male13 (father)13 and13 the13 female13 (mother)13 each13 been13 seen13 as13 participating13 to13 the13 natural13 production13 of13 life13

13 15

813 As13 for13 instance13 the13 Huangdi13 Neijing13 the13 Inner13 Classic13 of13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

2 Inner13 reality

On13 the13 one13 hand13 medicine13 is13 primarily13 concerned13 with13 the13 conditions13 for13 a13 good13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 thus13 how13 to13 insure13 a13 good13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 On13 the13 other13 hand13 by13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body13 of13 an13 inadequate13 functioning13 of13 the13 mind13 a13 vital13 spirit13 which13 is13 feeble13 set13 apart13 from13 the13 authentic13 movement13 of13 life13 disconnected13 from13 the13 reality13 of13 the13 universe13 NatureHeaven13 and13 therefore13 unable13 to13 guide13 the13 movements13 of13 qi13 in13 the13 organism13 correctlyHeart13 or13 spirit13 are13 said13 to13 guide13 the13 qi13 (all13 the13 movements13 and13 functioning13 of13 psychology13 and13 physiology13 of13 life13 in13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 body)13 which13 is13 to13 maintain13 all13 the13 transformations13 in13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 life13 The13 perfect13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 leads13 to13 a13 spiritual13 brightness13 which13 is13 true13 intelligence13 due13 to13 the13 constant13 link13 with13 the13 source13 of13 life13 and13 foundation13 of13 reality13 (shen13 ming13 神明)

The13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 hold13 the13 of[ice13 of13 sovereign13 and13 master13 (jun13 zhu13 君主)13 The13 spiritual13 brightness13 (shen13 ming13 神明)13 stems13 from13 it13 []If13 then13 the13 master13 is13 enlightened13 (zhu13 ming13 主明)13 those13 under13 him13 will13 be13 at13 peace13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 (yang13 sheng13 養生)13 will13 yield13 longevity13 from13 generation13 to13 generation13 and13 the13 Empire13 under13 Heaven13 will13 be13 resplendant13 But13 if13 the13 master13 is13 not13 enlightened13 the13 twelve13 charges13 (guan13 官)13 will13 be13 in13 danger13 which13 will13 cause13 the13 closing13 and13 blocking13 of13 the13 ways13 [inally13 stopping13 communication13 and13 the13 body13 (xing13 形)13 will13 be13 seriously13 injured13 From13 this13 the13 nurturing13 of13 life13 will13 sink13 into13 disaster13 (Suwen13 ch8)

The13 twelve13 charges13 are13 the13 organs13 of13 the13 body13 managing13 the13 various13 aspects13 of13 physiology13 and13 psychology913 Each13 has13 its13 own13 competence13 and13 its13 own13 way13 to13 work13 with13 the13 others13 but13 all13 depend13 on13 the13 heartmind13 for13 the13 good13 observance13 of13 life13 regulationThe13 emptiness13 of13 the13 enlightened13 heart13 is13 the13 only13 dwelling13 place13 for13 the13 spirit13 it13 is13 the13 way13 the13 mind13 functions13 adequately13 mentally13 and13 emotionally13 Then13 not13 only13 are13 the13 thoughts13 clear13 and13 the13 feelings13 balanced13 but13 the13 blood13 circulates13 everywhere13 smoothly13 as13 wellWhat13 is13 called13 blood13 and13 blood13 circulation13 is13 different13 from13 what13 it13 is13 in13 Western13 medicine13 It13 encompasses13 the13 Western13 nervous13 system13 but13 puts13 it13 under13 the13 control13 of13 the13 heartmind13 The13 blood13 is13 more13 than13 a13 nourishing13 Nluid13 it13 is13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 its13 effects

The13 blood13 is13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 (Suwen13 ch13 26)

