A Critical Analysis of 'Shen' and 'Zhi' in the Core Passages of the Guanzi's 'Nei Ye' and an Inquiry into Pre-Qin Theories of Mind and Nature
This paper offers an in-depth interpretation of the central passage in the *Guanzi*'s 'Nei Ye'—'That which can transform one thing is called *Shen* (Spirit/Divine); that which can change one affair is called *Zhi* (Wisdom)'—systematically reviewing the philosophical concepts of *Shen*, *Zhi*, *Jing* (Essence), *Qi* (Vital Force), and the *Dao* in the Pre-Qin period to elucidate their pivotal role in self-cultivation and the integration of inner sageliness with outer kingship.
Section 1: Explication of the Original Text
"神明之极，照乎知万物，中义守不忒。不以物乱官，不以官乱心，是谓中得" (The apex of Spirit-Clarity (Shénmíng) allows one to illuminate and know all things; maintaining the righteousness of the Center without error. Not allowing external things to disrupt the senses, nor allowing the senses to disrupt the Mind—this is called Central Attainment (Zhōng Dé).)
This section discusses the state of "Central Attainment" (Zhōng Dé), which is a core element of the cultivation theory in the Neiye chapter.
"Shén míng zhī jí" (The apex of Spirit-Clarity)—"Shénmíng" refers to the illumination of spirit and clarity. "Jí" means the highest extent or apex. The whole phrase means: the highest state of spiritual illumination and clarity.
"Zhào hū zhī wànwù" (Illuminatingly knowing all things)—"Zhào" means to illuminate or reflect. "Hū" is a particle. The whole phrase means: one can illuminate and thus know all things.
"Zhōng yì shǒu bù tè" (Maintaining the righteousness of the Center without error)—"Zhōng yì" means the righteousness of the Center. "Shǒu" means to hold fast. "Bù tè" means without error or deviation. "Tè" appears in the Book of Odes, Greater Odes, Yi: "Ghosts and spirits truly fear; sun and moon do not err." The whole phrase means: The righteous principle of the Center is held unchangingly without error.
"Bù yǐ wù luàn guān" (Not allowing external things to disrupt the senses)—"Wù" means external things. "Guān" refers to the sensory organs (ears, eyes, nose, mouth, etc.). "Luàn" means to disrupt. The whole phrase means: Not allowing external things to disrupt the normal function of the sensory organs.
"Bù yǐ guān luàn xīn" (Nor allowing the senses to disrupt the Mind)—"Guān" refers to the sensory organs. "Xīn" refers to the spirit/mind. The whole phrase means: Not allowing sensory stimuli to disrupt the tranquility of the mind.
"Shì wèi zhōng dé" (This is called Central Attainment)—This is called Zhōng Dé. It means attaining the Dao within the inner core of the mind, or, the inner "Center" has attained stability.