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 4: "Not allowing external things to disrupt the senses, nor allowing the senses to disrupt the Mind" — Establishing Cognitive Order
"Not allowing external things to disrupt the senses, nor allowing the senses to disrupt the Mind" (Bù yǐ wù luàn guān, bù yǐ guān luàn xīn)—these two phrases reveal a crucial cognitive order:
Things (Wù) → Senses (Guān) → Mind (Xīn)
External things enter the mind via the sensory organs. This is a cognitive chain flowing from outside to inside.
Normally, this chain should operate orderly: External Things → Senses (normal reception) → Mind (correct judgment).
However, if any link in the chain malfunctions, confusion results:
- "Allowing things to disrupt the senses" (Yǐ wù luàn guān)—Excessive stimulation by external things disturbs the normal function of the sensory organs. The Laozi, Chapter 12, describes this: "The five colors make men's eyes blind; the five notes make men's ears deaf; the five flavors make men's palates dull..." This is the concrete expression of "allowing things to disrupt the senses."
- "Allowing the senses to disrupt the mind" (Yǐ guān luàn xīn)—Sensory stimulation agitates the mind’s tranquility. For example, being captivated by the sensory input of sights and sounds causes the mind to become restless, losing its judgment and subjectivity. The Guanzi, Xinshu Shang states: "When the Mind occupies its proper Dao, the nine orifices follow order. If desires and cravings become excessive, the eyes do not see colors, and the ears do not hear sounds." When desire overflows, the sensory disorder conversely disturbs the Mind.
The method for "Not allowing things to disrupt the senses" is restraint—restraining excessive external stimulation of the senses. Not exposing oneself to constant sensory overload keeps the senses clear.
The method for "Not allowing the senses to disrupt the mind" is guarding the Center (Shǒu Zhōng)—maintaining the mind's inner stillness so that sensory input cannot easily disturb it. Even when the senses register stimuli, the mind remains unmoved.