Taiji Luo Wanxiang
In the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the relationship between the Five Organs (五脏, wǔ zàng) and the soul (魂魄, hún pò) is regarded as the core of wellness. According to the “Su Wen: On the Five Qi” (《素问·宣明五气篇》), it states: “The Five Organs store; the heart stores the spirit (神, shén), the lungs store the corporeal soul (魄, pò), the liver stores the ethereal soul (魂, hún), the spleen stores thought (意, yì), and the kidneys store will (志, zhì).” This theory reveals the close connection between the Five Organs and the soul, as well as their impact on human health and mental state.
The heart stores the spirit, meaning that the heart not only pumps blood but also carries the core of mental activities. When the mind is overly disturbed and overthinks, it consumes the heart’s energy, leading to physical weakness. Therefore, maintaining inner peace and focus is crucial for wellness.
The lungs store the corporeal soul, and the liver stores the ethereal soul; these two are closely related to human emotions and willpower. The harmony of the soul is key to physical health; when the soul departs from the body, one feels weak and powerless. Thus, by regulating emotions and willpower, one can maintain physical health.
The spleen stores thought, indicating that the health of the spleen and stomach is closely linked to human consciousness. Excessive thinking and worry can deplete the spleen’s yang energy, leading to spleen deficiency. Therefore, maintaining a cheerful mood and moderate thinking is key to preserving spleen and stomach health.
The kidneys store will, and the health of the kidneys is closely related to courage and willpower. When facing difficulties and challenges, the kidneys can provide courage and strength. However, excessive use of this strength can damage kidney health. Therefore, learning to remain calm and resilient in adversity is a method to maintain kidney health.
In summary, the path to wellness lies in maintaining harmony between the Five Organs and the soul. By regulating emotions, keeping a cheerful mood, thinking moderately, and exercising willpower, we can preserve physical health and mental balance. At the same time, avoiding bad habits and beliefs that contradict wellness, and choosing suitable methods for self-care, is key to achieving health and longevity.
Share with joy, and the merit is boundless.
In learning the way, one must let go of everything.
If one cannot let go of one thing, then the path is far.
Letting go of wealth and honor leads to the burden of wealth and honor,
Letting go of talent leads to the burden of talent,
Letting go of great virtue leads to the burden of great virtue,
Letting go of old age leads to the burden of old age.
——[Elegant Phrase]
Let wisdom and compassion never cease!