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: "Losing it ensures chaos; Attaining it ensures order"—The Gain and Loss of Spirit and Governance
"Losing it ensures chaos; attaining it ensures order" (Shī zhī bì luàn, dé zhī bì zhì)—These two phrases directly link the "Spirit within the Body" to the order or chaos of human life.
"Losing it"—losing the Shén within the body. "Ensures chaos" (Bì luàn)—inevitable disorder. "Attaining it"—obtaining (maintaining) the Shén within the body. "Ensures order" (Bì zhì)—necessary peace and governance.
The "order" (zhì) and "chaos" (luàn) here refer both to the order/chaos of individual psycho-physicality and the order/chaos of the state. As discussed earlier, the individual's state corresponds to the state's governance—"Governing the mind resides in the Center... then the world will be ordered."
Why does "losing Spirit" inevitably lead to chaos$15
Because Shén is the fundamental guarantor of psycho-physical order. As discussed, Shén is that mysterious, transformative force that transcends sensory perception and rationality. Within the human body, Shén is the highest manifestation of essence and vital energy, the source of the mind's command.
Losing Shén is like a state losing its ruler—every department acts independently and clashes with others, plunging the entire system into disorder. The Guanzi, Xinshu Shang states: "The Mind in the body holds the position of a ruler. The nine orifices (senses) have their functions, which are the divisions of the bureaucracy. When the Mind occupies its proper Dao, the nine orifices follow order." If the Mind (the dwelling of Shén) loses the Dao (loses Shén), the nine orifices fall into confusion.
Why does "attending Spirit" inevitably lead to order$16
Because the very nature of Shén is order, harmony, and nurturing transformation. When Shén resides securely within the body, it naturally brings all parts of the mind and body into harmonious order—senses perform their duties, emotions find their proper place, thought is clear and sharp, and actions are appropriate and correct.
This is the principle of "Attaining it ensures order"—no extra effort or manipulation is required; as long as Shén is present, everything is naturally ordered. Just as when the sun rises, all things are naturally illuminated, when Shén resides in the body, the mind and body are naturally ordered.