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 Ten: "There Is a Spirit Naturally Residing in the Body; It Comes and Goes, and None Can Fathom It by Thought"
This declares that the human body inherently contains the power of shen. Its coming and going depend on the state of body and mind: when body and mind are empty and still, shen gathers; when they are agitated, shen disperses.
"None can fathom it by thought" -- shen transcends rationality and cannot be captured by deliberative thought, but can be apprehended through the transcendent mode of "shining forth."
"Lose it, and disorder is certain; attain it, and order is certain" -- shen is the guarantor of order in body, mind, state, and world.