Philosophical and Psychological Theories within Middle Kingdom

Middle Kingdom has several undercurrents. Some are subtle, some are obvious, but all are based on factual history, beliefs and known philosophies.

Middle kingdom, The Three Descendants will also introduce you to both Eastern and Western thought. I believe this is the first time a story has blended Western psychology from the 1920's with ancient Confucian, Buddhist and Folk thought. The results are captivating.

Below is a list of the obvious philosophies used and explored in the series. If you really read the book and analyse it, you will see traces of other philosophies, but it is nice to keep this a secret.

The Shadow Self

The shadow self is both a philosophical and psychological concept. It is psychological in the fact that everyone has a ‘shadow self’, made up of their less acceptable traits, instincts and manners; Yet this side of our character is unconsciously suppressed by the more rational part of the brain. It does so to both avoid trouble and protect our self. Psychologists have likened this trait to the human animal, wherein times of need the instincts that modern society has long disabled, would take over, allowing the conscious self to enter a form of auto pilot.

Some people also believe the shadow self is just a heightened, more extreme version of ourselves. If we are naturally brutal we will be more brutal. If we are naturally clever, we will become more clever. But the capacity of this entry to the shadow self is bought around by a trigger. It is rumored that the assassins of Yuan Dynasty mastered the shadow self, performing ceremonies to first enter this version of themselves, before going onto conduct ugly, but undetected killings in this possessed state.

Modern psychologists from both the East and West have recommenced study into this concept. Some even going so far as to say you can harness your shadow and use it to achieve your goals.

Astro-projection

Astro or astral projection is when a person, through sleep or meditation travels via an out of body experience. It is described as the conscience becoming separated from the human vessel and entering the ‘astral plane.’ With no scientific backing this manner of travel or meditation has been named a pseudo science, yet the accounts of such activities date back thousands of years. It was first described by elders who followed Taosit beliefs.

Aura

The term aura in effect means the unseen but felt energy around a person, object or area. In spiritualism it is the life force, or again, the energy around all living things.

Chakra

Supposedly there are 7 energy centres of the body. They flow from the cranium to the tail bone. Many believe this chakras can become blocked and prevent the free flow of energy around the body.

Neidan - Spiritual Alchemy

I am not a spiritual person, but this is one of the most interesting taoist spiritual practices I have ever studied. Neiden is a collection of doctrines and practices used to prolong the life of a humans soul and allow them to grow internally. Mental, spirtual, sexual, cosmological and meditation practices allow one to reach a unification with the Tao. The mystery, myths and stories related to Taoism and it's practices continue to inspire Middle Kingdom and perplex me.

Ambrosia

The food and drink consumed by the ancient Greek Gods. It is the food that must be consumed when in the shadow self in MK.

Yellow River Theory

refers to two trains of thought. The first is the ancient Chinese people believed the yellow river to be a continuation of the milkyway, connecting them to heaven. The second being that the remains of an ancient civilization here was one of humanities first to use tools and grow as a community.

Peaches of Immortality

In ancient Chinese myhtology only the immortals were able or capable of eating these Peaches. The systems and thoughts inspired from this concept are quite literally numerous, so much so that even today the symbol of a peach is lucky in China.

Dual Worlds - Spectrum of Reality

Every major fantasy series is set in a double or parrallel world. Typically it is one where the facts of the life in which we all live, are altered or not the same in some way. Many people, specifically those who have taken mind altering substances have described a spirit realm, or world set in our own, but on a slightly different spectrum. It has been argued that this is where sightings of ghosts come from... but let's save that for Middle Kingdom Book 5.

Reincarnation

Reincanration is the belief that the soul of a person can come back in another form depending on the life they lived. The thoughts, decisions and actions all impact the next life's body, spirit and form.

Mercury from an Ancient Perspective

Mercury plays an integral part to the story of Middle Kingdom. This is liquid mercury played an integral part to ancient China. Once it's properties of being poisonous were known it haswas in warfare. Before it's properties were know, and perhaps more importantly than this, Mercury was used as an elixir for life.

The first Qin Emperor consumed mercury. It is believed his tomb is guarded by a river of mercury. Mercury can be traced to many of the pivotel moments in Chinese history, and not in trace amounts!

Astrology and Astronomy

The history of astronomy and astrology in China is not widely known in th world we live in today, but is is incredibly interesting. Looking back at historical fact we can begin to see the peak of ancient human curiosity and ingenuity. I believe the steps made to make star maps, astrological clocks and weather systems are some off humanities greatest inventions, which led me to incorporate the most interesting (but suprisingly well hidden) back stories into Middle Kingdom.

Buddhism

Chances are you or someoneyou know follow this belief. It is intriguing from a non-believers perspective specifically toward the more mystical and historical branches of the faith/belief/culture. It is only explored in this sense in Middle Kingdom, with even more of a focus on the Buddhists and their practices in dynasty era China.

Chinese Folk Religions

Before Buddhism spread across Asia, much of China held a very different kind of belief, with only a few surviving pockets of those who believe in the folk religions around today. They are numerous and vary in their system of worship, morality, belief and all else. Middle Kingdom really delves into the most interesting of these historical faiths, depending on which era, location and mission our three main characters face.

Seiobu

An ancient Chinese spirit that often took the form of an old lady (A Witch). Particularly harsh and malicious, these spirits were a genuine fear for many in the old days. Numerous accounts of ancient Chinese travelers documenting their encounters with brutal old ladies may have provided the inspiration for such tales. Often the old crones had been rejected or outlawed, only to survive by charging tolls on bridges, robbing or committing scams.?

Immortality

All of have thought about it at least once. In times of old, more than a few of us have become possessed with the idea of living forever. We now know, only medicine, science, health and wellness can prolong human life. In the old days, especially in China a sense of the afterlife was more fluid and diverse. This allowed the concept of immortality to become a goal for more than a few ancient emperors. Middle Kingdom is build on this historical addiction with a unique and interesting use of mercury, mystical caves and the recently discovered immortal jellyfish.

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If you have even the faintest interest in any of these topics then you will certainly enjoy Middle Kingdom. This article does not do the series justice in explaining how these elements work together to form the overall concept.

Link to Paperback and Kindle Version avaialable on Amazon within the cover, simply click it.

Book 1 - Cover