Translating "靈道", acupuncture point HT-4
The reasoning for translating "靈道" as "Spirit's Path" from Chinese into English. This is the original name of acupuncture point HT-4 (Heart 4).
Explanation of the point name
This point helps to get one on the path of ones Ling spirit.
1st character
Meaning
靈 is the Ling spirit, the Yin aspect of the Heart (the Shen is the Yang aspect).
The concept of the Ling can be found in the Daodejing, chapter 39:
神得一以靈 … 神無以靈，將恐歇；
The Shen attains oneness through the Ling … Shen without Ling brings fearful withering away.
The author sees Ling as either 'being oneself' or the 'divine aspect of oneself', depending on the perspective.
Point names with 靈
For consistency in the translations, it is necessary to be aware of how the character is translated elsewhere. These are the point names it is in.
| HT-2 | 青靈 | Blue-Green Spirit |
| HT-4 | 靈道 | Spirit's Path |
| KI-24 | 靈墟 | Spiritual Wasteland |
| GB-18 | 承靈 | Informed by the Spirit |
| DU-10 | 靈臺 | Spirit Tower |
2nd character
Point names with 道
For consistency in the translations, it is necessary to be aware of how the character is translated elsewhere. These are the point names it is in.
| ST-28 | 水道 | Fluid Passage |
| HT-4 | 靈道 | Spirit's Path |
| GB-28 | 維道 | Holding the Path |
| DU-11 | 神道 | Path of the Heart |
| DU-13 | 陶道 | Pleasant Path |
Nearby points
Sometimes the names of consecutive points on a meridian are related. Being aware of nearby points can help to translate consistently in such a situation.
| HT-1 | 極泉 | Highest Source |
| HT-2 | 青靈 | Blue-Green Spirit |
| HT-3 | 少海 | Smallest Sea |
| HT-4 | 靈道 | Spirit's Path |
| HT-5 | 通里 | Passing Through the Village |
| HT-6 | 陰郄 | Yin Cleft |
| HT-7 | 神門 | Gate to the Heart |