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.
IV. Ancient Perspective: The Threefold Nature of the Dao and the Virtue of Heaven and Earth
From an ancient perspective, these three natures are not arbitrary creations but observations and summaries of the virtues of Heaven and Earth.
The Book of Documents, in the "Great Plan" (洪範), records Ji Zi presenting the "Nine Categories" (九疇) to King Wu. Among them is the discussion of the operational principles of the Dao of Heaven and Earth. "Hong Fan" means great law, the fundamental law that ancient sage kings followed in governing the world. The "Five Elements" (五行) discussed therein describe the pervasive operation of the Dao of Heaven and Earth—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth each have their nature, each follows its own Way, circulating endlessly without omission.
I Ching, "Appended Phrases" (繫辭), Part I, states: "The I Ching is comparable to Heaven and Earth; therefore, it can encompass the Dao of Heaven and Earth." "Encompass" (彌綸) means pervasive and without omission. It also states: "Vast indeed is the I Ching! If spoken of regarding distance, it is boundless; if spoken of regarding proximity, it is tranquil and correct; if spoken of regarding the space between Heaven and Earth, it is complete." This "vastness" is "expansive and leisurely," "tranquil and correct" is "firm and unshakeable," and "complete" is "pervasive and meticulous."
Thus, the threefold nature of the Dao discussed in Neiye is, in fact, a highly refined summary by pre-Qin thinkers of the operational principles of Heaven and Earth, rather than an arbitrary invention.