shen
n. C / U C2 Proficiency US //ˈʃɛn// shen
n. a spirit or god in Chinese culture. It can refer to a person's soul or a divine being in the universe.
n. a spirit, god, or divine power in Chinese philosophy and religion. Refers to both the internal human spirit and external celestial beings.
The temple was built to honor the local shen.
In traditional Chinese medicine, maintaining the balance of shen is considered essential for mental clarity and emotional health.
The philosopher argued that the shen represents the most refined aspect of human existence, connecting the individual to the vast, numinous forces of the cosmos.
Usage
Often used as an uncountable concept in philosophy; functions as a countable noun when referring to specific deities.