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
"道满天下，普在民所，民不能知也。一言之解，上察于天，下极于地，蟠满九州。" (The Dao fills the world, universally present among the people, yet the people cannot know it. The explanation of this One Word allows one to observe Heaven above, reach the depths of Earth below, and coil and fill the Nine Provinces.)
This final section summarizes the entire discourse, attributing all previous points to the omnipresence of the "Dao."
"Dào mǎn tiānxià" (The Dao fills the world)—The Dao is completely pervading the world. "Mǎn" means to fill completely. "Pǔ zài mín suǒ" (Universally present among the people)—Universally present where the people are. "Mín suǒ" means the places where the common people reside. "Mín bù néng zhī yě" (Yet the people cannot know it). "Yī yán zhī jiě" (The explanation of this One Word)—"Yī yán" means this entire set of principles explained above. "Jiě" means explanation or elucidation. Alternatively, it means "enlightenment." "Shàng chá yú tiān" (Allows one to observe Heaven above)—One can look upward and perceive the Celestial Dao. "Xià jí yú dì" (Reach the depths of Earth below)—One can look downward and explore the terrestrial principles. "Pán mǎn jiǔ zhōu" (Coiling and filling the Nine Provinces)—Pervading and filling all under Heaven. "Pán" means to coil and be full. "Jiǔ zhōu" (Nine Provinces) was the ancient term for the entire realm of China.