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 7: "Rectify the Mind within the Center, and all things attain their measure"—The Ultimate Effect of Cultivation
"Zhèng xīn zài yú zhōng" (Rectify the mind within the Center)—The upright mind resides within the inner core.
"Wànwù dé dù" (All things attain their measure)—All things attain their appropriate standard and proportion.
These two lines reveal the ultimate outcome of cultivation: once the individual reaches the state of "Rectifying the Mind within the Center," not only is the individual's psycho-physicality ordered, but they can also cause all things in the world to attain their due measure—the entire world thus becomes ordered.
Why does the individual's "Rectifying the Mind within the Center" lead to "All things attaining their measure"$22
First, the Mind and Things are not separate. Pre-Qin thought holds that the human mind and the cosmos are one integrated whole. The Zhuangzi, Qiwulun states: "Heaven and Earth were born together with me, and the ten thousand things are one with me." The righteousness of the human mind is the righteousness of Heaven and Earth; the order of the human mind is the order of all things.
Second, the ruler's "Rectified Mind" influences world order. If this passage is addressed to a ruler, then a ruler whose "Mind is rectified within the Center" will inevitably make political decisions that align with public justice and benefit the people, thus causing all things under Heaven to attain their proper measure.
Third, a person whose cultivation reaches its extreme naturally diffuses their essence and virtue throughout Heaven and Earth, influencing all things. This is a unique tenet of essence-vitality theory: a highly cultivated person's Jīng Qì is not confined to their own body but connects with the Jīng Qì of Heaven and Earth. The person whose "Mind is rectified within the Center" naturally radiates a positive influence outward, benefiting all things.