What13 is13 in13 the13 blood13 is13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 and13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heart13 is13 what13 the13 heart13 agrees13 to13 receive13 to13 inhabit13 it13 What13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 shapes13 it13 determines13 its13 way13 to13 work13 both13 physically13 and13 emotionally13 An13 emotion13 which13 settles13 in13 the13 heart13 changes13 the13 blood13 circulation13 as13 it13 changes13 the13 clarity13 of13 the13 mind13 the13 accuracy13 of13 the13 memory13 hellipSo13 the13 heartmind13 appears13 really13 like13 the13 lord13 of13 life13 the13 person13 the13 self13 as13 one13 ought13 to13 be13 andor13 as13 one13 is13 actually13 This13 authority13 is13 implemented13 by13 the13 circulation13 of13 the13 blood13 everywhere13 ensuring13 the13 presence13 of13 what13 comes13 from13 the13 heartmind13 and13 determining13 the13 vital13 activities13 at13 every13 level13 from13 the13 most13 physical13 to13 the13 most13 intellectual13 or13 subtle13 one13 What13 comes13 from13 the13 heart13 pervades13 all13 that13 makes13 life13 and13 the13 heart13 ensures13 the13 holding13 together13 and13 the13 unity13 of13 all13 these13 elementsUnity13 and13 harmony13 can13 be13 achieved13 only13 by13 the13 spiritA13 heart13 full13 of13 spiritual13 power13 or13 enlightment13 is13 a13 good13 master13 for13 life13 This13 is13 the13 reason13 why13 the13 correct13 qi13 (zheng13 qi13 正氣)13 those13 able13 to13 ensure13 the13 regular13 functioning13 of13 life13 are13 also13 linked13 to13 the13 condition13 of13 the13 heart

13 16

913 What13 is13 called13 the13 five13 zang13 and13 the13 Six13 fu13 organs13 in13 correlaXon13 with13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 through13 them13 with13 all13 phenomena13 inside13 as13 well13 as13 outside13 the13 body

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

But13 a13 heart13 full13 of13 desires13 and13 passions13 guides13 the13 qi13 according13 to13 its13 desires13 The13 spirit13 is13 not13 able13 to13 guide13 adequately13 in13 the13 process13 of13 life

The13 (Yellow)13 Emperor13 asked13 13 [In13 such13 a13 situation13 where]13 the13 body13 is13 weak13 and13 the13 blood13 exhausted13 when13 the13 treatment13 gives13 no13 result13 what13 is13 that13 Qi13 Bo13 13 The13 spirits13 (shen神)13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 (shi13 使)The13 Emperor13 13 What13 is13 the13 meaning13 of13 laquo13 the13 spirits13 are13 no13 more13 operating13 raquo13 Qi13 Bo13 13 When13 you13 practice13 the13 art13 (dao13 道)13 of13 the13 needles13 (zhen13 shi13 針石)13 if13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 does13 not13 move13 forward13 if13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 do13 not13 rule13 (zhi13 治) 13 then13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 curedWhen13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)13 are13 damaged13 and13 the13 spirits13 (shen13 神)13 are13 gone13 nutrition13 (ying13 營)13 and13 defence13 (wei13 衛)13 cannot13 come13 back13 and13 recover13 their13 place13 And13 why13 that13 13 Because13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 (shi13 yu13 嗜欲)13 do13 not13 know13 limits13 worries13 and13 concerns13 (you13 huan13 憂患)13 are13 endless13 thus13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 are13 loose13 and13 damaged13 the13 nutrition13 is13 stagnant13 the13 defence13 is13 absent13 So13 then13 the13 spirits13 being13 gone13 the13 illness13 cannot13 be13 cured13 (Suwen13 ch14)

A13 person13 may13 decline13 and13 collapse13 because13 of13 some13 diseases13 weakening13 the13 body13 In13 fact13 the13 cause13 of13 his13 condition13 is13 in13 a13 heart13 unable13 to13 be13 a13 good13 master13 as13 a13 result13 of13 boundless13 desires13 and13 covetousness13 It13 settles13 disorder13 everywhere13 in13 physiology13 If13 this13 person13 cannot13 return13 to13 itself13 to13 a13 life13 closer13 to13 the13 true13 original13 nature13 the13 disorder13 will13 increase13 leading13 Ninally13 to13 the13 separation13 of13 the13 body13 and13 the13 spirit13 ie13 death13 Returning13 to13 oneself13 begins13 when13 the13 heart13 is13 able13 to13 calm13 down13 albeit13 a13 little13 to13 allow13 a13 better13 vision13 a13 better13 functioning13 to13 emerge13 it13 can13 be13 the13 beginning13 of13 the13 process13 of13 recovery13 which13 is13 always13 at13 the13 level13 of13 the13 spirit13 and13 which13 is13 achieved13 with13 a13 transformation13 in13 the13 spirit13 itself

