The concept of a "heavenly contract" is something most practitioners may not consider when prescribing herbs. Others, though perhaps aware of it, might have been misled by poetic notions suggesting that herbs can somehow magically influence one's destiny. This motivated me to clarify these ideas and help distinguish between a scholar who writes beautiful words and a clinician who is driven by practical, evidence-based herbal medicine.
According to ancient medical wisdom, every person is given a contract—an agreement with the heavens that must be fulfilled during their lifetime. This contract is said to be stored in the heart, shaping one's thoughts, actions, and experiences throughout their life. If a person successfully completes the task laid out for them by the heavens (or a higher power/God), they will pass away in accordance with a natural, predetermined death. However, if they fail to fulfil this contract, they will encounter suffering and die an unnatural, non-predetermined death.
The Heart Governs Your Journey
The term "heart" often invites a straightforward definition, typically as the organ that pumps blood throughout the body. Yet, this definition only addresses the "physical heart," situated on the left side of the body. Here, we delve into the "spiritual heart," which metaphorically resides on the right side.
Ramana Maharshi (1879–1950) stated, “The physical organ is on the left; that is not denied. But the Heart of which I speak is non-physical and is on the right side. This Heart is spiritual and is the centre of all.” The Old Testament, Ecclesiastes 10:2 further explains, “The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.”
In various philosophical traditions, the heart transcends its biological function. In ancient Chinese philosophy, it is regarded as the organ of thinking, understanding, reasoning, and feeling—the central faculty of cognition. The Guanzi, attributed to Guanzi (725–645 BC), asserts that a baby in the womb “Takes shape in four months and is born in nine months; after birth, the eyes will see, the ears will hear, and the heart will think.”
Confucius (Kongzi, 551–479 BC) further elucidates this in a conversation with his grandson Zisi, who asks how one can discern the truth among the various shapes and kinds of objects. Confucius replies, “Through the heart.” He asserts that the heart’s mind is regarded as holy; through reasoning, the heart seeks to understand the complexities of existence, thus avoiding confusion. It possesses a sacred quality due to its capacity for insight and understanding.
Mencius(Mengzi, 372–289 BC), a key figure in Confucianism, also emphasises that the heart is a divine gift, yet its preservation is a conscious effort. Only the“great men” truly cultivate their hearts, while “petty men” neglect this duty.
Thus, the heart emerges not only as a physical organ but as a profound symbol of our mental and spiritual faculties, guiding our understanding and connection to our intended role and heavenly mandate.
Obstructions, Herbs, and Destiny
Any deviation from one’s intended path is caused by an obstruction in the form of a disease toxin. This impediment, often caused by an undisciplined lifestyle or a significant life event, if left untreated, leads to incorrect thoughts and actions. This results in altered life choices and experiences that deviate from the original, prearranged course.
As this downward trajectory gains momentum, it generates a series of problems that were not part of one’s intended journey. Yet, each challenge serves as an opportunity for self-correction, allowing individuals to realign with their preordained life path.
A common and recognisable issue is the impact of undisciplined dietary habits. When one consumes excessive amounts of food, particularly those high in fats or sugars, the body responds with various signs and symptoms. Primarily, an intestinal obstruction, which creates fullness in the upper epigastrium that puts pressure on the heart and increases the heart rate; causing vexation, agitation, restlessness, food intolerances, inability to eat, excessive sweating, or even insomnia. These manifestations signal that such behaviours are unsuitable, and correction is required.
The Role of a Medical Doctor
The role of a medical practitioner is to understand and connect these indications—like piecing together a complex puzzle. Each symptom represents a clue, and the doctor’s responsibility is to ensure that each piece fits with the others, allowing them to interpret the body’s story. The practitioner must then align herbs and formula structures accordingly to clear the obstruction and restore natural function, harmony, and peace. This approach reflects the true intention behind ancient formula structures and how they are used according to formula-disease patterns.
Todo Yoshimasu states: “In my humble opinion, peace means removing obstacles. The role of a king is to maintain peace for his people by removing disorder and corruption. The role of a medical doctor is to maintain peace for their patients by removing obstructed disease toxins.”
Therefore, just as you cannot nourish the body with herbs alone, you cannot nurture another’s destiny. Only by clearing obstructions can you help lead others to authentic thoughts and actions. In this light, the role of a medical doctor becomes clear: to identify physical and mental deviations and restore balance so that one is again governed by their heart.
It is crucial for both medical doctors and herbalists to also recognise that life and death are intricately connected to this contract. That ancient formula structures are the only way to separate natural predetermined death from an unnatural non-predetermined death. Their role is to understand any deviation according to a disease presentation and correct it with utmost skill. This ability, perhaps only achieved through mastery in the art of medicine, is something that we must all strive toward to ensure we do our best for those who seek our help. Only then can a doctor be measured as complete.
Todo Yoshimasu adds: “The role of a medical doctor is to identify this obstruction and eliminate it to restore natural function. A doctor who understands this rule can restore life and prevent further pain, suffering, and unnatural death. Only when you completely devote yourself to the art of medicine can insight and mastery follow.”
For more information regarding this subject, please visit our TEAM™ YouTube channel or Podcast.
