Taoism holds that the human body is composed of "three souls and seven spirits," which also represents Taoism's understanding of the human soul.
In Taoist understanding, the three souls represent the spiritual dimensions of a person, corresponding to the concept of the Three Powers of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity. They are the Heavenly Soul, the Earthly Soul, and the Vital Soul. These respectively embody human wisdom, emotions, and life force.
The seven spirits represent the material aspect of a person, primarily referring to the seven major functions of the human body. For instance, the Spirit of Heaven governs respiration, the Spirit of Wisdom governs the heartbeat, the Spirit of Vitality governs digestion, the Spirit of Strength governs fluid metabolism, the Central Spirit governs reproduction, the Spirit of Essence governs sensitivity to cold and heat, and the Spirit of Brilliance governs alertness. Each spirit possesses its corresponding function and role, collectively forming the life system of an individual.
The concept of "three souls and seven spirits" not only reveals the complexity of the human body and spirit but also illuminates the source and essence of human vitality. It helps us recognize that human life is not merely a material existence but a synthesis of both spiritual and physical dimensions. Only by comprehending this concept can we truly understand human life and grasp the true value of existence.
At the moment of life and death, Taoism holds that the soul departs the body through the anus. This is because, in Taoist philosophy, the anus serves as a vital passage connecting the human body to the external world, known as the "gate of the soul." In ancient times, when attempting to resuscitate those on the brink of death, people would often first seal the anus to prevent the loss of the soul.
This concept is not only embodied in Taoism but also reflected in ancient Chinese medicine. The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon states, "The liver houses the soul, and the lungs house the spirit." This indicates that ancient Chinese medicine believed the human soul and spirit were closely connected to the liver and lungs, representing their unique understanding of human life and health.