In13 the13 same13 way13 as13 a13 sovereign13 is13 sustained13 by13 the13 best13 supply13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 his13 empire13 the13 heartmind13 is13 nourished13 with13 the13 best13 vitality13 that13 comes13 from13 all13 the13 parts13 of13 the13 body13 from13 all13 of13 the13 organs13

The13 heart13 does13 not13 produce13 the13 blood13 other13 organs13 are13 involved13 in13 its13 making13 The13 heart13 also13 needs13 forces13 or13 qi13 coming13 from13 other13 organs13 to13 help13 it13 to13 maintain13 its13 regular13 beating13 and13 rhythmic13 propulsion13 of13 the13 blood13 in13 the13 organism13 All13 the13 organs13 participate13 in13 what13 allows13 the13 heartmind13 to13 function1013 So13 each13 organ13 plays13 its13 role13 in13 the13 building13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 and13 the13 maintenance13 of13 life

The13 good13 condition13 of13 the13 body13 helps13 the13 right13 functioning13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 thus13 a13 sound13 mind13 and13 the13 ability13 to13 personify13 to13 embody13 the13 spirit13 of13 Heaven

Thus13 even13 the13 very13 ordinary13 renewal13 of13 the13 substances13 nourishing13 life13 is13 part13 of13 what13 leads13 to13 the13 building13 of13 the13 spirit13

For13 an13 ordinary13 man13 when13 his13 stomach13 is13 [illed13 (man13 滿)13 his13 intestine13 is13 empty13 (xu13 虛)13 and13 when13 is13 intestine13 is13 [illed13 his13 stomach13 is13 empty13 Because13 they13 are13 empty13 and13 full13 alternately13 the13 qi13 ascend13 and13 descend13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 are13 peaceful13 and13 stable13 the13 blood13 circulates13 with13 harmony13 and13 easiness13 hence13 the13 vital13 spirit13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 dwell13 in13 its13 residence13 Therefore13 the13 spirit13 is13 the13 essences13 and13 qi13 (jing13 qi13 精氣)13 coming13 from13 the13 food13 (Lingshu13 ch32)

13 17

1013 It13 is13 also13 the13 reason13 why13 in13 Chinese13 medicine13 the13 condiXon13 of13 all13 the13 organs13 are13 read13 at13 the13 pulses13 and13 not13 only13 the13 one13 of13 the13 heart

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

When13 one13 cannot13 eat13 enough13 or13 well13 enough13 his13 mind13 weakens13 his13 thoughts13 are13 more13 difNicult13 to13 elaborate13 his13 memory13 vacillates13 and13 his13 will13 wavers13 while13 his13 behavior13 can13 easily13 be13 guided13 by13 his13 hunger13 rather13 than13 by13 his13 human13 heart13 But13 the13 one13 who13 has13 built13 a13 vital13 spirit13 of13 quality13 within13 the13 heart13 may13 continue13 to13 behave13 with13 humanity13 and13 share13 his13 ration13 rather13 than13 even13 kill13 his13 neighbour

It13 shows13 both13 that13 the13 spirit13 is13 closely13 linked13 to13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 very13 substance13 of13 the13 body13 to13 the13 physical13 heart13 to13 the13 blood13 hellip13 but13 that13 it13 is13 also13 free13 from13 them13 and13 able13 to13 exist13 independently13 Nevertheless13 in13 our13 present13 life13 the13 spirit13 needs13 the13 material13 to13 express13 itself13 and13 the13 material13 has13 to13 be13 inspired13 and13 controlled13 by13 the13 spirit

