Xing Ming (性命) – The Nature and Destiny of a Human Being

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN

COURSE OVERVIEW

In the light of the basic understanding in the great texts of Chinese philosophy, we will consider how these two fundamental concepts (Nature & Destiny) are used in Chinese medicine. They are both related to the Heavenly endowment. 

Health cannot be understood without a reference to one’ original or true nature; the inborn dispositions give anyone their robustness and their fragility which have to be known by the patient to conduct correctly their life and buy the practitioner to establish an accurate diagnosis and apply an appropriate treatment. 

The particular inherent qualities of a being shape their destiny, create the calling felt inside by every human.

One who remains true to their original nature maintains their relationship with Heaven, receiving the light of the spirits, and knowing, in all circumstances, the rules by which to act. They therefore accomplish the life that Heaven has destined for them since its beginning, unfolding as a function of the natural order inscribed within them.  In other words, they implement the Prior Heaven in the Post Heaven.

We will then elucidate the true meaning of Mingmen (命門), Gate of Fate (or Destiny), in Chinese medicine, its relation with the origin, with the Yin as well as the Yang, the Water as well as the Fire, and with the Kidneys.

« Huang Di asked Qi Bo: A person’s Blood and Qi, essence and spirit, it is with them that life is provided and one’s nature (Xing 性)  and existence (Ming 命) are upheld. » (Lingshu, ch.47, translation by P. Unschuld)

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