Cherandi Shiatsu Therapy, LLC - a ClassPass Partner

Body, Mind, and Soul Connection

In Buddhist philosophy, specifically within the Yogacara (Mind-Only) school and Nichiren Buddhism, the 8th and 9th consciousnesses represent the deepest layers of human life and the universe.

The 8th Consciousness: Alaya-vijnana (Storehouse/Karmic Consciousness)

- Definition: It is the repository where all karmic actions—positive, negative, and neutral—are stored as "seeds" (bijas) from previous lives and actions.
- Function: It is sometimes called the "CPU" of the mind, as it processes information from the first seven consciousnesses and shapes an individual's perception of life, including their environment, circumstances, and personal traits.
- Nature: It is subtle and continuous, enduring from one life to the next, which makes it the foundation of reincarnation.
- Transformation: In enlightenment, this consciousness is transformed into "mirror-like wisdom," reflecting reality as it is without distortion.

The 9th Consciousness: Amala-vijnana (Pure/Amala Consciousness)

- Definition: It is the "pure" or "spotless" consciousness, a concept often emphasized in Nichiren Buddhism to signify the ultimate, unchanging reality.
- Function: It serves as the core of life, unaffected by karmic impurities. It is often equated with the universal Buddha nature.
- Nature: While the 8th consciousness holds karmic seeds, the 9th is the deeper, immutable nature that can transform these seeds. It is ultimate reality.
- Transformation: Accessing the 9th consciousness allows an individual to transform the deepest, most difficult karma stored in the 8th consciousness, resulting in an awakened, fully enlightened state.

Is there a 10th Consciousness?

In standard Buddhist philosophy, consciousness is generally classified into six, seven, or eight levels, with some schools (like Nichiren) adding a ninth. While there is no universally defined "10th consciousness," some traditions use "Ten Worlds" or "Ten Stages of Mind" that resemble a 10th-level concept, which refers to the highest stage of enlightenment or mental development (Buddhahood or a 10th Bhūmi) in certain Mahayana schools rather than a separate "type" of consciousness.

- Kukai’s 10 Stages of Mind: Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, classified ten stages of consciousness development, placing the esoteric Shingon teachings of the "Buddha" or total enlightenment at the 10th and highest stage.
- 10 Bhumis (Stages): The 10th bhūmi, or "Cloud of Dharma," is a very advanced stage of a Bodhisattva's development, often interpreted as the highest stage of wisdom, as explained in the Avatamsaka Sutra.

The parable of the blind men and the elephant

Often cited in Buddhist and Dharmic traditions, it illustrates that humans, like the monks or men in the story, can only perceive partial truths based on their limited perspectives. No single person sees the whole, leading to subjective, yet incomplete, understandings of reality.

Key Aspects of the Parable:

- Scenario: Several blind men (or monks/brothers) touch different parts of an elephant to understand what it is.
- Misconceptions: The one touching the side thinks it's a wall; the leg feels like a tree; the trunk seems like a snake; the tail feels like a rope, etc..
- Conflict: Each man believes his perspective is the absolute truth, leading to arguments.
- Lesson: The story teaches that each person has a partial view, and only by combining these perspectives can a closer understanding of the whole truth be achieved.

Does the brain and the mind have consciousness?

In Buddhism, the brain is not a manifestation of the 5th consciousness; rather, it is considered part of the first aggregate, "form" (rūpa), which acts as a physical basis for consciousness. The 5th consciousness generally refers to the sensory consciousnesses (visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile). The brain is then a physical organ rather than consciousness itself, the 5th consciousness being often defined as the awareness linked to the five senses—seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching.

The 6th consciousness in Buddhism is mind consciousness (manovijñāna), which acts as the center for processing thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Unlike the first five sensory consciousnesses, it integrates these inputs into a coherent, conceptual picture of reality and makes judgments about the external world.

The 7th consciousness in Buddhism, known as Manas-vijnana (or Manas), is the "polluted" or "defiled mental consciousness" responsible for the ego, self-attachment, and conceptual thinking. As the bridge between the 6th consciousness (cognition) and the eighth (storehouse), it continuously misperceives the eighth consciousness as a permanent, solid self.

Traditional Chinese Medicine's Vision

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the Mind (not the brain) is then a manifestation of our Ethereal soul, our spirituality, and lives with the Heart in the Fire Element, expressing from there our dearest beliefs and sentiments. And in the circadian cycle of Nature the Wood Element houses the Ethereal soul and is considered the mother of the Fire Element, so, the mother of our childlike Heart, (and Mind). The bodily systems, including the brain, live in Metal Element that houses our Corporeal soul, keeping us persistently and stubbornly in a surviving mode, even when relentlessly attacked by evil forces, coming from a morally corrupt soul.

