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
"敬除其舍，精将自来。精想思之，宁念治之。严容畏敬，精将至定，得之而勿舍，耳目不淫，心无他图。正心在中，万物得度。" (Respectfully clear the dwelling place, and Essence (Jīng) will come on its own. Ponder it with concentrated essence; govern it with peaceful thoughts. With a stern countenance and reverence, Essence will attain stability. Obtain it and do not discard it; let the ears and eyes not be licentious; let the mind have no other aims. Rectify the mind within the Center, and all things attain their measure.)
This section is the core of the Neiye's discussion on cultivation practice, detailing the specific methods and steps for cultivating essence and vital energy.
Line-by-line Explication:
"Jìng chú qí shě" (Respectfully clear the dwelling place)—"Jìng" means reverence or caution. "Chú" means to clear or sweep away. "Qí shě" (its dwelling place) refers to the body and mind. The line means: Reverently clean the body-mind "dwelling place" to prepare for the arrival of Essence.
"Jīng jiāng zì lái" (Essence will come on its own)—"Jīng" refers to essence/vital energy. "Jiāng zì lái" means it will naturally arrive. The line means: Essence will naturally come to this cleaned "dwelling place."
"Jīng xiǎng sī zhī" (Ponder it with concentrated essence)—"Jīng xiǎng" means to think with sincere essence. "Sī zhī" means to ponder or think about it. The line means: Ponder the essence with a sincere heart.
"Níng niàn zhì zhī" (Govern it with peaceful thoughts)—"Níng niàn" means peaceful thoughts. "Zhì zhī" means to cultivate or stabilize it. The line means: Govern the essence with tranquil contemplation.
"Yán róng wèi jìng" (With a stern countenance and reverence)—"Yán róng" means a solemn facial expression. "Wèi jìng" means awe and reverence. The line means: Maintain a solemn demeanor and a respectful attitude.
"Jīng jiāng zhì dìng" (Essence will attain stability)—"Jīng jiāng zhì dìng" means the essence/vital energy will reach a settled state.
"Dé zhī ér wù shě" (Obtain it and do not discard it)—"Dé zhī" means to obtain the essence. "Wù shě" means do not abandon it or let it leave.
"Ěr mù bù yín" (Let the ears and eyes not be licentious)—"Ěr mù" refers to the sensory organs. "Bù yín" means not to be excessive or unrestrained. The line means: The senses are not unrestrained or overindulged.
"Xīn wú tā tú" (Let the mind have no other aims)—The mind has no other pursuits; it is single-minded.
"Zhèng xīn zài yú zhōng" (Rectify the mind within the Center)—"Upright Mind resides in the Center." Or: the upright mind occupies the central and impartial position.
"Wànwù dé dù" (All things attain their measure)—All things attain their proper standard or proportion. "Dù" means standard or measure. The line means: All things attain their appropriate standard and measure.