The Interrelation of Nama-Rupa

Blockage in the Heart Meridian — Resentment.

Blockage in the Liver Meridian — Anger.

Blockage in the Spleen Meridian — Complaining.

Blockage in the Lung Meridian — Sorrow.

Blockage in the Kidney Meridian — Stress.

Blockage in the Pericardium Meridian — Suppression.

Blockage in the Gallbladder Meridian — Anxiety.

Blockage in the Stomach Meridian — Impatience.

Blockage in the Small Intestine Meridian — Grief.

Blockage in the Large Intestine Meridian — Regret.

Blockage in the Bladder Meridian — Despondency.

Blockage in the Triple Burner Meridian — Tension.

Why can meridian blockages lead to various abnormal psychological and emotional states? Meridian blockage is a physiological phenomenon, while emotional disturbance is a psychological state. Physiology and psychology mutually influence each other; body and mind are interdependent.

This "mind" must primarily refer to the manas (the seventh consciousness), and secondarily to the mental consciousness (the sixth consciousness). However, when the mental consciousness attempts to control the psychologically disturbed state of the manas, it is often very difficult. Thus, it frequently happens that the mental consciousness does not wish to lose its temper, yet the manas does so anyway; whatever actions the mental consciousness does not wish to perform, the manas still performs them, leaving the mental consciousness powerless.

Whenever a change occurs in the body, there is a psychological reaction. This demonstrates that the manas, relying on the tathāgatagarbha (Buddha-nature), can constantly perceive the condition of the body. Its discernment in this regard is extremely acute, and its wisdom power is not weak in this area; it does not necessarily depend on the mental consciousness for discernment. Most of the time, the mental consciousness is unaware of what condition the body is in. It may need to ponder deeply to grasp some understanding, or it might still fail to comprehend. Many people remain unaware of what is happening even when they are seriously ill.

The manas is intimately connected with the physical body. Firstly, because the manas clings to the body, regarding the physical form as the self. Even the slightest pain or itch on the body is considered important and worthy of attention, hence the various reactions. Secondly, because the manas issues commands and transmits information through the brain's neural tissues. Once the meridians are blocked and information cannot be transmitted, the manas manifests various emotional disturbances. If one can cultivate to the stage where they are unaffected by the form aggregate (rūpa-skandha), then no matter the state of the body, it will absolutely not affect the psychological state of the manas.