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. Multiple Meanings of "Keep the whole mind within" (全心在中)
These four characters, seemingly simple, contain multiple layers of meaning:
First Layer: Spatial Meaning. "Zhong" (中) refers to the center of the body. In pre-Qin times, people believed the heart was located in the center of the body and was the core organ that governed the entire system. Guanzi, Xinshu Shang, states: "The mind's position in the body is like the position of a ruler. The functions of the nine orifices are like the divisions of officials." The mind's position in the body is like the ruler's position in court—in the center, governing.
Second Layer: Cultivation Meaning. "Keep the whole mind within" means to maintain the mind's completeness, focus, and centeredness without deviation. Guanzi, Neiye, also states: "Rectify the mind within, and all things will fall into place." "Rectify" (正, zhèng) means to be unbiased. If the mind leans towards one side (or leans towards joy, anger, sorrow, or fear), it cannot be "whole" or "in the center."
Third Layer: Philosophical Meaning. "Zhong" (中) holds a supremely important position in pre-Qin thought. The Book of Documents, "The Great Plan," records Shun's instruction to Yu: "The human mind is perilous; the Dao-mind is subtle. Be diligent and unified; sincerely hold to the center." This is the later-known "Sixteen-Character Mind Transmission." "Sincerely hold to the center" (允執厥中) directly aligns with the intent of "keeping the whole mind within."