Three Corpses
Concept in Chinese Daoist alchemy
The Three Corpses (Chinese: 三尸; pinyin: Sānshī ) are malevolent spirits believed to reside within the human body according to Daoist alchemical traditions. These entities are thought to cause illness, misfortune, and ultimately death if not properly controlled or expelled. The concept of the Three Corpses is deeply rooted in Chinese mythology and Daoist cosmology.
Origins and Beliefs[edit | edit source]
The idea of the Three Corpses originates from ancient Daoist texts such as the Baopuzi and the Zhuangzi. According to these texts, the Three Corpses are demonic entities that live inside the human body and report the misdeeds of the person to the Jade Emperor every 60 days. This reporting is believed to shorten the person's lifespan.
Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Each of the Three Corpses has a specific name and resides in a particular part of the body:
- Upper Corpse (上尸, Shàngshī): Resides in the head and is associated with causing mental disturbances and headaches.
- Middle Corpse (中尸, Zhōngshī): Dwells in the torso and is linked to digestive issues and internal organ problems.
- Lower Corpse (下尸, Xiàshī): Inhabits the lower abdomen and is connected to reproductive and excretory system disorders.
Practices for Expulsion[edit | edit source]
Daoist practitioners have developed various methods to control or expel the Three Corpses. These methods include:
- Fasting and Dietary Restrictions: Abstaining from certain foods believed to nourish the Three Corpses.
- Meditation and Visualization: Techniques to visualize the expulsion of the Three Corpses from the body.
- Rituals and Incantations: Performing specific rituals and reciting incantations to drive away these malevolent spirits.
Significance in Daoist Alchemy[edit | edit source]
In Daoist alchemy, the expulsion of the Three Corpses is considered essential for achieving immortality. The presence of these entities is believed to hinder the practitioner's progress in refining their qi and attaining spiritual enlightenment.
Related Concepts[edit | edit source]
The concept of the Three Corpses is related to other Daoist beliefs and practices, such as:
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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