A13 person13 may13 still13 be13 alive13 his13 body13 still13 functioning13 but13 his13 mind13 no13 longer13 works13 as13 if13 the13 spirit13 was13 no13 longer13 present13 or13 perceptible13 or13 able13 to13 be13 expressed13 through13 the13 body13 For13 example13 13 corporeal13 gestures13 language13 accurate13 functioning13 of13 the13 sense13 organs13 implying13 reason13 memory13 etcThe13 physical13 means13 for13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 mind13 are13 deteriorated13 often13 beyond13 any13 hope13 of13 improvement13 Is13 the13 spirit13 gone13 13 Is13 the13 vital13 spirit13 damaged13 13 What13 is13 the13 value13 and13 the13 endurance13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 built13 along13 his13 whole13 life13 by13 this13 particular13 person13 13 What13 spirit13 will13 survive13 in13 Heaven13 13 DifNicult13 questions13 that13 need13 a13 speciNic13 study13 A13 difference13 may13 be13 made13 between13 an13 unavoidable13 decay13 of13 the13 body13 and13 its13 ability13 to13 transmit13 and13 communicate13 what13 is13 in13 the13 heartmind13 and13 a13 blockage13 of13 these13 ways13 of13 communication13 due13 to13 a13 poor13 management13 of13 onersquos13 own13 life13 In13 the13 former13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 may13 still13 be13 in13 the13 likeness13 of13 the13 spirits13 of13 Heaven13 in13 the13 latter13 case13 the13 personrsquos13 spirit13 is13 dull13 and13 blind

Questioning13 what13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 is13 the13 Yellow13 Emperor13 was13 given13 the13 following13 answer13

Blood13 and13 qi13 being13 in13 perfect13 harmony13 nutrition13 and13 defence13 communicating13 perfectly13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 being13 perfectly13 achieved13 the13 spirit13 and13 qi13 (shen13 qi13 神氣)13 dwelling13 in13 the13 heartmind13 (xin13 心)13 the13 Hun13 and13 Po13 being13 complete13 this13 achievement13 is13 a13 human13 being13 (Lingshu13 54)

3 The13 Five13 spirits13 (wu13 shen13 五神)13 13

It13 is13 the13 application13 of13 the13 theory13 of13 the13 Five13 elements13 (phases13 agents13 wu13 xing13 五行)13 in13 the13 analysis13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heartmindThe13 heart13 is13 not13 only13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 but13 also13 their13 unity13 and13 oneness13 As13 One13 it13 is13 myself13 my13 mind13 my13 spirit13 When13 analyzed13 it13 is13 the13 Nive13 movements13 of13 the13 qi13 the13 Nive13 qualities13 of13 qi13 making13 my13 mind

For13 cultural13 reasons13 we13 have13 no13 time13 to13 explain13 the13 entities13 choosen13 to13 represent13 the13 Five13 spirits13 related13 to13 the13 Five13 elements13 and13 the13 Five13 organs13 are13 the13 following13

The13 Heart13 treasures13 the13 Spirits13 (shen13 神)The13 Lung13 treasures13 the13 Po13 (魄)The13 Liver13 treasures13 the13 Hun13 (魂)The13 Spleen13 treasures13 the13 Intent13 (yi13 意13 )The13 Kidneys13 treasure13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Suwen13 ch23)

13 18

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

The13 spirit13 (shen)13 is13 the13 unity13 of13 life13 its13 heavenly13 inspiration13 its13 connection13 with13 the13 natural13 process13 of13 lifeHun13 and13 Po13 are13 the13 heavenly13 and13 earthly13 qi13 as13 a13 couple13 the13 Hun13 being13 the13 soul13 the13 animation13 of13 all13 that13 is13 incorporeal13 in13 a13 human13 being13 and13 the13 Po13 of13 all13 that13 is13 corporealIntent13 and13 will13 (yi13 zhi13 意志)13 are13 what13 allows13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 heartmind13 all13 that13 enters13 the13 mind13 and13 the13 effects13 on13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 ability13 to13 know13 and13 to13 think13 and13 on13 the13 direction13 set13 in13 the13 mind

A13 well13 known13 and13 often13 quoted13 text13 expounds13 the13 building13 of13 the13 human13 heartmind13 and13 its13 capacity13 to13 be13 in13 charge13 of13 his13 own13 life13 its13 ability13 to13 become13 spiritlike13 in13 abiding13 by13 the13 patterns13 of13 life13 process13 13 Heaven13 within13 me13 is13 Virtue13 (de13 德)Earth13 within13 me13 is13 Qi13 (氣)Virtue13 [lows13 qi13 expand13 and13 there13 is13 life13 (sheng13 生)The13 coming13 forth13 of13 living13 beings13 (sheng13 生)13 indicates13 13 the13 essences13 (jing13 精)The13 embrace13 of13 two13 essences13 indicates13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)That13 which13 follows13 the13 spirit13 faithfully13 in13 their13 going13 and13 coming13 indicates13 the13 Hun13 (魂)That13 which13 associates13 with13 the13 essences13 in13 their13 exiting13 and13 entering13 indicates13 the13 Po13 (魄)When13 something13 takes13 charge13 (ren13 任)13 of13 the13 beings13 we13 speak13 of13 the13 heart13 (xin13 心)When13 the13 heart13 applies13 (yi13 憶)13 itself13 we13 speak13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)When13 Intent13 becomes13 permanent13 we13 speak13 of13 will13 (zhi13 志)When13 the13 persevering13 will13 changes13 we13 speak13 of13 thought13 (si13 思)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

