A Dialectical Analysis of the Tripartite Qualities of 'Dao' in the Guanzi: Intricacy, Expansion, and Solidity
This paper provides an in-depth interpretation of the opening discourse on 'Dao' in the *Guanzi: Neiye*, analyzing the connotations and dialectical unity of its tripartite qualities: 'intricacy necessitates density, expansion necessitates ease, and solidity necessitates firmness.' It further explores their significance for self-cultivation and mental governance within the context of Pre-Qin and ancient thought.
V. Related Discussions by Other Pre-Qin Thinkers
Zhuangzi, "The Great and Venerable Teacher," describes stages of Dao cultivation: "Shedding limbs and body, divesting himself of intellect, departing from form and knowledge, becoming one with the Great Unity—this is called sitting and forgetting." When form and knowledge are transcended, one becomes one with the "Great Unity"—this "Great Unity" is another expression of "the acme of vital energy."
Zhuangzi, "Under Heaven" (天下), discusses the various schools of thought: "Those who do not depart from essence are called Shenren (神人, Spirit-like persons)." "Jing" (精) is vital energy; "Shen" (神) is like spirit. Those who do not depart from vital energy are Shenren—this is completely consistent with Neiye's "Grasping Qi as if it were Shen" and "the acme of vital energy."
Xunzi, Ban Bi (解蔽), states: "How does the mind know$28 It answers: By emptiness, unity, and stillness... Emptiness, unity, and stillness are called Great Clarity. All things have form yet are not seen; they are seen yet not discussed; they are discussed yet not lose their place." Xunzi uses "Great Clarity" (大清明) to describe the cognitive ability when the mind reaches a state of "emptiness, unity, and stillness"—all things appear and are correctly understood. This state is highly similar to the cognitive realm reached by "the acme of vital energy" in Neiye.
However, Xunzi's line of reasoning leans towards epistemology, while Neiye's leans towards practice. Xunzi asks "How does the mind know$29" while Neiye asks "How to cultivate vital energy to reach its acme$30" The two complement each other.