03/19/2025
In Japan, the symbol for kokoro (心) represents both heart and mind, which are viewed as unified and undivided. It can also mean "spirit" or essence. This understanding is rooted in Chinese & Buddhist philosophy, where xīn (心) means both "heart" and "mind" as an inseparable consciousness.
In Confucianism & Taoism, the heart-mind (心) is often regarded as the seat of thought, emotion, and moral wisdom. In Taoist philosophy, the ideal is to cultivate a calm heart-mind, free of excessive desires and negative emotions, so one can move in harmony with Nature and the Universal Tao.
In Buddhism, a balanced heart-mind (心) is how we express and align with our intrinsic Buddha Nature. The historical Buddha taught that four qualities of the heart-mind (loving-kindness, compassion, tranquility and joy) are the source of human wisdom, balance and happiness.
In most Asian cultures, to think of the mind (intellect, reasoning) as residing only in our heads and separate from the heart (emotion, intuition) would be like describing the hands as divided from the body.
They represent different intelligences, but are meant to flow together naturally as a unified whole. Wisdom arises when the heart-mind is in alignment, ignorance is when our kokoro (心) is divided or in conflict.
~Christopher Chase
Fukuoka, Japan
Kokoro (心) image co-created with Mizuho Chase (my daughter-in-law).