Will13 and13 intent13 are13 the13 result13 of13 the13 presence13 of13 the13 spirit13 in13 a13 human13 body13 the13 expression13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 But13 they13 are13 also13 how13 the13 heartmind13 is13 able13 to13 decide13 on13 what13 penetrates13 within13 consequently13 the13 will13 and13 intent13 -shy‐13 the13 very13 working13 of13 the13 heartmind13 -shy‐13 determines13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 There13 is13 always13 a13 negative13 or13 positive13 feedback13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 working13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 of13 the13 vital13 spirit13 as13 there13 is13 also13 one13 between13 the13 quality13 of13 the13 body13 substances13 and13 of13 the13 heart13 and13 spirit13 onersquos

Human13 receives13 life13 from13 the13 blood-shyand-shyqi13 (xue13 qi13 血氣)13 and13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 to13 ful[ill13 perfectly13 onersquos13 natural13 destiny13 (xing13 ming13 性命)13 [helliphellip]Will13 and13 Intent13 (zhi13 yi13 志意)13 are13 what13 direct13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 gather13 Hun13 and13 Po13 (souls)13 regulate13 hot13 and13 cold13 and13 harmoniously13 blend13 (he13 和)13 elation13 and13 anger13 [helliphellip]When13 will13 and13 intent13 are13 in13 harmony13 then13 the13 vital13 spirits13 (jing13 shen13 精神)13 are13 concentrated13 and13 correct13 Hun13 and13 Po13 are13 not13 dissipated13 regret13 and13 anger13 (hui13 nu13 悔怒)13 do13 not13 arise13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 do13 not13 receive13 perverse13 (in[luences13 xie13 邪)13 (Lingshu13 ch47)

The13 end13 of13 the13 chapter13 813 of13 Lingshu13 insists13 upon13 the13 symbiosis13 between13 the13 Five13 spirits13 and13 the13 substances13 of13 the13 body13

The13 liver13 treasures13 (cang13 藏)13 the13 blood13 the13 blood13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Hun13 (魂)13 [hellip]The13 spleen13 treasures13 the13 recontruction13 (nutrition13 ying13 營)13 the13 reconstruction13 is13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 intent13 (yi13 意)13 13 [hellip]The13 heart13 treasures13 the13 vital13 circulations13 (mai13 脈)13 the13 vital13 circulations13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 [hellip]13 The13 lung13 treasures13 the13 qi13 (氣)13 the13 qi13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 Po13 (魄)13 [hellip]The13 kidneys13 treasure13 the13 essences13 the13 essences13 are13 the13 dwelling13 place13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 (Lingshu13 ch8)

13 19

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

Like13 the13 spirit13 the13 Five13 spirits13 pervade13 the13 whole13 body13 But13 when13 the13 spirit13 of13 the13 heartmind13 is13 everywhere13 since13 they13 are13 the13 unity13 of13 the13 person13 the13 spirits13 which13 are13 speciNic13 to13 an13 organ13 are13 expressed13 through13 what13 is13 relevant13 to13 this13 organ13 in13 the13 functioning13 of13 life

From13 that13 derives13 the13 possibility13 of13 using13 a13 spirit13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 an13 organ13 for13 instance13 to13 say13 laquoHunraquo13 for13 speaking13 of13 the13 functioning13 of13 the13 liver13 as13 the13 representative13 of13 the13 wood13 element13 and13 the13 working13 of13 the13 wood13 qi13 It13 can13 also13 be13 said13 that13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 the13 Hun13 is13 the13 foundation13 for13 the13 regular13 and13 correct13 activity13 of13 an13 organ13 in13 this13 case13 the13 liver13 13 when13 the13 Hun13 are13 as13 they13 must13 be13 the13 liver13 operates13 perfectly13 on13 the13 physiological13 psychological13 and13 mind13 levels

