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 3: "Pondering with Concentrated Essence" and "Governing with Peaceful Thoughts"—Two Cultivation Methods
"Pondering with concentrated essence" (Jīng xiǎng sī zhī) and "Governing it with peaceful thoughts" (Níng niàn zhì zhī) are two complementary cultivation methods.
(1) "Pondering with Concentrated Essence"—The Active Method
"Jīng xiǎng" means to ponder with concentrated sincerity. This is an active, deliberate cultivation method—using a sincere essence-filled mind to think about Essence/Vital Energy (Jīng), guiding the mind toward it.
This is analogous to the Confucian effort of "Making Intentions Sincere" (Chéng Yì). The Daxue states: "What is meant by making one's intentions sincere is not to deceive oneself." Being sincere means facing one's inner self with truthfulness, without self-deception.
It is also similar to the Laozi's "welcoming by intention"—using the intention to welcome the arrival of Essence.
(2) "Governing with Peaceful Thoughts"—The Passive Method
"Níng niàn" means peaceful contemplation. This is a passive, receptive method—not actively pursuing Essence, but allowing the thoughts to become tranquil, so that Essence naturally arrives.
This is analogous to the Daoist effort of Wú Wéi (non-action). The Laozi, Chapter 48, states: "In the pursuit of learning, there is daily increase. In the pursuit of the Dao, there is daily decrease. Decrease and decrease again, until one reaches non-action. Having achieved non-action, there is nothing that is not done." By diminishing distracting thoughts until non-action is reached, everything is accomplished naturally.
(3) The Complementarity of the Two
"Pondering with concentrated essence" is the stage of exertion—actively guiding the mind's direction through sincere contemplation. "Governing with peaceful thoughts" is the stage of settling—stabilizing the mind's state through tranquil contemplation.
There is first exertion ("pondering with concentrated essence"), followed by settling ("governing with peaceful thoughts"). This is a cultivation process moving from motion to stillness, from active effort (yǒu wéi) to non-action (wú wéi).