San-i

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San-i (Chin., ‘the three ones’). Threefold action of the one Tao, derived from Lao-tzu 42. The creative three may be personified as the guardians of the inner fields of human life and energy; or they may be the Supreme One (Tʾai-i), the Earthly One (Ti-i), and the Heavenly One (Tʾien-i); or they may be mind (shen), vitality (chʾi), essence (ching).