Mind, Spirit, Consciousness

For a fairly detailed look at the concepts of "mind" and "spirit" in Chinese medicine, have a look at Giovanni Maciocia's essay "The Psyche In Chinese Medicine," published by the Euopean Journal of Oriental Medicine.

As a way of countering the fact that "[a]ll too often Chinese concepts of ‘mind’ and 'spirit’ are mistakenly interpreted in terms of Western (and often Christian) concepts of ‘mind’ and ‘spirit'," Mr. Maciocia introduces the Chinese Medical/Taoist paradigms of the Three Treasures and the Five Shen. He suggests that shen - as the aspect of consciousness residing in the Heart - be translated into English as "mind," while the "five shen" as a whole be rendered as "spirit."

"What is then the Chinese view of the mind? The mind, like other vital substances, is a form of qi; in fact, the most subtle and non-material type of qi."

In terms of the Three Treasures, mind is not only a "form of qi," but also is rooted in essence (itself a "form of qi"). How this translates into Taoist practice is the emphasis we see on the dual cultivation of "body" and "mind" ... since they are inextricably linked - each having profound effects on the other.

For an interesting story on related themes, enjoy this Ghost Story from the Buddhist "forest tradition" monk Venerable Mittiko.