Análisis de los caracteres tradicionales de Shen 神 y teoría de la propiedad intrínseca organizadora

Abstract

Shen is a polysemous associative compound that is complex to define and difficult to interpret, as its meaning varies according to context. The present research study analyses the traditional characters of Shen and describes their implications in various texts, both traditional medical and philosophical. We propose that Shen constitutes an intrinsic property that extends to diverse levels of complexity (universal Shen, nature Shen, and individual Shen) and, in turn, dictates an order in the structure and function of everything in the universe. In humans, Shen determines the processes from prenatal gestation to the postnatal level, thus guiding the physiological and psychological development of the individual according to the designs of the celestial order. Disengaging from Shen generates disorder, overexploitation, egotism, apathy, violence, disease, and death. Allowing Shen to emerge encourages the spontaneous flow of Qi between the individual and the cosmic order, thus bringing health, harmony, well-being, virtue, and a sense of transcendence to their existence.