THE FOUNDATION OF THE MODEL
We begin with the model with a brief discussion of the Force of Life itself, without which the diversification of life, including our own, would be impossible.
Even though recent research has provided plausible hypotheses for the origin of life, it is clear that much research remains to be done before science can give complete plausible answers.
Nonetheless we can say with certainty that "life" exists. If we assume that life began on this 4.5 billion years-old Earth then we can give approximations for the advance of life.
3.8 billion years of simple cells (prokaryotes),
3 billion years of photosynthesis,
2 billion years of complex cells (eukaryotes),
1 billion years of multicellular life,
600 million years of simple animals.
From these simple animals we can say that we evolved and that this evolution required the Force of Life.
How can we define that Force of Life? It is the Impulse for Survival.
So our model of the human creature for Chan-Dao begins from that point.
THE FOUNDATION OF THE MODEL
In Chinese that Force of Life is called Yuan qi.
Yuan qi, sometimes called jing, 精, is the Energy of Life that is transformed from the Energy of the Universe. It can be translated best as either essence, vitality or extract. Here I prefer to call it Pure Life Extract which has Life Function.
It generates a Pure Awareness of Being, without content.
It generates a Pure Mindfulness of Doing, without content.
These two states combine and rejoin Pure Extract, which we then call the Uncarved wood, 不斫, bù zhuó.
ZHEN QI, 真炁, THE ENERGY OF MAINTENANCE
From the Uncarved Wood is sent a stream of maintenance energy, Zhen Qi, 真炁, called True Qi, throughout the natural system which is experienced as Equanimity, Compassion, Benevolent Affect and Gladness, each with different aspects depending upon where in the cycle they are experienced.
But Yuan qi's physiological "purpose" is the development of Xin shen, which is the Feminine Principle or Pure Mind Shen, 心神 (right-hemisphere Feminine Principle), To Do, which governs all natural programs for a balanced and harmonious survival.
We can show our model then in the following way:
This Xin Shen, as the primitive and correct programs for survival by way of the Transformation Shen, 化神, allowed the left-brain expression of these programs, within Hun, 魂, the Masculine Principle.
So we have then the Zhen qi, 真炁, energy also flowing through to Hun, 魂 :
But yet again another transformation called Rexin, 热心, Transforming Zeal, takes place that allows communication between the expression of the original programs and Po, 魄 (Cognitive Consciousness).
So we have,
But that Cognitive Consciousness must be transformed into action with the apparent external world, which we know as Samsara. That Transformation is by way of Ji ji Xing, which is the motivating force for the response to any stimulus.
So we have,
Completing the cycle, Information from the apparent external world is returned by way of the senses to the system.
Zhen qi, 真炁, also flows through these processes of a revitalized Cognition as a vehicle.
Arising then from Bù zhuó, 不斫, Uncarved Wood
Coincident with the right-brain flow of information there is also a left-brain flow to the processes anterior to Po, Cognition. This flow contains the contents of the application of Pure Awareness and Pure Mindfulness after the Uncarved wood, 不斫, bù zhuó, has been energized.
Uncarved wood, 不斫, bù zhuó
Duìshàng, 对上, Sensation
Gǎnqíng, 感情, Discrimination
Běntǐ, 本体, Perception
Po, 魄 (Cognitive Consciousness)
These operations are in fact known as the five Skandhas and are used within a specific meditation. In the Tibetan system it is known as Shiné.
Thus generating finer operating tools for Cognition:
The Attention has the function of Grasping Firmly;
The Sensation has the function of Bringing into Contact;
The Discrimination has the function of Approach/ /Avoidance/Neutrality;
The Perception here is a mental operation of Naming Forms.
Cognitive Consciousness has the main function of Volition.