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.
III. Examples from Pre-Qin History
Example 1: Duke Huan of Qi and Guan Zhong
Guanzi, Xiao Kuang (小匡), recounts Duke Huan of Qi's appointment of Guan Zhong. Guan Zhong was originally an advisor to Prince Gongzi Jiu and had even shot Duke Huan (then Prince Xiaobai) with an arrow, nearly killing him. However, after ascending the throne, Duke Huan, following Bao Shuya's advice, disregarded past grievances and formally welcomed Guan Zhong, appointing him Prime Minister.
Duke Huan approached Guan Zhong with "good Qi," and Guan Zhong, moved by his sincerity, assisted him wholeheartedly. Guoyu, "Conversations of Qi" (齊語), records Guan Zhong's governance: "He reformed old laws, selected the good ones, and put them into practice." The trust between Duke Huan and Guan Zhong far surpassed that of ordinary rulers and ministers, truly fitting the description "more intimate than siblings."
Example 2: King Zhou's Bad Qi
The Book of Documents, "Speech at Mu" (牧誓), records King Wu's proclamation before attacking Zhou: "Now, King Zhou of Shang, hearken only to the words of his women, neglecting his ancestral sacrifices and not replying. Neglecting his uncles and brothers, and not following them. He esteems and exalts the many wicked fugitives from all quarters, trusts them and employs them, making them his Great Officers and ministers, thus causing them to be tyrannical towards the people and to commit villainy in the city of Shang."
King Zhou treated others with "bad Qi"—he ignored the words of loyal ministers, trusted wicked sycophants, and was tyrannical towards the people. The result was widespread rebellion, and even his own troops turned against him. The Book of Documents, "The Announcement of Wu" (武成), states: "The vanguard turned their weapons and attacked those behind them, causing them to flee. Thus, the king's troops attacked their own forces." This is an extreme depiction of "Bad Qi approaching a person is more harmful than enemy soldiers."
Example 3: Duke Wen of Jin's "Good Qi"
The Zuo Zhuan, in the twenty-eighth year of Duke Xi, records Duke Wen of Jin's "retreating three hundred li" (退避三舍) to repay Marquis Cheng of Chu for having sheltered him years before. This act, seemingly a concession, actually gained the allegiance of the various feudal lords. As a result, at the Battle of Chengpu, Jin forces achieved a great victory, and Duke Wen subsequently became the hegemon of the feudal lords.
Duke Wen treated Chu with "good Qi" (retreating three hundred li), treated his own soldiers with "good Qi" (having righteous cause), and treated the feudal lords with "good Qi" (upholding trust and righteousness). Therefore, he was able to establish hegemony after one battle. This is the manifestation of "Good Qi approaching a person is more intimate than siblings" on the level of state governance.