An Analysis of 'Shen' and 'Zhi' in the Core Passage of Guanzi: Neiye, and an Inquiry into Pre-Qin Philosophy of Mind and Human Nature
This article offers a deep reading of the core passage in the Guanzi: Neiye — 'That which can transform a single thing is called shen (spirit); that which can adapt to a single affair is called zhi (wisdom)' — systematically tracing the philosophical categories of shen, zhi, jing, qi, and dao in the pre-Qin era, elucidating their pivotal role in the cultivation of mind and character and in the Way of inner sageliness and outer kingliness, striving to recover the original intent of the ancients.
Chapter Nine: "The Utmost of Spiritual Illumination Shines Forth and Knows All Things" to "This Is Called Attaining the Center"
"The utmost of spiritual illumination" -- the highest state of the spirit's illuminating power.
"Shines forth and knows all things" -- a "mirror-like" mode of cognition. The Zhuangzi: Ying di wang: "The Perfect Person uses the mind like a mirror: it does not pursue, it does not welcome; it responds but does not store."
"Not allowing things to disorder the senses; not allowing the senses to disorder the mind" -- the cognitive chain Things -> Senses -> Mind must operate in order.
"Attaining the center" (zhong de) means: in the innermost center of the mind, the Dao is attained. The Dao is not outside; it resides in the center of the mind.