"Memory [Zhi] indicates Intellect with a capacity for storing [data]".44(210)

In the second sense, the Kidneys house Will-Power which indicates drive, determination,
single-mindedness in the pursuit of goals and motivation. Zhang Jie Bin says in the "Classic of
Categories": "When one thinks of something, decides on it and then acts on it, this is called
Will-Power [Zhi]".45(211)

Thus if the Kidneys are strong, the Will-Power is strong and the person will have drive and
determination in the pursuit of goals. If the Kidneys are depleted and the Will-Power weakened,
the person will lack drive and initiative, will be easily discouraged and swayed from his or her
aims. A deficiency of the Kidneys and Will-Power is an important aspect of chronic depression.

The Will-Power must be coordinated with the Mind, just as, on a physiological level, the
Kidneys and Heart must communicate. The Will-Power is the basis for the Mind and the Mind
directs the Will-Power. If the Mind is clear in its aims and plans, and the Will-Power is strong,
then the person will have the drive to pursue goals. Thus it is necessary for both Will-Power and
Mind to be strong. The Mind may be clear in its objectives, but if the Will-Power is weak, the
person will have no drive to realize such objectives. Conversely, the Will-Power may be strong,
but if the Mind is confused, the force of Will-Power will only become destructive.

The Effect of the Emotions on the Mind and Spirit

Emotions are mental stimuli which influence our affective life. Under normal circumstances,
they are not a cause of disease. Hardly any human being can avoid being angry, sad, aggrieved,
worried, or afraid at some time in his or her life. For example, the death of a relative provokes a
very natural feeling of grief. However, we should not identify our mental and spiritual life with
our emotional life. It is perfectly possible to be alive and lively without being overburdened by
excessive emotions which disturb the mind. The Buddhist practice in seeking enlightenment, for
example, is precisely designed to quieten the mind and to render it oblivious to emotional stimuli
which only agitate it. But the Buddhist picture of an enlightened being is not that of a boring
robot-like person, but rather a vibrant, lively and even jovial person who can mix with people
normally.

Emotions become causes of disease only when they are excessive or prolonged or both. For
example, hardly anyone can avoid being angry sometimes, but a temporary state of anger does
not lead to disease. However, if a person is constantly angry about a certain situation in life for
many years, this emotion will definitely disturb the Mind and cause disease.

Although emotions are a definite cause of disease, they also have a healthy counterpart. The
same mental energy which produces and "nurtures" excessive emotions, can be used and directed
towards creative and fulfilling aims. Thus each emotion (as a cause of disease) is only one side