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

Section 5: Historical Cases—"Attaining Spirit" and "Losing Spirit"

(1) The Yellow Emperor "Attaining Spirit"

The Zhuangzi, Zai You chapter narrates: "The Yellow Emperor reigned as Son of Heaven for nineteen years, and his commands were obeyed throughout the world. He heard that Guangchengzi was dwelling on Mount Kongtong, so he traveled to see him." The Yellow Emperor asked Guangchengzi how to govern the world and nurture life. Guangchengzi taught him to "embrace the Spirit (Bào Shén) with stillness."

The Yellow Emperor heeded this teaching: "He returned, abandoned the world, built a solitary chamber, spread white rush mats, and sat in seclusion for three months, then went again to invite him." After three months of secluded practice, the Yellow Emperor revisited Guangchengzi, who said: "How profound your inquiry is! Come, I will tell you the Ultimate Dao. The essence of the Ultimate Dao is dark and obscure; the apex of the Ultimate Dao is dim and silent. Do not see, do not hear; embrace the Spirit with stillness, and the Form will naturally rectify itself."

This story shows that even the Yellow Emperor, who governed the world for nineteen years, needed to practice "embracing the Spirit with stillness" to maintain the Shén within his body. Shén is not obtained once and for all, but must be maintained through continuous cultivation.

(2) Jie and Zhou "Losing Spirit"

The Shangshu, Tai Shi records King Wu of Zhou's declaration when attacking King Zhou of Shang: "Now, Shang King Shou does not revere Heaven above, bringing disaster upon the people below. He indulges in drunkenness and reckless pleasure, daring to act with tyranny. He executes officials by clan, and passes offices down generationally. It is for his palaces, towers, ponds, and extravagant dress that he harms your tens of millions of subjects."

King Zhou "indulged in drunkenness and reckless pleasure" (chén miǎn mào sè)—drowning in wine and lust. This is a classic case of "allowing things to disrupt the senses, and allowing the senses to disrupt the mind"—being disturbed by external things (wine and sex) that disrupt the senses, and the senses in turn disrupting the mind. When the mind is disturbed, Shén naturally departs. After Shén departs, "Losing it ensures chaos"—King Zhou's actions became increasingly tyrannical and absurd, ultimately leading to the collapse of the Shang Dynasty.

(3) Guan Zhong's "Attaining and Losing Spirit"

In his early years, Guan Zhong suffered setbacks, serving in office three times and being dismissed three times—a state of extreme hardship. Yet, he always maintained inner clarity and judgment, which shows that his Shén had not departed. Later, assisting Duke Huan of Qi, his achievements were magnificent, which is evidence of "Attaining Spirit"—his inner Shén was abundant and stable, allowing him to nurture Qi and adapt to all affairs.

However, in his later years, when Duke Huan asked who could succeed him as Chancellor, Guan Zhong replied: "No one knows me better than you, my lord." Duke Huan proposed several candidates, and Guan Zhong rejected them all, ultimately failing to select a suitable successor for Qi. After Guan Zhong's death, Duke Huan appointed sycophants like Yi Ya and Zidiao, eventually starving to death in his palace, and the five princes fought for succession, throwing Qi into great chaos. This is historical verification of "Losing it ensures chaos"—Guan Zhong's Shén could not be passed on to others; once Guan Zhong died, Qi lost the core force maintaining its order.