The Relationship Between the Four Great Seeds of the Tathāgatagarbha and the Human Essence, Qi, and Spirit

The essence (jing) and vital energy (qi) in the human body belong to material form, while spirit (shen) is the influence that material form exerts upon the mind consciousness. Essence is solid; it is formed by the tathāgatagarbha using the four great seeds, consisting of material particles in which the earth element predominates. Vital energy is also formed by the tathāgatagarbha using the four great seeds, with the wind element predominating, and it is always in a state of floating and flowing. These two material substances—essence and vital energy—circulate within the body, determining the body's condition and health and influencing the emotions of the mind consciousness. When essence is relatively abundant, the body is full of vitality, which enables vital energy to flow smoothly with fewer obstructions; the blood then circulates freely through the body, and the organs, nourished by the blood, become healthy and comfortable. At such times a person has spirit: the mental state is excellent, one is vigorous and full of energy, and the body appears healthy and strong.

Conversely, when essence is insufficient, the motive force is lacking, vital energy does not flow smoothly and encounters obstructions, the blood does not circulate freely, the supply of nourishment to the organs falls short, and the body becomes heavy and uncomfortable. A person will then appear listless and devoid of spirit, with a poor mental state, lacking vitality and physical stamina. The three—essence, vital energy, and spirit—reflect whether the four great seeds of the tathāgatagarbha are in harmony.