Chih2 Chinese term often translated as ‘will’. It refers to general goals in life as well as to more specific aims and intentions. Chih is supposed to pertain to the heart/mind (hsin) and to be something that can be set up and attained. It is sometimes compared in Chinese philosophical texts to aiming in archery, and is explained by some commentators as ‘directions of the heart/mind.’ Confucians emphasize the need to set up the proper chih to guide one’s behavior and way of life generally, while Taoists advocate letting oneself respond spontaneously to situations one is confronted with, free from direction by chih. See also CONFUCIANIS. K.-l.S.