The meaning of Mind-Nature in Taoism 什么是心性

The meaning of Mind-Nature in Taoism

"Xin Xing" (心性, "Mind and Nature") refers to the relationship between mind and nature.

Mind is the spiritual mind; nature is human nature. The discussion of mind and nature runs through all of traditional Chinese philosophy, found in the theoretical works of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Mencius discussed mind through "innate knowledge" and "innate ability": human intelligence and moral concepts are innate instincts of the mind. What is inherent in my mind is nature; the four beginnings of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom are stored in the human mind. Nature is rooted in mind; exhausting the mind can know nature, and knowing nature is knowing Heaven. Mind, nature, and Heaven are a trinity.

The meaning of Mind-Nature in Taoism

Taoism absorbed Confucian and Buddhist discussions of mind and nature, forming its own religious philosophy. The Longmen Pai discussed mind and nature together, calling realizing the Dao "knowing mind and seeing nature." The original state of mind — the true mind, the ordinary mind — is a state of emptiness and tranquility. Nature has the distinction between Qi-nature and true nature; true nature transcends the Five Elements, and like the true mind, its essence is "emptiness." The theory of mind and nature in Taoist cultivation is embodied in Internal Alchemy practice.