It is a well known concept in TCM that when the child is sick we must treat the mother, so when the Mind is sick we should treat the Soul, aiming for a better pattern of harmony (and health) among the Five elements, a deep and very complex harmony conceived and followed by Nature, one unreachable by the Mind, let alone the brain.

The brain and the mind can manifest very distinct symptoms of illness and stem from equally distinct causes. The brain, like any other organ in the human body, can be physically affected by diseases that inflict severe consequences upon other organs or energy meridians within the body. Conversely—and in the same vein—ailments affecting other organs or energy meridians can give rise to cerebral disorders.

The mind, for its part, tends to be associated with symptoms of psychological and emotional imbalance—arising from traumas and karmic imprints of the soul—which are not necessarily linked to physical cerebral symptoms, yet can have equally severe repercussions for every system of the human body; and here, too, the converse holds true. And, evidently, the brain and the mind can exert mutual influence upon one another; this interplay renders the symptoms of so-called mental illnesses even more complex, potentially compromising the entire energetic equilibrium—and, consequently, the physical, mental, and spiritual health—of the human being.

One must strive to care for and treat human (mother) Nature in a holistic and integrated manner—with the wisdom and faith that, by doing so, Nature itself will know how to redistribute the energies She receives—be they physical, emotional, or spiritual—in the most balanced way possible across all five elements of the human constitution, thereby restoring true health: that which originates from the perfect integration of the human being with their own intrinsic Nature.

The brain and the mind can manifest very distinct symptoms of illness and stem from equally distinct causes. The brain, like any other organ in the human body, can be physically affected by diseases that inflict severe consequences upon other organs or energy meridians within the body. Conversely—and in the same vein—diseases affecting other organs or energy meridians can give rise to cerebral disorders.

The mind, for its part, tends to be associated with symptoms of psychological and emotional imbalance—arising from traumas and karmic imprints of the soul—which are not necessarily linked to physical cerebral symptoms, yet can have equally severe consequences for all systems of the human body; and here, too, the converse holds true. And, evidently, the brain and the mind can influence one another; this mutual interaction renders the symptoms of so-called mental illnesses even more complex, potentially compromising the entire energetic equilibrium—and, consequently, the physical, mental, and spiritual health—of the human being.

One should seek to care for and treat human Nature in a holistic and integrated manner, with the wisdom and faith that, by doing so, Nature itself will know how to redistribute the energies it receives—be they physical, emotional, or spiritual—in the most balanced way possible across all five elements of the human being, thereby re-establishing true health: a state born of the perfect integration of the human being with their own intrinsic nature.

It may be that, one day in the distant future, human rationality—along with cerebral functions and the resulting scientific inquiry—will come to prove that traditional Eastern medicines, and even Buddhist teachings, are merely the products of a mythology and mysticism belonging to a historical era not yet illuminated by scientific evidence. And, evidently, it will never be possible to scientifically prove that human Nature - the unity of human body, soul and spirit - can be fully understood, treated, and enlightened solely through rationality, without the essential complement of spirituality and wisdom. Well, only time will tell.

Scientific research on human health

Scientific research across all fields of human health has undeniably intensified and deepened significantly over the past few decades; more recently, it has been discovered that the brain possesses important ramifications and interactions with the organs and tissues of the human body. Indeed, the concept that the guts may, in fact, serve as a "second brain" is already gaining traction—meaning that the "brain" of the guts is indelibly associated with, and interconnected to, complex mental functions.

In light of these new findings, it is often suggested—albeit not always in a strictly structured manner adhering to scientific rigor—that individuals adopt specific techniques, procedures, and activities aimed at maintaining their good health. Such recommendations serve, essentially, as reminders of what health professionals consider an ideal standard; at the very least, they should ensure a sense of success for those who adopt them.

Prominent among these elements are: dietary diversity, a regular sleep schedule, genuine personal relationships or connections, regular physical exercise, stress recovery, the pursuit of a life purpose, exposure to morning light, dedicating time to relaxation, among others, and—naturally—undergoing routine medical check-ups to verify that the body is functioning within expected parameters, as evidenced by laboratory and imaging results. The brain and the mind are unfortunately much more difficult to check-up, as what it means a healthy brain and mind is not so easily parameterized, so the body tests end up being used as a solid parameter of good overall health.

And if necessary, medical interventions, medications, surgeries will come to rescue the body, its brain and mind, helping to restore the scientific yet-to-be-proven balance, while Nature assists astonishingly the total disrespect and human ignorance of the dharma, and of all levels of consciousness that govern and deeply keep connected, in perfect harmony and balance, the body, mind and soul of human real beings.

