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.
I. "Regarding food, it is best not to overeat." (食莫若無飽) — Moderation in Diet
"Regarding food, it is best not to overeat" means one should not overeat when consuming food.
Why start with diet$40 Because eating is the most basic physiological need and the most easily excessive desire. If a Dao cultivator cannot control their diet, how can they cultivate their mind-Qi$41
"Not overeat" does not mean not to eat, but not to eat to excess. This reflects a crucial principle in pre-Qin thought—the Middle Way (中道, zhōngdào), moderation. It is not asceticism but moderation of desires; not abstaining from food but avoiding overeating.
Laozi, Chapter Twelve, states "the five flavors numb the palate"—excessive eating (pursuing the five flavors) can lead to dulled taste buds and bodily imbalance.
Guanzi, Neiye, offers more detailed discussion elsewhere: "The Way of eating, in general: If overly full, it injures the body and the form does not retain nourishment; if overly sparse, the bones become dry and the blood stagnant. Between fullness and sparsity lies harmony and completion. Where essence resides, wisdom arises. If fullness and hunger deviate from the norm, then one makes plans accordingly. When full, one should move vigorously; when hungry, one should broaden one's thoughts; when old, one should think long-term. If not moving vigorously when full, Qi does not reach the extremities. If not broadening thoughts when hungry, one does not waste energy. If not thinking long-term when old, one will quickly collapse when distressed."
This passage elaborates on the moderation of diet: excessive fullness harms the body, and excessive hunger dries the bones and blood. Achieving a balance between fullness and sparsity is the optimal state for essence-Qi to reside and wisdom to arise. Furthermore, one should move vigorously when full, broaden thoughts when hungry, and think long-term when old—different states require different responses.