In13 this13 perspective13 the13 pathology13 associated13 with13 one13 of13 the13 Five13 spirits13 is13 not13 necessarily13 a13 pathology13 of13 the13 mind13 or13 the13 Heart13 but13 a13 pathology13 expressing13 the13 dysfunctioning13 of13 an13 organLet13 us13 brieNly13 mention13 two13 symptoms13 that13 mention13 a13 spirit13 in13 their13 names13 without13 studying13 them13 clinically13 The13 Nirst13 the13 laquoPo13 sweat13 (po13 han13 魄汗) raquo13 is13 in13 fact13 a13 profuse13 sweating13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 lung13 qi13 The13 second13 the13 laquoHun13 no13 more13 kept13 in13 their13 dwelling13 placeraquo13 is13 in13 fact13 an13 agitated13 sleep13 full13 of13 dreams13 due13 to13 a13 deNiciency13 in13 the13 liver13 blood

But13 we13 have13 to13 remember13 that13 in13 the13 theory13 of13 medicine13 the13 Five13 zang13 organs13 together13 make13 the13 core13 of13 life13 physically13 as13 well13 as13 mentally13 and13 spiritually13 So13 when13 an13 organ13 is13 affected13 the13 whole13 balance13 of13 the13 being13 is13 injured13 and13 it13 may13 affect13 his13 mind13 his13 reason13 his13 spirit13 since13 there13 is13 a13 difference13 but13 no13 gap13 between13 spirit13 and13 body

Another13 example13 found13 in13 the13 Suwen13 ch6213 is13 the13 use13 of13 the13 spirit13 (shen13 神)13 and13 of13 the13 will13 (zhi13 志)13 to13 speak13 of13 the13 functioning13 and13 the13 pathology13 of13 -shy‐13 respectively13 -shy‐13 13 the13 heart13 and13 the13 kidneys13 Thus13 the13 text13 speaks13 of13 the13 deNiciency13 or13 of13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 or13 of13 the13 will13 The13 symptoms13 given13 for13 the13 excess13 of13 the13 spirit13 for13 instance13 are13 a13 congestion13 in13 the13 blood13 circulation13 especially13 the13 capillaries13 a13 superNicial13 bleeding13 restores13 the13 balance13 in13 the13 circulations13 but13 also13 in13 the13 heartmind13 since13 the13 heartmind13 was13 not13 able13 to13 control13 the13 blood13 and13 its13 Nlowing13 correctly13 Therefore13 the13 phrase13 laquoexcess13 of13 the13 spiritraquo13 means13 a13 pathological13 excess13 of13 the13 Heartrsquos13 Nire13 and13 not13 an13 overabundance13 of13 enlightment13 What13 is13 seminal13 to13 life13 cannot13 have13 excess13

13 20

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21

REFERENCE13 BOOKS13

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 D13 c13 Lau13 Yuan13 Dao13 Tracing13 Dao13 to13 Its13 Source13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Ames13 Roger13 T13 and13 Rosemont13 Henry13 The13 Analects13 of13 Confucius13 13 a13 Philosophical13 Translation13 (New13 York13 13 Ballantine13 Books13 1998)

Graham13 A13 Yin-shyYang13 and13 the13 Nature13 of13 Correlative13 Thinking13 (The13 Institute13 of13 East13 Asian13 Philosophy)

Jingshen13 a13 Translation13 from13 the13 Chinese13 Huainanzi13 chapter13 713 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2010)

Knoblock13 John13 and13 Jeremy13 Riegel13 Luumlshi13 Chunqui13 The13 Annals13 of13 Luuml13 Buwei13 13 A13 Complete13 Translation13 and13 Study13 (Stanford13 13 Stanford13 university13 press13 2000)

Rickett13 W13 Allyn13 Guanzi13 (Princeton13 University13 Press13 1998)

Suwen13 ch513 13 The13 Rhythm13 at13 the13 Heart13 of13 the13 World13 (Monkey13 Press13 13 London13 2011)

Watson13 Burton13 The13 Complete13 Works13 of13 Chuang13 Tzu13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1968)

Watson13 Burton13 Hsuumln13 Tzu13 Basic13 Writings13 (New13 York13 13 Columbia13 university13 Press13 1963)

13 21