, , ,

What To Know About the Gut-Brain Connection Find out what your brain and gut talk about all day, and how this friendship could affect your health.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cherandi_activity-7402160871785046016-Omg_?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAMFWfYBnkiAicFvEvyOg3syNIy3QhVZsOA

Francisco Eduardo M. posted on LinkedIn Francisco Eduardo M. posted images on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cherandi_cherandis-best-of-2025-award-activity-7410023659060252672-dzbb?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAMFWfYBnkiAicFvEvyOg3syNIy3QhVZsOA

Cherandi's BEST of 2025 Award | Francisco Eduardo M. It is with immense satisfaction and gratitude that I share with all of you a wonderful end-of-year gift I received from my clients/patients, the result of numerous gratifying, encouraging, sincere, and inspiring ratings and reviews on both the Google and ClassPass' platforms. This is the result of m...

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cherandi_your-gut-isnt-just-digesting-food-its-activity-7410794269281574912-OGyx?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAMFWfYBnkiAicFvEvyOg3syNIy3QhVZsOA

www.linkedin.com

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cherandi_chakras-areenergy-centersin-your-body-activity-7414686634757173248-Q8VZ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAMFWfYBnkiAicFvEvyOg3syNIy3QhVZsOA

"Chakras are energy centers in your body. Vibrational vortexes that pull in energy from around you and push your energy outward. They're the bridge between your physical body and everything else -… | Francisco Eduardo M. "Chakras are energy centers in your body. Vibrational vortexes that pull in energy from around you and push your energy outward. They're the bridge between your physical body and everything else - emotions, thoughts, spirit, all of it. A balanced chakra processes energy cleanly. No blockages, no int...

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cherandi_too-much-sugar-in-your-blood-dr-david-perlmutter-activity-7420254002681954304-sDRv?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAMFWfYBnkiAicFvEvyOg3syNIy3QhVZsOA

Too much sugar in your blood? Dr. David Perlmutter warns that it leads microglia, brain cells that normally protect, to become attackers. “When our blood sugar elevates, it tends to change our… | Francisco Eduardo M. Too much sugar in your blood? Dr. David Perlmutter warns that it leads microglia, brain cells that normally protect, to become attackers. “When our blood sugar elevates, it tends to change our brain’s immune system away from being supportive and loving, if you will.” https://lnkd.in/gDp96G_u

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cherandi_mental-illness-doesnt-come-from-nowhere-activity-7424536971005489152-nzK2?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAMFWfYBnkiAicFvEvyOg3syNIy3QhVZsOA

Nurturing and preserving an emotionally healthy spirituality can prevent most of all these complex symptoms to happen and develop, symptoms that have in common, Yin and Yang energies imbalances… | Francisco Eduardo M. Nurturing and preserving an emotionally healthy spirituality can prevent most of all these complex symptoms to happen and develop, symptoms that have in common, Yin and Yang energies imbalances, alerting us of patterns of disharmony affecting the 5 Elements of our Life, our own Nature.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cherandi_the-mirror-of-the-wild-what-healing-has-activity-7431389121257897984-O0VR?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAMFWfYBnkiAicFvEvyOg3syNIy3QhVZsOA

All expressions of Nature are beautiful, carrying and transmitting a feeling of beauty, captured and emotionally shared by all sentient beings. Our inner beauty is an expression of Nature, our own… | Francisco Eduardo M. All expressions of Nature are beautiful, carrying and transmitting a feeling of beauty, captured and emotionally shared by all sentient beings. Our inner beauty is an expression of Nature, our own Nature, everyOne's Nature. When we are with Nature this blessed connection should be the most important...

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cherandi_brains-cleaning-system-reveals-dementia-activity-7433867459188830208-W1jI?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAMFWfYBnkiAicFvEvyOg3syNIy3QhVZsOA

Glymphatic System: Brain's Waste Removal Mechanism | Francisco Eduardo M. posted on the topic | LinkedIn "The glymphatic system is a recently discovered, brain-wide network that acts as a waste removal mechanism, primarily functioning during deep sleep. It uses cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to wash away metabolic waste—including Alzheimer's-related amyloid-beta proteins—through perivascular channels fo...

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cherandi_classpass-integrativemedicine-traditionalorientalmedicine-activity-7441250792747114496-HjB9?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAMFWfYBnkiAicFvEvyOg3syNIy3QhVZsOA

Sharing with comments the video "What are environmental toxins doing to women’s hormones?" | Francisco Eduardo M. , , ,